Stage Door Access

Stage Door Access, launched in 2024, opens the doors to theater for everyone in our community. This vital program provides free and low-cost tickets to community members who might otherwise be unable to attend, while introducing thousands of students to the transformative power of live theater through student matinees and education programs.

At McCarter Theatre Center, we believe financial barriers should never prevent anyone from experiencing the magic of live performance. Theater has the power to inspire, challenge, and unite us.  We believe everyone deserves access to that experience.

We are dedicated to opening our doors wide, ensuring that disadvantaged communities, underserved populations, and individuals with special needs can experience the wonder of live performance.  If you are a nonprofit or community organization serving those who might not otherwise have access to the arts, please reach out to Stage Door Access to see if we can help!

New for the 2025-2026 season: Stage Door Access is expanding to offer $1 individual tickets for every show and performance throughout our entire season (subject to availability).  We are doing this through the Families First Discovery Pass which offers discounts to cultural programs for state assistance recipients. This means even greater access to world-class theater for our community.

Stage Door Access is funded by individual sponsors, corporate and foundation funding, and the State of New Jersey.