September 29, 2005
Tickets now available online for campus arts events
Buying tickets through the UW Arts Ticket Office just got easier. Thanks to a new software program, you’ll be able to purchase single tickets online for UW Dance Program, UW School of Drama, DXArts Program, UW World Series and UW School of Music events in Meany Theater and Meany Studio Theater.
To purchase tickets, go to http://www.meany.org From this page you can select the “Buy tickets” button, which enables you to search for events by date, by organization, or by venue. You can also select the “learn more” button on any of the organizations listed and go directly to their site to buy tickets.
“The company that produced our old ticketing software was no longer supporting the product,” said Rita Calabro, Meany’s director of operations and support services. “When we went looking for a new software program, we wanted to get one that would make online purchases possible.”
The new program is called Tessitura, and was developed by New York’s Metropolitan Opera. It is now being used by more than 50 arts organizations across the country. UW World Series began selling online tickets for its events on June 13, while the UW academic units went live Sept. 1. Since then, about 600 tickets have been sold.
The new system doesn’t take the place of the Arts Ticket Office at the corner of University Way and NE 40th Street, which will still sell tickets in person or by phone or FAX. “But the ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday,” Calabro said. “You can purchase tickets online anytime.”
Purchasers will not be able to choose their seats, as is possible with some online systems. However, when reserved seats are purchased, patrons can look on a seating chart to see where their seats are located. Patrons with special needs should buy tickets by phone or in person.
The first time you buy tickets online, you must register, and this will get you on a mailing list for future marketing announcements. However, you will soon be able to opt out of this list if you choose, Calabro said.
When buying online, there is a convenience fee of $5 per order for UW World Series tickets and $3 per order for events sponsored by the UW academic units. This compares to a $2 per ticket service charge for UW World Series phone, mail or FAX purchases and a $1 per ticket fee for UW academic unit phone, mail or FAX purchases. There is no fee for in-person purchases.
Calabro said the road to purchasing the new system was long because of the need to research alternatives and find money to pay for it. The College of Arts and Sciences is footing part of the bill, while the rest will come from a 50-cent fee built into the price of every ticket sold. The money this produces will be used to support the system and buy a new one when the time comes.
Tickets for events that take place in Meany Hall but not sponsored by UW organizations will not be sold through the system. However, when possible, a link will be provided to the sponsoring organization.
“We expect to be able to offer more services in the future,” Calabro said. “This is a really robust system and we’ve only scratched the surface of what it can do.”
Faculty, staff offered special deal
The UW World Series is also offering a new ticket deal for faculty and staff this year, although the tickets can’t be purchased online.
For $100, you can get a four-event series (usually $134). The Black Arts Package includes Angelique Kidjo, Sept. 30; Blueprint of a Lady: The Story of Billie Holiday, Oct. 13–15; Leon Bates, Feb. 15; and Les Ballets Africains, March 31.
You can also get the Sampler Series for $100. This includes Pilobolus (Nov. 17) from the World Dance Series; Leon Bates from the President’s Piano Series (Feb. 15); Les Ballet Africains (March 31) from the World Music Series; and Daedalus Quartet (April 18) from the International Chamber Music Series. These specials are available in person or by phone or FAX at the Arts Ticket Office.
