Katelynn Johnston
Your eyes met across the crowded room. Or maybe you bumped into each other on an elevator and got talking. Or perhaps the barista mixed up your pumpkin-flavored beverages at Starbucks. Whatever your adorable meet-cute story happens to be, you may now be facing the all-important date.
For lovers of the stage, the natural choice would be to head to a show of some kind. But where do you go next if that date goes well?
Here are 17 date ideas if you and your date love the arts:
1. Escape Room
Test your skills in a game of make-believe and work together to beat the clock. Top-notch escape rooms will even have actors, costumes, sets, props and elaborate plotlines. Be sure to do your research before you make your choice.
2. Immersive Experience
Immersive theatre opportunities such as London’s Secret Cinema are gaining momentum in cities all over the globe. Join in on the action and be part of the show together.
3. Vintage Shopping
Try on costumes and enjoy indulging in your creative side. See what sorts of unique pieces you can find and even choose something for the other person just for fun.
4. Comedy Club
There’s nothing quite like laughing together and sharing funny memories. Check out your local comedy night, or if you’re tight on funds, Netflix has plenty of comedy specials to indulge in.
5. Museum Modeling
Go to your local museum and become the art! Find your favorite statues and paintings and do your best reenactment. If the museum allows photos, take pictures of your version next to the real thing, and choose the winner of the best snap at the end.
6. Take a Dance Class
Get your groove on by signing up for a dance class together. Clubs for group dancing, such as swing or salsa, will often offer a free introductory class for newcomers.
7. Create a Crawl Based on Your Favorite Show
Pick a show you love and enjoy the fun of being creative as you plan three or four activities for your date. Are you “Hamilton” fans? Plan a date where you visit important local spots involving the Founding Fathers. Or, if you love “The Phantom of the Opera,” book backstage tours of a local theatre or opera house, eat French food and then go on a ghost walk.
8. Theatre in the Park
Summer months and the holiday seasons are when this option is likely to be available. Outdoor theatrical events are a great chance to take in a show such as Shakespeare while also enjoying nature.
9. Karaoke
Indulge your Broadway dreams for a few hours and belt out your favorite show tunes at a karaoke bar. For a cheaper option (or for those under the legal drinking age), host a karaoke night at home with the magic of YouTube.
10. Movie Theatre Singalong
“Grease,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” are a few films known for having singalong showings at movie theatres. Audience participation and dressing in character are encouraged. Be sure to check your local listings.
11. Take a Creative Class Together
Be it a painting, sculpture, sewing or even photography class, learn more about your artistic passions together.
12. Go to a Reenactment
Visit a famous battlefield or a rebuilt historical community and take a step back in time to immerse yourselves in another world.
13. Take a Music Lesson
Perhaps you’d like to learn to sing or play a new instrument. Find a teacher or local group and join up together. You might even be able to snag a deal, such as two for the price of one.
14. Live Music Roulette
For a spontaneous night out, cruise your local nightlife area and pick a random bar or restaurant advertising live music. Grab a drink and enjoy the entertainment. You could find a new band you both love!
15. Circus School
Learn a unique skill by taking a class in the circus arts. Try out the trapeze or even learn to juggle. You could end up with a new talent for your resume!
16. Throw a Murder Mystery Party
Gather your friends together and enjoy an evening of intrigue where everyone has a part to play. If you’re short on time to plan it, buy a party kit online. Most will include character cards and instructions for the evening.
17. Ghost Walk
Popular primarily around Halloween, a ghost walk or haunted tour is a fun way to see storytelling in action.
Whether you’ve been together for 15 years or 15 minutes, there’s always room for creativity and fun in relationships. Don’t be afraid to try something new and share your love of the stage with your partner.
