Thursday September 13, 2001

For all of those poor college students starved for some culture and lacking any real funds - there is an answer.

UA Presents has begun ARTSventure - a new ticket sales program that will cut the prices of admission to the concerts and events it sponsors. The only catch is that to get these great deals, students must wait until the day of the performance to cash in.

"It is a really nice opportunity, and most events are the same price as a movie," Tara Kirkpatrick, UA Presents' publicist, said. "We are very optimistic that it will pick up"

UA Presents has sponsored many of the upcoming events at the university's Centennial Hall. The tickets will be available to all events that do not sell out by the day of the show-so there is some risk involved with the wait.

By reaching more students and community members, UA Presents hopes to expose more people to diverse cultures and artistic ideas.

"We had our first ever open house, and we are hoping to attract more and new audiences with this program this year," Kirkpatrick said. "We want this to be a place where people can come and experience something new."

Tickets for matinee shows will be available at 11 a.m. and for evening shows at 5 p.m. Most tickets' original prices range from $16 to $60.

"We encourage everyone to take advantage of this - it is ideal for people who need to venture outside of their comfort zone," Kirkpatrick said.

All performances except Broadway shows will be affected by the ARTSventure program. Those not affected by the ticket price cut include "Phantom of the Opera," "Aida," "Swing," "Cookin'" and "Cirque de Soleil."

"'Dance, the Spirit of Cambodia' will be our first performance, as well as any of the shows that are coming up after Saturday," Kirkpatrick said.

To ensure everyone has a chance at getting reduced price tickets for the shows, UA Presents has taken a few precautionary steps.

"People have to show up in person, we cannot do phone orders and we can only sell two tickets per person," Kirkpatrick said.

The program is directed at those last minute impulse shoppers wanting to try and see something new. From dance, jazz and theatre- there should ideally be something for everyone to go and enjoy.

"The ARTSventure program is a significant part of our continuing effort to expand our audiences and bring new communities to Centennial Hall," said Ken Foster, executive director of UA Presents. "With these half price tickets, anyone can take a chance and try something new."

For ticket information on the day of the performances, call Centennial Hall at: 621-3341.