Traditional sports/theater

Hi there,
Been looking to perhaps see some traditional cultural stuff in Japan like sumo, noh, kabuki, bunraku, etc.

But on the information I have seen these performances are either very long or expensive.

Is there any recommended way or place to see these events for a shorter time?

I am no expert on kabuki, but I wanted to see it on my last trip to Japan. I learned that you can buy seats or standing space in the 4th floor balcony (nosebleed section) per act (not the entire show, which typically is comprised of 3 or 4 acts). This was in Kabuki-za of Tokyo (near Higashi Ginza station). These single act tickets are sold at the theater on the day of performance. The price was around 1000 yen per act. It is first-bought, first-served. So it is a good idea to buy the ticket (in person) early, then come back at specified time (you need not be standing in line, I went for sight seeing of Ginza).

I watched two acts, and really enjoyed it.

Check this site:
http://www.kabuki-bito.jp/eng/docs/kabukiza_makumi_20160518.pdf