Up at Steppenwolfe & Blackbird at Victory Gardens Theater

I've seen both already. A preview of "Up" at Steppenwolf and a staged reading of "Blackbird" at VGT with Petersen and Hawkinson. Both are fantastic shows with phenomenal actors. If you want something a bit more "edgy" and intimate, I would go with "Blackbird", a raw, very explicit and harshly told story. "Up" is also very well-done, but slightly lighter in motif.

I believe VGT has half-price student rush, while Steppenwolf offers 20 $20 tickets (day of performance) as well as half-price student rush. Honestly, I've sat in almost every section of each theatre and have never had a problem. The only issue is with VGT, as the side seats often cut out certain aspects of the show. However, due to the 2-person cast and central stage-blocking of "Blackbird", this shouldn't be a problem.

Hope that helps!

The half price tickets are available at each theatre. I believe the Victory Gardens student tickets are on sale day of the performance, but it has been quite some time since I purchased these, so I would recommend that you contact the box office to confirm.

Here is the deal with the Steppenwolf discounts (taken from the website):
Twenty tickets are available for most subscription shows for $20 on the day of the performance at 11 a.m. (Mon-Sat) and 1 p.m. (Sun). Twenty for $20 tickets may be purchased by phone or in person. Limit 2 per person.
Half-Priced Rush Tickets

Half-priced tickets for subscription series performances are available on the day of the performance, one hour prior to curtain. Tickets are only available in person at the box office and are subject to availability. Limit 2 per person.
Student Rush Tickets

Students may purchase $15 tickets for subscription series performances. Standby tickets are available on the day of the performance, one hour prior to curtain. Tickets are sold in person at the box office and are subject to availability. Limit 1 ticket per valid student ID.

As you can see, many options for Steppenwolf. Again, I would recommend contacting Victory Gardens Theater, as I cannot seem to locate any student ticket information for the venue.