Seeing opera, ballet and other concerts in Madrid on the cheap–up to 90% off–is possible with the Teatro Real’s youth tickets program, for youth 26 and under. Here’s the step-by-step guide to getting discounted tickets to the Royal Theater’s highbrow entertainment:

1. Browse the 2007-08 season’s programación.

2. Once you’ve chosen a performance, choose a date to attend. If you can afford the 60%-off price, purchase your “G zone” tickets as soon as possible.

3. If you’re willing to try your luck (and you’re not set on seeing an opening and closing night show) you can hold out for the last-minute 90%-off price. Unsold seats are released an hour and a half before a performance to people (26 and under) with photo ID showing your birthdate. Limit one ticket per person. Go early to queue up at the ticket office, on the west side of the theater. Since many functions sell out in advance, you can always call the ticket office the day of to check if any seats are left.

So, if, unlike legions of [Spanish] youth, you aren’t ambivalent about opera, ballet and the like, take advantage of this come-on, and just maybe I’ll see you at the Orphic concerts this May.

Metro: Ópera Address: Plaza de Oriente s/n Phone: 91 516 06 60 Curtain times: vary.

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