What is Live Rush™?
The National Arts Centre's Live Rush™ program offers full-time students ages 13-29 $12 last-minute tickets to most music, theatre and dance performances at the National Arts Centre.
Do I Need to Be a Live Rush™ Member to get $12 tickets?
Not any more! We have done away with membership this year and now it’s simpler than ever to get Live Rush tickets at the NAC. All you need to do is purchase tickets to eligible shows during the availability period either online though Ticketmaster.ca or in person at the NAC Box Office.
Who can get $12 Live Rush Tickets?
You must be a full-time student between the ages of 13 and 29 to get Live Rush Tickets. You must have valid student ID to pick up your tickets.
How do I find out which NAC shows are Live Rush™ eligible?
Live Rush™ are generally available for all NAC Orchestra, NAC English and French Theatre, NAC Dance productions as well as productions by Opera Lyra Ottawa and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra. There may be very few exceptions to this rule. Variety productions such as rock, pop, comedy and Broadway productions, and shows on the NAC Presents series are generally not eligible for the Live Rush™ programme but you should always check just in case. Check the website for full details on Live Rush™ eligible shows.
When can I purchase tickets?
Live Rush™ tickets are available for most NAC Dance, Theatre and Music performances as of 10:00 am on the day before the performance until 6:00 pm on the day of the performance online or in person at the NAC Box Office.
Will there always be Live Rush tickets available for every show?
Sadly, no. It’s possible that there will be limited or no ticket availability for the show you may be interested in. But you can always keep checking back to see if something changes during the Live Rush window.
How many Live Rush™ tickets can I buy?
You may purchase up to 2 Live Rush™ tickets per performance. One ticket must be used by the Live Rush™ member, the second ticket may be used by a guest (whether a student or not) when accompanied by a Live Rush™ member.
When can I pick up tickets I purchased online?
Tickets purchased online may be picked up at the NAC Box Office any time until the curtain rises; allow yourself time for possible line-ups at the Box Office.
What About Live Rush™ tickets for Opera Lyra Ottawa Performances?
Live Rush™ tickets to Opera Lyra Ottawa performances are $15 and are available during the same timeframe as regular Live Rush TM tickets ( from 10:00 a.m. the day before the show to 6:00 p.m. on the day of the show).
Is there a Live Rush card?
No, since there’s no longer a membership, there is no longer a membership card. You just need to present your Student ID card (or alternate proof of full-time student status) and proof of age each time you purchase Live Rush™ tickets.
Can I buy tickets by phone?
Yes, Live Rush™ tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 1 888-991-2787. Tickets must be picked up at the NAC box office. (Subject to order processing fee.)
Does my guest have to be 13-29?
No. Your guest may be anyone of any age.
Is it possible to purchase more than two Live Rush™ tickets seated together?
Each person buying Live Rush™ tickets is entitled to purchase a maximum of two. If you’d like to sit with another person buying two Live Rush tickets use the Interactive Seat Map on Ticketmaster.ca together to purchase seats nearby. You may alternately come to the NAC Box Office together to discuss your seating preferences with the customer services representative. As always, anyone buying Live Rush tickets will have to provide a valid full-time Student ID card.
Do I have to sit in a certain section of the hall?
No, subject to availability, all tickets available as of 10:00 a.m. on the day before the performance until 6:00 p.m. on the day of the performance are available on Live Rush™.
What should I wear?
The NAC does not have a dress code. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable. You'll see everything from casual chic to business attire to cocktail dresses.
I'm an arts educator. Am I eligible?
To be eligible for the Live Rush™ Arts Educator program you must:
- teach students ages 13-29
- teach in the subject areas of the arts, literature, languages or social sciences
We ask that you consider your membership in the Live Rush™ Arts Educator program as an ambassador for the NAC's Live Rush™ progam and encourage your students, wherever possible, to participate in Live Rush™.
To use the program, simply purchase tickets either online by Ticketmaster.ca or in person at the NAC please bring proof of teaching to the Box Office to purchase or pick up tickets purchased online.
The following are accepted forms of proof of teaching:
- Employee ID card from a junior high or high school
- a letter from the school of employment
- a contract from the school of employment
- a job description from the school of employment
- Business card with proof of employment as arts teacher
I'm a part-time/and or mature student. Can I get in on this deal?
Unfortunately, no. You must be a full-time student between 13 and 29 years of age to be eligible for Live Rush™. See Student Discounts
Do I have to show my full-time student ID every time I buy Live Rush™ tickets?
Yes. Your student identification must have a valid date stamp or sticker, or clearly show the current school year. You must also provide proof of age.
Do I have to have a credit card to buy tickets?
A credit card is required to purchase Live Rush™ tickets online. If you visit the NAC Box Office in person, you can pay with cash, credit card or debit card.
What other great deals are available to students at the NAC?
SUBSCRIPTIONS: The NAC offers full-time students of all ages a 50% discount on all NAC Orchestra, English Theatre, French Theatre, and Dance subscription series. Limit one subscription per Student ID. Call (613) 947-7000, ext. 620.
SINGLE TICKETS: The NAC offers students advanced purchase of reserved seats for all NAC subscription performances at 50% off regular ticket prices (subject to ticket availability). You must buy your tickets in person at the NAC Box Office and present a valid student ID card. Limit one ticket (per performance) per student ID.
Can I take photographs?
Cameras and other recording devices are not permitted in the halls.
What about my cell phone?
Before the start of the show kindly turn off your cell phone, or electronic device of any kind and refrain from talking during the performance. Please refrain from texting during the performance as the light from the screen of your mobile device can disturb the other patrons around you.
How do I get in touch with someone if I have other questions?
You can send me a message jcovert@nac-cna.ca and I’ll be happy to help you out!