San Jose Rep Kicks Off Season With Pay What You Will Tuesdays

Pay What You Will Tuesday is a new addition to San Jose Rep's extensive community outreach programs with the goal of supporting the company's mission of accessibility and affordability for every member of the community. Pay What You Will Tuesday will be offered on the first preview Tuesday for each production of San Jose Rep's 2009-2010 season. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. This community program launches Tuesday, September 1, with the most spellbinding, contemporary interpretation of what the NY Times hails as "Shakespeare's finest comedy," AS YOU LIKE IT. Tickets go on sale at San Jose Rep's box office one week prior to the scheduled performance. Seating is general admission and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

"We want to ensure that the Rep remains a community resource for everyone during these difficult economic times," comments Artistic Director Rick Lombardo. "Pay What You Will Tuesday will allow more people the opportunity to experience live theatre, while helping us broaden the community conversation that surrounds great theatre."

As part of the Rep's community outreach efforts, the company is proud to play a role in helping rid hunger and providing nutrition to low-income members of the community by partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank. A canned food drive will be held for each Pay What You Will Tuesday. Patrons will be asked to bring a canned food item to the theater to drop off in the bins located in the lobby.

"Right now we could all use some fiscal relief and salve for the soul," adds Managing Director Nick Nichols. "We hope our Pay What You Will Tuesday will provide our community with a little of both. We're thrilled to partner with the reputable Second Harvest Food Bank and in our small way help those in the community who need assistance."

"Thanks to San Jose Repertory Theater for their efforts to help feed low-income people in our community," said Lynn Crocker, Director of Marketing and Communications for Second Harvest Food Bank. "It is no secret that times are tough and many people are struggling to provide enough nutritious food to feed themselves and their families. At the Food Bank we are seeing requests for food continuing to rise. Community food drives, like this one sponsored by the Rep, really help out."

Pay What You Will Tuesdays will also occur on October 13, (GROUNDSWELL), Tuesday, Nov. 24 (A
CHRISTMAS STORY), Tuesday, Jan. 26 (THE WEIR), Tuesday, March 16 (AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'), AND Tuesday, May 11 (Sonia Flew). Tickets are available at the San Jose Rep Box Office at 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113-2603. For more information, visit San Jose Rep's website at www.sjrep.com.