Starving college students should not starve culturally
For the first time ever, Utah State University students can purchase balcony tickets for $5 to selected events at the Ellen Eccles Theatre.
“Now students can experience internationally renowned arts performances at a more affordable price,” said Lisette Miles, executive director of the Capitol Arts Alliance.
“Our goal is to help starving college students not starve culturally as well,” said Julie Hollist, director of marketing and communication. “It is on a first come, first serve basis so call ahead and reserve your seats.”
Students may purchase two tickets per valid USU ID card. They can either call 752-0026 and purchase tickets over the phone with a credit card or they can go to the box office. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Not all shows will be available at this rate and students are encouraged to call in on a show-by-show basis.
“Whenever we can, we want to make it affordable to students. We understand you are strapped for class,” Hollist said.
The theater, located at 43 S. Main St., is currently offering these discounted tickets to Wednesday’s Utah Symphony Chamber Orchestra performance, featuring director Keith Lockhart conducting and guest violinist Scott St. John.
They will be presenting a balance of time-honored masterpieces as well as contemporary music all by British composers.
“You don’t get much better than Keith Lockhart and it will save a trip it Salt Lake City,” Hollist said.
On Oct. 19, the theater is offering students the same deal for a performance by 1960s and 1970s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, The Lovin’ Spoonful.
With a ticket, students can also attend a pre-concert party with music, dancing, free refreshments and prizes for the best 1960s attire. It will be held at the Bullen Center.
“Bring all your friends and make it a night out,” Hollist said. “Coming to the theater is an incredible, irreplaceable experience. There’s something powerful about the arts that you can’t put into words. And for $5, it’s cheaper than a movie.”
“The Ellen Eccles Theatre is recognized as one of the most outstanding and beautiful theaters in the West,” Miles said. “We want USU students to be able to enjoy it.”
Students will be offered tickets at the same price when internationally recognized Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company comes to Logan.
Hollist said they will be performing selections to ’40s and ’50s swing music and tango music. There are tentative dance classes scheduled before the show and admittance would be free with a ticket.
The Ellen Eccles Theatre offers volunteer opportunities for university students. They include helping children make masks and ceramics, office working, helping with marketing and working as an usher.
To become an usher, a short training period is required. After training is complete, an usher shows up an hour before show time.
“After you are done [ushering],” Hollist said. “You get to sneak in and watch the show in an unoccupied seat for free. After eight hours of ushering, you receive credit toward a ticket of your choice. It’s an excellent opportunity to partake in world-class experiences.”
“Our catch this year is ‘Capture the Magic’ and that’s truly what happens,” Hollist said. “We want to make this opportunity affordable and user friendly to students.”