Blumenthal Performing Arts Unveils New Website Design
Blumenthal Performing Arts has unveiled a new look for its websites, BlumenthalArts.org and CarolinaTix.org. Both sites are portals to information about and tickets to performing arts events and activities coming to the six theaters Blumenthal Performing Arts manages in Center City Charlotte, as well as to other performing venues in the region who ticket through the CarolinaTix system.Along with a more feature-rich and exciting look for desktops, the updates also include a true mobile platform for Android and iPhone users. A new Web app will launch later this summer to further enhance the mobile experience."We are especially excited to launch our mobilized sites because this technology is so integral to how our customers like to shop for events and tickets," said Blumenthal Performing Arts President Tom Gabbard. "Overall, the new sites also will be much richer in content with especially improved graphic capabilities, like a much larger display space for videos." The updated sites were created by carbonhouse, inc., the Charlotte company that is the national leader in website development for event venues. Blumenthal was the first major performing arts center nationally to move its business to carbonhouse, which today provides service for more than 120 arenas and performing arts center around the world, including Durham Performing Arts Center, Playhouse Square, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and Orpheum Memphis.BlumenthalArts.org focuses on events occurring at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Knight Theater and Spirit Square, while CarolinaTix.org includes event information for all area shows and events that sell tickets through the CarolinaTix system. Along with event information, the Blumenthal site also provides detailed information about enrichment activities sponsored by Blumenthal, gift giving, theater rentals and more."It's a great place find out about Blumenthal events, as well as Blumenthal the organization," Gabbard said. "This site is truly a front door into Blumenthal and all the things that we are involved with, both on our stages and in the community." Visitors will notice a major update to the BlumenthalArts.org homepage with a much larger display box for videos of upcoming shows, as well as significantly enhanced calendar and search features. Drop down menus are much larger and offer more information with a single click. The website also features superior multimedia experiences with photos, videos and music for the Broadway shows and other select events. Event pages are less cluttered with visitors having the option to open drop down menus to view full performance schedules and other details. This significantly reduces the need to scroll. For guests using mobile devices, the new websites feature a mobile optimized website experience allowing them to easily browse information on the go.Another fresh feature is an interactive visitor's guide for each theater complete with a map of uptown Charlotte that marks the theater's location. Theatergoers can now find information on designated parking garages, accessibility, public transit and seating all from one convenient location. The guide was designed to provide a more comprehensive way to plan your visit and easily find directions to the venues. Many of these features also are available in the new CarolinaTix.org design."Our goal with the redesign is to make these sites an ever more useful and efficient tool for our customers," Gabbard said. "The new sites look great, but more importantly; they will improve the experience of our visitors. Our digital sites are often the first place theatergoers go for information. It's important that their encounters with our sites are as excellent as our facilities and the events we bring to our stages." Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call 704-372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. Blumenthal Performing Arts is also supported through the generous aid of its sponsors including, Carolinas Healthcare System, official healthcare sponsor of Blumenthal Performing Arts; and Duke Energy, sponsor of the Duke Energy Broadway Lights Series.
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