by Matt Keeley. @reallymattkeeley.
CHICAGO - Local storefront Twisted Rose Theatre has long prided itself on their nontraditional, pay-what-you-can ticket pricing system, but lately has faced operational difficulties after receiving an influx of audience members opting to pay with their eternal souls.
“Our mission is to make high quality theatre accessible to as many people as possible, regardless of financial barriers,” explained artistic director Vivian Jones, cramming shut a closet filled with opaque gems, blood contracts, and floating orbs sealed in mason jars. “It just never dawned on us how much interest there would be.”
Their bold approach to flexible admission, though popular, has introduced some unforeseen complications for the company’s business strategy.
“Sure, at the end of the day we’re getting more people in seats who wouldn’t have otherwise. But every day I ask myself how we can realistically subsidize it,” added box office manager Isiah Mullings, pouring over the company’s expense reports penned in glowing runes. “Does this mean our productions are worth a ton, or not at all? How much is a soul? Do I just exchange them for cash at the bank? Or do I hold onto them like crypto?”
In spite of the difficult, often metaphysical challenges the model presents, Twisted Rose maintains a faithful base of returning patrons.
“So many theaters charge close to a full day’s work when it comes to getting a seat. So when I heard about Twisted Rose’s ticket pricing, I knew that I just had to jump at the chance,” extolled audience member Eugene Starr, whose eternal soul had purchased him a last-minute seat to Glengarry Bob Ross: a Happy Little Reimagining of a Mamet Classic. “I love how the artists here can take risks without trying to cater to as big an audience as possible. This work feels electric, alive, and full of soul – if you’ll pardon the expression. Definitely worth mine.”
As of publication, Twisted Rose Theatre has officially announced the lineup for its annual winter fundraising gala, including William H. Macy, Joan Cusack, and Gralthor Withersbane, nonunion Lich.
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