The Interns' Guide: Low-Cost Movies and Culture

In a city where most of the museums are free, it should come as no surprise that, every week, some of those same temples of culture sponsor screenings of everything from classic silent films to arty European adventures.

Currently closed for refurbishment, but expected to reopen in July, the Library of Congress's minuscule Mary Pickford Theater shows classic fare based around themes. Last year's programming, for example, included movies from the 1930s through the '50s that have been nominated to join the National Film Registry; "Pre-Code" films from the early 1930s, before Hollywood began to regulate content; and tributes to women's history. All screenings are free, but seating is limited. You can call to reserve seats, but any that haven't been claimed 10 minutes before the first reel are given to standbys.

On the Mall, both the Hirshhorn Museum and the National Gallery of Art offer programs in their theaters. The Hirshhorn concentrates on independent films and documentaries about art and artists. The National Gallery tends to show larger, more sweeping retrospectives, such as this summer's series on "Milestones in Mexican Cinema," as well as films about artists or relevant to current exhibitions. Films are usually shown on weekend afternoons, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you're searching for more mainstream movies, there are two major outdoor series in the area. Screen on the Green is entering its sixth year of showing classic films on a giant screen on the Mall on midsummer Monday nights, with selections like "The Thin Man" and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Families, couples and kickball teams congregate on lawn chairs and blankets, picnics in tow. Films begin at dusk, but the prime viewing spots are often taken well in advance.

Outside the Beltway, the annual Outdoor Film Festival, brings 10 nights of free movies to the grassy lawn of the Strathmore Arts Center in North Bethesda. This year's selections include "Star Wars," "The Princess Bride" and, to test your long-lasting mosquito repellent, "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." All money from concession sales benefits children's charities at the National Institutes of Health.

The Shakespeare Theatre's "Free for All" at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre in Rock Creek Park is a Washington tradition. All tickets are free, but are limited to four per person. Ignore the cicadas this summer; picnic in the park, then see "Much Ado About Nothing."

If you're an intern holding a valid college ID, there is no shortage of theaters offering discounts: 20 percent to 25 percent off each ticket at the Folger; 35 percent off at Arena Stage (also one special "college night" with $10 tickets during each production); and 50 percent off most tickets at the Studio and National theaters.

Not a student? Pay attention to the discounts for patrons under 30 at the Round House Theatre, under 25 at Arena Stage and the Woolly Mammoth. Then there's TICKETplace, a clearinghouse for half-price tickets from such theaters as Signature, Studio and the Kennedy Center.

Here's all the dirt on cheap theater tickets.