A Seat for Everyone
At Overture Center, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the full richness of the human experience as expressed through the arts, whether or not they can afford to buy a ticket. To that end, Overture’s Community Ticket Program helps members of the community with low incomes see performances for as little as $2. Overture Center collaborates with approximately 100 social service organizations throughout Dane County to make ticket vouchers available to selected performances during each season.
Each year, this program allows nearly 2,000 individuals access to high quality Overture performances, including dance, international culture and performances for youth. These performances are presented both by national touring artists and Overture’s own resident arts companies. Vouchers are distributed through community centers, senior centers, schools, health organizations, churches and all varieties of organizations that support people with low incomes, youth, people with disabilities and elders.
“The vouchers we've received have allowed a large number of people from families with few resources to enjoy a morning, afternoon or night out taking in a cultural event. They have given these clients a chance to socialize, take part in their community and laugh with their kids. Our clients often live in difficult situations and the opportunity to take a break and just have fun has been invaluable. Thank you very much for the vouchers Overture has so generously, repeatedly, provided for our clients!” ~Sabrina Loomis, LCSW, Family Therapist
As a result of the Community Ticket Program, we:
- Educate children about the arts through the attendance of live performances
- Foster community-building and personal growth through the arts, especially for at-risk youth and underserved communities
- Develop and deepen community collaborations and partnerships
“It is wonderful to gain access to events at Overture. I work with low income seniors and families who, without the vouchers, never would have had an opportunity to ever see a show at Overture. Just imagine only being limited to your narrow community. Young people and seniors alike have opened their eyes beyond a television experience and actually get to see a show in person…A few of the elders proclaim the experience lifted their spirits. Youth and parents enjoyed the entertainment of shows that address their culture and who they are. In this challenging economy, thank you for sharing the arts with the less fortunate...” ~ Karen Johnson
The Community Ticket Program has been active for over 20 years, dating to when Overture was the Madison Civic Center. As a result we have an extensive, number of agencies who we collaborate with annually to distribute vouchers. We work with a diverse pool of agencies and do targeted outreach to increase participation of underrepresented populations.
For more information, contact program coordinator Beth Racette at 608.258.4169.