Actors Theatre offers steep discounts on season tickets for patrons under 35.

The nonprofit's Under 35 Series includes tickets to six performances starting in mid-September.

Purchase season tickets for $110-$135 at actorstheatre.org.

The first time I visited Actors Theatre, I was nervous. Not that I would hate the play I was there to see — but that I wouldn't receive the student discount my wallet desperately needed.

I had graduated college a few years prior, and I crossed my fingers hoping the attendant behind the ticket counter wouldn't notice my ID's expiration date.

With the discount secured, I felt the arts were in my reach.

This summer, I returned to Actors Theatre for Creative Mornings (a free monthly series, just my style) and learned I never had to worry about the student rate.

For the last few years, the theater at 316 W. Main St. in downtown Louisville has allowed patrons under 35 to purchase Brown-Forman Series season tickets at half the usual price.

That's between $65 and $135 for six selected shows — including two Humana Festival productions in spring 2019.

It's a deal that's meant to draw a new generation into the theater, and it mirrors other offers that have started to appear at institutions nationwide.

In Washington, D.C., the Shakespeare Theatre Company invites patrons under 35 to purchase season tickets for $22 — a steep decrease from regularly priced tickets that top out at $108.

More:Drama, humor, raging vampire: Actors Theatre 2018-19 season has it all

And in Houston, the Ensemble Theatre offers a special package for patrons up to age 45, saving those in that group up to $80.

(Of course, the ultimate discount — the free Kentucky Shakespeare Festival — has already passed for 2018.)

The discounts are just one way theaters and other arts organizations are marketing to young professionals, who they hope will support the arts for generations to come.

And they seem to be working for the current group of 20- and 30-somethings, who tend to prefer spending money on experiences rather than things — as long as they have the means.

"Every arts organization wants to continue encouraging the habit of attendance," said Melissa Hines, marketing manager for Actors Theatre. "It pays off down the road. We want people to come regularly and feel like they have the agency to be active at this organization; that there are no financial barriers, no artistic barriers."

Of course, not every young professional is deep in debt. So for those under 35 who have a little extra budget room — and who want to become more involved — Hines and director of community partnerships Carrie Syberg have developed a second membership that includes a donation to the theater along with access to private events.

InterACT, as the membership is called, costs $250 per person, with $150 of that fee serving as a tax-deductible gift. Ahead of the 2018-19 season, Syberg said 20 people have already become InterACT members.

"That's $5,000 to the organization," Syberg said. While the $250 price might not seem like it could make an impact, "when you look at it holistically, it's a bigger effect than you think."

Actors Theatre's Brown-Forman Series, which offers the under 35 discount, kicks off Sept. 18 with "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."

People who purchase tickets for the Brown-Forman Series also receive a 30-percent discount on classic performances like "A Christmas Carol" and "Dracula," which starts Sept. 7.

To purchase tickets or to become an InterACT member, visit actorstheatre.org.

Bailey Loosemore: 502-582-4646; bloosemore@courier-journal.com; Twitter: @bloosemore. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/baileyl.

UNDER 35 SERIES AT ACTORS THEATRE

What: Are you a young professional in Louisville? Actors Theatre wants to help get you into the arts scene with a 50-percent discount on six performances in its upcoming 2018-19 season.

When: The Actors Theatre's Brown-Forman Series kicks off Sept. 18 with "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time."

Cost: $110 to $135 per person

Performances:

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" running Sept. 18-Oct. 10

"A Doll's House, Part 2" running Oct. 2-Nov. 4

"Pipeline" running Jan. 8-Feb. 2

"Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin" running Jan. 29-Feb. 17

Two Humana Festival productions in spring 2019

Extras: All season ticket holders receive 30 percent off additional single tickets through the season. Under 35 series members also receive access to private events.

Not under 35?: Actors Theatre also has discounts for seniors, educators and people in the military.

More info: Visit actorstheatre.org or call 502-584-1205.

GET INVOLVED IN THE ARTS

Louisville's four largest arts organizations each have membership groups designed specifically for young professionals.

Actors Theatre: Join InterAct by paying a $250 fee that includes tickets to six performances, access to private events and a $150 donation. Learn more at actorstheatre.org.

Kentucky Opera: The nonprofit's Young Professional Opera Patrons membership includes special performance pricing, exclusive social events and behind-the-scenes rehearsal experiences. Join for $25 at kyopera.org.

Louisville Ballet: Join the Relevé Society to gain access to open rehearsals and to get two complimentary tickets for use at a main-stage production. Annual memberships cost $150 and can be purchased at louisvilleballet.org.

Louisville Orchestra: Join UpTempo to get discount tickets and access to special events, along with pre-concert cocktails and group seating at concerts. Annual memberships cost $75. Learn more at louisvilleorchestra.org.