At a time when being a student gets more expensive each year, one company isn’t forgetting to cut students a deal.
The Pioneer Memorial Theatre, a professional theater located on the U campus, is offering students the chance to attend plays at a fraction of the price. Students buy a $10 student activation pass for the whole season, which allows them to pick and choose which plays they want to attend. Eric Beckstrand, a junior in business, said he likes being able to take girls out on nice dates, but the economy has made it hard to find suave, affordable activities.
“Getting tickets through the student deals are great benefits,” Beckstrand said.
By offering multiple deals, the theater wants to give students a chance to see professional shows in their community and hopes that students will become long-time theater patrons after they graduate, said Colleen Lindstrom, patron services manager for Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
The cheapest regular-price ticket is $30, amounting to $256 for all of the shows, making the deal even more attractive for students on a tight budget. With the deal, a student would only pay $45 for the entire season. Students can show up one hour before the start of the play and purchase two $5 tickets for that night. Sometimes there are cancellations and the best seats in the house can open up, said Heather Nowlin, marketing director for Pioneer Memorial Theatre.
“It’s a pretty rare case when students can’t get into a play,” Nowlin said.
Students who take advantage of the deal get the added perk of seeing the plays and musicals for free. The night before a play opens, there is a free preview for students, but those who wish to attend need to make sure they get tickets from the box office ahead of time8212;last year’s opening show of the season had 500 students attend the free show, according to the theater.
The theater’s season, which runs from September to May, includes two musicals and five plays. “A Christmas Story” in December is also expected to be popular this year, Nowlin said.
Students receive 50 percent off reserved tickets on plays Monday through Thursday night.