RSC Student Ticket Sale: In The Pouring Rain!!!

If you happened to pass by the corners of Fletcher and Huron by car this past Saturday morning, you might have wondered why so many people were lined up in the cold, damp rain. The event, which brought nearly 800 students to the Power Center was none other than the Royal Shakespeare Company Student Ticket Sale!

Umbrellas, scarves, socks, winter coats, hats and mittens and even tents adorned Fletcher Street this past Saturday morning as students assembled to purchase what remained of the coveted RSC/UMS residency tickets. At the front of the line were many brave students who showed up to purchase tickets Friday evening -- the first person in line got there 16.5 hours before the sale even started! Taking on the night, roughly 100 students camped outdoors in a huddled mass of tents and blankets to be some of the first students from the University to receive tickets to one, two or all of the Shakespeare productions.

The Royal Shakespeare Company will visit the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a three week residency in October - November 2006 with Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and The Tempest. The plays are part of the RSC's year-long Complete Works Festival, which runs in Stratford-upon-Avon from April 2006 - 2007. Ann Arbor is the only city in the United States to host these plays.

Of the more than two thousand tickets set aside for students during the residency, many of the tickets were used in conjunction with Univesity classes designed around the residency with the RSC. When doors opened, students were allowed to purchase up to three tickets per student ID; one ticket per RSC title. Unfortunately not everyone in line was able to purchase a ticket, but it was truly amazing to see the overwhelming support from students who showed up! If you did not receive tickets during the student ticket sale, but are very serious about seeing a show, contact the UMS Ticket Office at 734-764-2538 and make sure they have your information on file. While there are no more student tickets available, if full-price tickets become available, the UMS Ticket Office will send out an email with information on how and when to purchase those tickets.

The RSC Residency runs in Ann Arbor at The Power Center Auditorium from Oct. 24th - Nov. 12th. For more information visit www.ums.org

All students are welcome to participate in the many free educational events as part of the RSC Residency. More info: www.ums.org/education

More pictures from the RSC Student Ticket Sale: http://umichigan.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2118977&id=2261151

By Rob Vuichard