Community Notes: Purple Rose Theatre Reaches Out to Students

Editor's note: This press release was submitted by the Purple Rose Theatre.

As part of the 2011-2012 season, The Purple Rose Theatre Company will offer new discounts and special performances for students and teachers.

Low-priced students matinees will be offered for by Jeff Daniels on Nov. 22; A Stone Carver by William Mastrosimone on Feb. 7, 2012 and March 6, 2012; and White Buffalo by Don Zolidis on April 19, 2012 and May 10, 2012.

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 a.m., and are held at The Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St. in Chelsea. 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 educator can receive a discount of $3 per ticket with a valid I.D.

“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," PRTC artistic director Guy Sanville said.

For more information, visit www.purplerosetheatre.org.