Art, entertainment on a student’s budget

By Nicole Kobie

For the price of a movie ticket, Calgary students can now brush up on their arts knowledge, fill their spare time with educational experiences, and go on cheap, impressive dates.

The Live Rush program, which started this September in Calgary, offers students the chance to get last-minute, low-priced tickets to events held at companies like the Alberta Ballet, Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks and the Calgary Opera, among others. Created by the National Arts Centre, Live Rush started in Ottawa in 2002.

"The Ottawa incarnation has been successful the past two years," said Gerald Morris of the National Arts Centre. "Since its inception, they’ve seen a membership of around 6,000 members buy 15,000 tickets to hundreds of performances–I wish it had been in place when I was a student."

Calgary was selected as the second locale as it has a strong student base with a thriving arts scene.

"Ottawa has only three sponsors," Morris noted. "Calgary already has 12."

Though Calgary is only the second participating city, the program is expected to eventually expand to all major cities in Canada.

Tickets for performances range from $10–12 and can be purchased either one or two hours before the performance. While some arts groups allow telephone or on-line purchases, a few require students to show up at the box office. For more information, or to register visit liverush.ca.