Purple Rose Theater Extend Discounts to Students And Teachers

As part of the 2011/2012 Season, The Purple Rose Theatre Company will offer new discounts and special performances for the educational community. Low-priced students matinees will be offered for Escanaba in da Moonlight by Jeff Daniels on November 22; A Stone Carver by William Mastrosimone on February 7 and March 6; and White Buffalo by Don Zolidis on April 19 and May 10.

Student matinee performances are available to all student groups, whether at the secondary or collegiate level, and all tickets are $12.50. All performances will begin at 11:00 a.m., and are held at The Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118. In addition to the half-price tickets, student matinee performances include talkbacks with the actors and director and supplemental educational materials.

Each show features unique opportunities to supplement the regular curriculum. Escanaba in da Moonlight provides students with the opportunity to explore Michigan history, folklore and traditions. A Stone Carver explores current political issues such as eminent domain,
local politics, generational rifts, and the history, significance and techniques of stone carving and masonry. The world premiere production, White Buffalo, offers insight into Native American cultures, including cultural beliefs and prophecies, as well as the current state of small family farms and agriculture in the midwest.

In additon to special student matinees, students can purchase half-price tickets to all performances during the theatrical season with a valid I.D. New this season, teachers are also eligible to purchase discounted tickets for all performances. Any K-12 or university-level educators (including administrators and other personnel) can receive a discount of $3 per ticket with a valid I.D. PRTC artistic director, Guy Sanville explains, "With teachers struggling harder than ever to do more with less, we hope to lighten their load a bit by making it easier to get an
entertaining and enriching night out."

Founded in 1991 by acclaimed actor and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, The Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) is a leading American theatre dedicated to producing the new American play and creating opportunities for Midwest theatre professionals. The PRTC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre operating under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors' Equity Association. The PRTC promotes the development of new American theatre and its practitioners, provides valuable educational opportunities for young artists, and, through consistently high quality production values, has earned the respect of local and National Theatre
communities.

Single tickets are now on sale for Escanaba in da Moonlight, and group tickets are available by phone only for student matinees. Ticket reservations can be made by calling The Purple Rose Theatre Company Box Office at (734) 433-ROSE (7673); Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Tickets are also available for purchase at www.purplerosetheatre.org.