For the second year running, a whole collection of Seattle companies are offering a FREE NIGHT OF THEATER. You can get free pairs of tickets for performances beginning Oct. 18 through Nov. 1—two per customer, first-come, first-served. Last year's event was a smash, with 40 participating companies offering 67 different productions, as well as backstage tours of several of the larger theaters, open rehearsals, and other public events. While giving away over $60,000 worth of tickets may seem a sign of desperation, in reality it's an example of brilliant outreach. A survey of last years' participating patrons found that 80 percent of audiences had never been to their theater of choice before, and more than 45 percent were under the age of 35—tremendous news at a time when the graying of theater audiences is a nationwide concern. So go ahead, kid, enjoy your night of theater. The first one's free. . . . —John Longenbaugh