Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions you may have about Test Drive the Arts:
What is Test Drive the Arts?
Test Drive the Arts is a new program that introduces people to the performing arts. Test Drive provides a monthly enews with news, opportunities and exclusive special offers, as well as an introductory offer of a free double pass to a performance for first timers and those who haven't been for a while (generally three years). As a Test Driver you and your friend come along to a performance of your choice as our guests and 'try before you buy'. We hope that after experiencing a live performance you will want to come back for more.
Who is eligible for Test Drive the Arts?
Test Drive the Arts is open to all Victorian residents who are over 18 years of age and have not bought a ticket from the organisation they want to Test Drive for the past three years, and haven't applied for and received free Test Drive the Arts tickets in the past.
Some organisations have different qualifying periods, and this is detailed in the Terms and Conditions when you register for a Test Drive show.
How Does Test Drive the Arts work?
The participating organisations provide special offers to Test Drive the Arts to share with our members. Sign up to receive the free monthly newsletter, and an introductory offer of two free tickets to a performance of your choice selected from the Test Drive the Arts website.
The Test Drive the Arts website lists the wide range of shows and venues offering free tickets. You simply select the performance you are interested in and complete the registration form to request tickets. You will also need to agree to the program's Terms and Conditions.
If your request is successful, the organisation will contact you about your free tickets, and post you information and a ticket voucher prior to the performance date.
After the performance you will need to complete a quick online survey to provide feedback about the program and your experience.
It sounds too good to be true - is there a catch?
The catch is that we want you to come back. And we also want to know what you thought about your Test Drive the Arts experience.
By accepting Test Drive tickets, you are agreeing to:
- complete the quick online survey
- be included the mailing list for the Test Drive e-newsletter, which contains information about forthcoming arts events, special offers, giveaways and discounts and to receive emails about special offers and discounts for future performances of peforming arts venues and companies participating in Test Drive the Arts.
Will my personal details and privacy be protected?
All personal information is held in accordance with Victorian and Federal privacy legislation. Personal information is collected by Arts Victoria when you register to receive free Test Drive tickets and shared with performing arts venues and companies participating in Test Drive the Arts in order to issue tickets and send follow-up offers. Performing arts venues and companies participating in Test Drive the Arts may also cross-match your details with their existing customer databases.
I can't see a show I would like to Test Drive - will there be more?
New shows will be added to the Test Drive the Arts website as they become available. The shows and number of tickets released is at the discretion of the participating Test Drive the Arts organisations. We invite you to revisit the Test Drive show list regularly to make sure you don't miss out, and to sign up for free email arts alerts.
How much does it cost to participate in Test Drive the Arts?
There is no charge for Test Drive tickets and no obligation to accept any subsequent offers from Test Drive the Arts organisations.
If the tickets are free, will the seats be any good?
Tickets for Test Drive the Arts patrons are especially selected to ensure you have a good view of the stage and the best chance to enjoy your Test Drive night out.
What are the Terms and Conditions?
Click to read the standard Terms and Conditions.
Is Test Drive the Arts open to non-Victorian residents?
No. As Test Drive aims to build long term audiences for Victorian arts organisations, Test Drive tickets are only available to Victorian residents.
How will I get my tickets?
As a general rule, tickets will be posted to you prior to the show. Where different arrangements apply, you will be contacted to arrange the most convenient way for you to receive your tickets.
Can I choose the performance I want to Test Drive?
Yes. You can choose any performance from those on offer on the Test Drive the Arts website. However, as Test Drive tickets are limited, tickets for some performances do go quickly - if you miss out on applying for the performance you want, you can apply for tickets to another performance or another show.
Am I guaranteed Test Drive tickets?
As tickets are limited, we cannot guarantee that Test Drive tickets will be available for your chosen performance. However, if your first request is not successful, you can apply for tickets to another show.
Can I register more than once for free Test Drive the Arts tickets?
No, as we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to Test Drive the Arts. As this program is primarily designed to introduce newcomers to the performing arts, Test Drive organisations reserve the right to cross-match Test Drive ticket holders with their existing databases and the Test Drive the Arts database.
Can I apply to Test Drive more than one show?
No. To allow as many people as possible to participate in Test Drive, you can only apply to Test Drive one show. Choose your show carefully. If you are unsuccessful, you can always go back to the website and try again by applying for a different show.
What venues and companies have shows in Test Drive
A wide range of Melbourne and Victoria's leading performing arts companies and venues are offering tickets through Test Drive the Arts, with performances ranging from music, opera and theatre to circus, cabaret and dance.
Organisations that have offered tickets through Test Drive the Arts include:
- The Arts Centre
- Arts Centre, Warragul
- The Australian Ballet
- The Capital, Bendigo
- Circus Oz
- Colac Otway Performing Arts Centre (COPACC)
- Courthouse Youth Arts centre
- Drum Theatre
- fortyfivedownstairs
- Frankston Arts Centre
- Gasworks Arts Park
- Geelong Performing Arts Centre
- Glenelg Shire Council,
- Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat
- Hothouse Theatre
- La Mama Theatre
- Malthouse Theatre
- Melbourne Recital Centre
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Melbourne Theatre Company
- Opera Australia/Oz Opera
- Plenty Ranges Convention Centre
- Riverlinks East Bank Centre, Shepparton
- Theatre Works
- Victorian Opera
- Wyndham Cultural Centre
Are all shows with these companies part of Test Drive the Arts?
Only the shows listed on the Test Drive the Arts website are available to Test Drive. These shows have been carefully selected to appeal to people who are new to the arts.
Who is behind Test Drive?
Test Drive the Arts is a collaboration between the Victorian Government through Arts Victoria and the participating organisations (listed above).
What happens if I can't attend the performance - can I exchange or transfer my tickets?
If you are unable to attend the performance, you have two options:
- You can exchange your tickets for another time. Just contact the organisation you are Test Driving with and, dependant on ticket availability, you can select another performance time. If tickets are not available, you can revisit the website and select another show to Test Drive.
- You can transfer your tickets to friends (they must be Victorian and meet the Test Drive the Arts eligibility requirements). They will just need to contact the organisation that issued the tickets, provide their name and details, and agree to the Test Drive Terms and Conditions.
How many tickets are available?
The program has given away nearly 7,000 tickets in its first two years, and more are released as they become available.
Can I tell my friends about Test Drive the Arts?
Please do! And if they qualify, let them know they can apply for free tickets. We would like as many people as possible to have the chance to Test Drive the Arts.
Why is the Victorian Government supporting Test Drive the Arts?
Arts Victoria (the Victorian Government body responsible for the arts) is involved with Test Drive for two reasons. Firstly, we are proud of Victoria's vibrant and diverse arts scene and want to give people the opportunity to experience the high quality live performances on offer. Secondly, we want to support our performing arts organisations by helping them build new audiences so they are more creatively and financially sustainable. Your involvement in Test Drive the Arts will help achieve these goals.