University Times

Two new partnerships forged with the PITT ARTS program will provide Pitt students, faculty and staff with a broader taste of the city’s cultural offerings this year.

PITT ARTS’ cheap seats program offers deeply discounted tickets to members of the Pitt community for some of the city’s most sought after cultural events. New partners this fall are the Quantum Theatre and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild Jazz. Participants are permitted to purchase up to four tickets a show for select performances, as well as for shows through other cultural partners: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Renaissance & Baroque Society and the Guitar Society of Fine Art.

PITT ARTS participants pay for the tickets in advance and pick them up at the appropriate venue one hour prior to the performance.

Approximately 8,000 cheap seats tickets are sold annually at Pitt.

Other PITT ARTS programs include:

• Free Arts Encounters. Thousands of Pitt undergraduate students a year are provided with transportation to a play or concert, a meal before or afterwards and a private question-and-answer session with an artist or performer.

• The African American Arts Project. This program, begun last year, is patterned after Free Arts Encounters but focuses on African-American culture in the visual and performing arts.

• Artful Wednesdays. Students will enjoy a taste of culture in the lobby of Litchfield Towers Wednesdays at noon between Sept. 21 and Nov. 30. Performances ranging from belly dancing to Brazilian percussion will be offered, along with a free student lunch.

• Pitt Nights. More than 100 Pitt students, faculty and staff attend these performances, which include a dessert reception and a chance to meet artistic directors and performers.

PITT ARTS is funded through the Provost’s office, with funding for special projects from The Heinz Endowments.

For more information, visit www.pittarts.pitt.edu.