Hey! My name is Dagmar Verkleij and I am currently studying two bachelor’s simultaneously: Economics and Business Economics, and Fiscale Economie (Economics of Taxation) at Erasmus School of Economics. Read along to learn about my five favourite theatres in and around Rotterdam!
Next to my studies, my main hobby is practising ballet. During my time in high school at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, I practised ballet professionally. When choosing my studies, the city where I would spend the most beautiful years of my life was very important to me. I still remember the first time I visited Campus Woudestein; it felt like home. Apart from the high academic standards here, the city itself has a lot to offer too, especially in terms of culture. Rotterdam has a lot of theatres with daily shows varying from cabaret, musicals, concerts, drama, and dance to opera! I have already visited a few theatres and I am positively surprised by the stage they offer to talented performers. Additionally, most of the theatres offer great student deals! Read on to learn more about theatres in and around Rotterdam.
Check out these theatres
1. Old Luxor Theatre
Having opened in 1917, the Old Luxor Theatre is one of the oldest theatres in Rotterdam. Additionally, it is also one of the few theatres to have survived the war. With a maximum capacity of 900 visitors, the theatre is quite small. However, the old building together with the modernised interior really engenders a beautiful atmosphere. Weekly, the theatre offers shows in all sorts of categories, and offers a 50% discount for students. This really is a place you must visit!
2. New Luxor Theatre
When demand for theatre shows rose, it was decided that a more modern, larger theatre was desired. The New Luxor Theatre mainly features a longer series of performances of major productions to create a high-quality programme that moves, inspires, entertains, and motivates. Here, students also enjoy a 50% discount.
3. De Doelen
With around 450,000 concert visitors and 600 concerts a year, De Doelen is the second-largest concert hall of the Netherlands. De Doelen has four halls, each with separate entrances and facilities. The Doelen’s main tenant is the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. Appealing for students: De Doelen charges a fee of 10 euros for people aged 30 years or younger.
'Apart from the high academic standards, I chose Rotterdam for its cultural scene'
4. Rotterdam Theatre – TR25 Schouwburg
Rotterdam Theatre’s location Schouwburg is considered the cultural heart of Rotterdam. With its many halls, varying in size, the TR25 Schouwburg venue offers a wide range of events such as music, dance, and theatre performances. It is also home to Scapino Ballet Rotterdam, one of the largest dance companies in the Netherlands, with some of the world’s best dancers and choreographers. Their productions are made for everyone; even people who have never seen a dance performance in their lives. A visit is not expensive: people under the age of 30 can attend a show for 10 euros.
5. Dutch National Opera and Ballet
As I have a penchant for ballet, a theatre close to my heart is the Dutch National Opera and Ballet located in Amsterdam. This theatre is easily reachable by public transport. The stunning building is home to the world-renowned Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet. You can, of course, find age-old classics performed here, but I am particularly enchanted by their unique, progressive productions. If the show is not sold out, students have a standard discount on performances, no matter which seat or row is ordered! From 13:00 on the same day as the show takes place, students can order a ticket for 19 euros.
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This item is part of Backbone Magazine 2024. From September 2024, the magazine can be found in E-building or Theil-building for free. Additionally, a digital copy will become available here. Backbone is the corporate magazine of Erasmus School of Economics. Since 2014, it is published once a year. The magazine highlights successful and interesting alumni, covers the latest economic trends and research, and reports on news, events, student and alumni accomplishments.
