Beijing theaters get subsidy to attract audience

The Beijing municipal government has decided to subsidize large and medium-sized theaters, encouraging them to offer more low-price tickets to audience.

From Monday to December, 15 theaters with capacities from 500 to 3,000 seats will get subsidy every month for performances such as Chinese operas, dramas, dance operas, musical plays, concerts and dances, according to a circular released by the city's cultural department released on Saturday.

Pop concerts are not among the subsidized range.

The number of subsidized performances will not exceed 25 for every theater each year.

The National Center for the Performing Arts, Poly Theater, Capital Theater and the Chang'an Grand Theater are among the theaters to receive the subsidies.

With the subsidy, the theaters are expected to attract more audience to enjoy traditional and elegant arts, an official with the federation said Sunday.