ACT Announces A New Membership Program, Creates Greater Flexibility and Affordability

A Contemporary Theatre announces a new membership program, an innovative new way for patrons to experience ACT that creates a bridge between subscribing and single ticket purchases. An addition to the existing Subscription Membership program, where patrons pay annually to subscribe to a specific series with guaranteed seats and receive specific benefits, the new Basic Membership program operates like a traditional gym membership (but without an initiation fee). ACT Basic Members pay just $25 a month ($20 for age 30 and under) to receive year-round access to all ACT Mainstage plays (excluding A Christmas Carol) and Central Heating Lab programs, based on availability.

It is flexible, affordable, and is the first of its kind in the region. There is no contract, members may cancel at any time, and there is no limit to the number of times a member can attend an ACT performance in any given month, provided ticket availability.

For example, between July 1-31, a Basic Member could attend the break/s, the Central Heating Lab's Orange Flower Water and RAWSTOCK Summer Film Festival, as well as the first performance of the next Mainstage play Das Barbecü on July 31, 2009. Basic Members can see all of these shows for just $20 to $25 (their monthly membership fee), versus paying $150 as a single ticket buyer for these shows when purchased individually.

With a goal toward cultivating new audiences and creating a year-round cash flow for the theatre, the Basic Membership program will not replace the existing Subscription Membership program. Rather, the two programs will co-exist side by side to meet the unique lifestyle needs of today's theatre patron.

"The Basic Membership was specifically designed to appeal to a growing trend amongst theatre-goers: the ticket buyer who doesn't have strict seating preferences, attends an average of at least one show a month, and tends to plan their schedule just a few weeks, or days, in advance," said Audience Service Director Harley Rees. "Our Basic Membership is the first of its kind, providing a unique alternative to traditional subscription models and giving patrons more choice and flexibility on how they spend their entertainment dollars and time."

The ACT Membership Program benefits include:

Traditional Subscription Membership - annual subscription memberships range between $60 to $300

1. Guaranteed best seats in the house, even during sold out shows, through advance purchase, including special discount pricing and advanced sale for A Christmas Carol.

2. Easy and free ticket exchanges by phone, email, fax, mail or in person. There is no charge, but ticket price differences based on date may apply.

3. Low-priced parking in the Convention Center garage with a safe and convenient indoor connecting entrance to ACT -just $4 to $7.

4. Restaurant discounts at Pacific Place and other area restaurants.

5. Extra ticket discounts: $10 off extra tickets to any Mainstage play.

6. Free replacement tickets if they're lost or forgotten.

New Basic Membership - monthly memberships range between $20 to $25

1. Guaranteed admission (1) to ACT Mainstage plays and all Central Heating Lab programs. Not available for A Christmas Carol however special discount pricing and advanced sale to A Christmas Carol is available to Basic Members.

2. Extra ticket discounts: 50% off extra tickets when a guest attends with you.

3. Come back and see any Mainstage play again, for FREE! Only available day-of-show.

4. Concessions and gift shop discounts.

5. Entrée to behind-the-scenes events, parties, tours, and post-play discussions.

6. Free replacement tickets if they're lost or forgotten.

ACT currently has 6,200 traditional Subscription Members. Basic Memberships are available at the Ticket Office, 700 Union Street in downtown Seattle or by phone at (206) 292-7676. Additional benefits will be added as the program develops.

For the past 44 seasons, ACT's mission has been to inspire our diverse community through theatre that advances our understanding of human life. To dare, excite, and enrich artists and audiences. To steward our many resources. Through The Central Heating Lab, ACT seeks to heat things up and create a conversation with its season that reaches for an even deeper impact.

ACT gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Season Sponsors ArtsFund, ACT Foundation, The Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, and The Shubert Foundation, along with Producing Partners 4Culture, The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, The Boeing Company, Microsoft Corporation, Nesholm Family Foundation, the Peg & Rick Young Foundation, and PONCHO.

 

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