After spending half of the three years that I have lived in the Twin Cities as one of the Arts Editors for the Mac Weekly, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many arts events—everything from plays and movies, to symphony concerts and ballets. The Twin Cities have an excellent arts scene that everyone should experience during their years at Macalester, no matter what their artistic tastes. Here are some easy, cheap ways to take advantage of what the cities have to offer:

1) Check out student prices. A lot of the theaters offer significant discounts for students (and many theaters have at least one night that is “pay what you can”).

2) Rush tickets. Most big performances offer discount tickets an hour to 10 minutes before the show. For example, the Historic Orpheum, State, and Pantages Theatre in downtown Minneapolis offer $20 rush tickets (cash only) to most shows.

3) Take advantage of what's free. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is always free (except for special exhibitions). The Walker Art Museum is free every Thursday and the first Saturday of each month.

4) Write for the Arts Section! Most theaters offer complimentary tickets if you review their show for the paper.