Pay What You Can (PWYC) Ticketing

Flexible, inclusive pricing that fills seats and expands access.

Pay What You Can (PWYC)—also known as Pay What You Wish—is a powerful way to offer affordable access to the arts while encouraging generosity. ThunderTix makes it easy to offer PWYC tickets alongside your standard pricing, helping you welcome new audiences and maximize attendance.

Why Offer Pay What You Can Tickets?

PWYC pricing lets patrons choose what they pay, starting from a minimum price you set. It’s a great option for:

  • Preview or opening night performances

  • Community outreach or student access initiatives

  • Introducing new patrons to your venue

  • Promoting shows that might otherwise have empty seats

While many patrons may pay the minimum (often $5), others choose to give more—turning their ticket into a voluntary donation that supports your mission.

How PWYC Works in ThunderTix

When creating an event, you can enable PWYC as a standalone ticket type or offer it alongside standard ticket prices. You choose the minimum price—whether that’s $5, $1, or even $0—and patrons can pay that amount or more.

Pay What You Can Ticket options in ThunderTix let you give the ticket a name, set a minimum price, add an elaborative description, tax, and max capacity.

  • Add PWYC as an additional or exclusive ticket type

  • Set a custom minimum price (as low as $0)

  • Patrons enter their chosen price during checkout

  • All PWYC transactions are tracked in your reports

Patrons see a clear prompt to enter any amount at or above your minimum, making the experience smooth and intuitive.

Tip: Turn Free Events into Fundraisers

Already offer free events? Replace your $0 ticket with a PWYC ticket instead. You’ll still offer free access, but now supporters can voluntarily contribute any amount—even $20 or $50—to help sustain your programming.

Who Uses PWYC?

PWYC ticketing is especially popular with:

  • Nonprofits and community theatres

  • Universities and student performances

  • Faith-based and mission-driven organizations

  • Theatres aiming to reduce financial barriers

It's a low-pressure way to engage your community, build loyalty, and let patrons choose the value that’s right for them.

More Access, Less Hassle

With PWYC tickets, you maintain control over pricing while giving patrons the flexibility they appreciate. ThunderTix makes it simple—for both your box office and your audience.

Want to learn more about the philosophy and benefits behind Pay What You Can pricing? Read our full article on Read our full article on PWYC in the arts.

Want to see how easy it is to implement flexible pricing?

Start your free trial or schedule a demo to explore PWYC ticketing in action.