The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Artscene Oakville Centre adds twist to new season Theatre Introduces pay-what-you-can admissions for Beyond the Mainstream By Tina Depko OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 29 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, August 21, 2009 The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts is offering something new for its 200910 season. The theatre has announced the first half of its season, and as usual, the centre will be offering a wide variety of professional shows, from singers and dancers to family performers and comedians. What's new this year, in light of the financial times, is the Beyond the Mainstream series with pay-what-you-can admission. Five performances have been set, featuring shows like the Vagabond Opera, Mocean Dance and a dramatic comedy called Jake's Gift. It is a new concept for the theatre and one that Ken Coulter, longtime theatre manager, said will resonate with audiences. "We've taken a series, Beyond the Mainstream, and turned the shows into paywhat-you can performances," he said. "It is the first time for us and what it means is that there are shows that everyone in Oakville can afford. We ask they make a donation on the way out." Tickets need to be ordered in advance through the box office, at no charge. As for the regular-priced offerings, the theatre is offering a number of concerts, with names like Kim Mitchell, Valdy, Robert Cray and David Clayton-Thomas. Arlo Guthrie is also making a return. Coulter said this is a must-see show. "He was here last year, but this time he's coming with his son Abe Guthrie, as well his grandchildren, so you'll get to see several generations of the Guthrie family," he said. "Last season's Arlo Guthrie concert was one of the top 10 concerts I've seen at this theatre. This is the only Ontario date of the Arlo Guthrie tour." The ever-popular Classic Albums Live is also back, with Led Zeppelin I and The Beatles: A Very Lennon Christmas. Families have a number of shows to choose from, such as Pigeon Party, Famous People Players, Mad Science and Circus Incognitus. The theatre is offering special FAMILY CONCERT: Popular folk musician Arlo Guthrie returns to the Oakville Centre for performing Arts this season to perform with his son Abe Guthrie and his grandchildren. pricing for these shows. "Where I see a real change is our family programming," Coulter said. "We're now seeing a lot of young families coming here." There are special Christmas shows scheduled by names like jazz chanteuse Dianne Reeves, the Moscow Boys Choir and John McDermott. Back by popular demand this season are After Show Artist Chats with performers like Kim Mitchell and Arlo Guthrie, at Paradiso. The chats feature an interview session with host Chris Mei and a question and answer period. Tickets to the talks are free, but must be ordered when show tickets are purchased, as seating is limited. The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts will also continue to offer its eyeGO program for high school students. "These are not last-minute rush tickets, so they can get great seats ahead of time for $5," he said. "The idea is to cultivate a new audience for less than the price of going to see a movie." Besides its professional series, the theatre is also the main performing venue for many local arts groups, such as musical ensembles, dance groups and community theatre troupes. "Fifty-five per cent of our usage is actually local activities," Coulter said. "They add to the wide variety of programming offered at our venue." Recessionary times have meant an approximately 10 per cent drop in ticket sales for the theatre's professional series. Coulter said last season's ticket sales were between 70 and 75 per cent. The good news is that this year's sales have continued to be stable and are currently on par with last year's numbers. Coulter said the theatre is working to promote the idea of staying in Oakville for a good night out. "I think it is time to promote this close to home idea," he said. "People are into staycations this fall. They still want arts and entertainment as part of their life and then they can come see it locally. They can see topquality performances comparable to down- CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Dianne Reeves will perform a Christmas concert. town Toronto shows in our beautiful theatre right here in Oakville." Tickets are currently on sale for the 200910 season, with discounts offered through the Big Ticket membership program. Big Ticket membership costs $50 for one full year per household, while Big Ticket Plus costs $100. This program comes with other perks besides discounted tickets, such as advance notice about upcoming shows and discounts at other merchants. Members can purchase any combination of tickets to any show. The program is popular, as there are currently about 550 Big Ticket members, according to Coulter. The theatre is offering a free family entertainment series this summer called Saturday Night Snuggles at Town Hall. These performances are designed for the family to bring their own blankets, cushions and pajamas. Events will be held on Aug. 22 with Little Big Frog and Sept. 26 with Manderaz Latin Music Fiesta and Carnival. All concerts start at 7 p.m. Due to space limitations, families should reserve their spot by calling the Oakville Centre box office. For tickets or information for the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, call the box office at 905-815-2021 or go online to www.oc4pa.com.