With a wide-ranging season in place, Tryon Fine Arts Center has made changes to make the performances as accessible as possible for local audiences, both physically and financially.

At all Main Stage performances, as well as all Tryon Concert Association presentations, complimentary valet parking will be offered to patrons. TFAC has partnered with a local company, Miller Airport Transportation, to ensure that each show is easily accessible.

“You can be dropped off right at the front door, and know that your car is in good hands. This was a priority for our patrons with mobility concerns, but everyone can enjoy this free service,” said TFAC board member Chris Bartol.

New for this season, the TFAC Board of Directors led a push for more flexible season tickets.

“With six performances spread from October 2016 to April 2017, some patrons may be unable to attend all six Main Stage shows, or they may feel an artist is not for them. We didn’t want them to miss out on the convenience and cost savings of season tickets, so we’ve designed a Four Pack and a Six Pack for ultimate flexibility.

Subscribers can choose the Four Pack, and pick which shows are a must-see, or they can save their seat for all six,” says Executive Director Marianne Carruth. “We can’t do anything about the taxes, but we can save you money on your tickets and ticketing fees by making two different package tiers available.”

As with any venue, there are fees and taxes that are an integral part of the entertainment industry. This year TFAC is up front about the fees and the recently instituted 6.75 percent North Carolina tax that must be paid for each show. Up until this year, TFAC has absorbed these costs.  For 2016-2017 season ticket holders and individual performances, the fees are now added onto the ticket price.

“It was no longer sustainable for TFAC to absorb these costs,” said Carruth. “Rather than raising our ticket price with no explanation, we wanted to be as transparent as possible, so that patrons know exactly what they’re paying for. This is standard practice for similar regional venues and helps us maintain our accessible ticket price for Main Stage performances.”

New for this year, the age for student discounts has been raised from 18 to 21 years old. Main Stage tickets are available for just half the price of a standard adult seat.

“With so many colleges in the area, it was important that students have a way to continue enjoying the arts. That discount can make a huge difference for a college student,” said Michelle Fleming, TFAC’s manager of marketing and public relations.

– article submitted by Michelle Fleming