OU students to receive complimentary admission to SMTD performances starting in 2025

Beginning in 2025, all Oakland University students will be able to receive complimentary rush tickets to School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) performances and events as part of the university’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to the arts for every student.

To claim their free ticket, OU students can visit the box office up to one hour before each show. Tickets will be available for all SMTD ticketed events at on-campus locations, including Varner Recital Hall, Varner Lab Theatre, and Varner Studio Theatre. Students will need to show their Grizz ID to receive a free ticket, which will be available on a first come, first served basis.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for students to experience world-class performances right on campus,” said Dr. Elisabeth Honn Hoegberg, director of OU’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance, and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Making Life Golden

OU students will have a chance to learn more on Monday, January 6 as the School of Music, Theatre and Dance will have an informational booth set up from 9 a.m. to noon inside the Oakland Center.

While visiting the booth, students will have a chance to:

• Learn about upcoming shows and how to get their free rush tickets.

• Grab exclusive SMTD swag, including stress balls, pop sockets, and brand-new “Making Life Golden” totes and cups.

• Chat with SMTD representatives and plan their next night out at the theatre.

“Don’t miss this change to celebrate and engage with the arts,” said Caroline Sheridan, box office manager, and assistant facilities and production manager for SMTD.

In addition, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance is inviting students to enjoy a “(Student) Night Out at Varner” by attending a series of receptions starting one hour prior to performances of “The Old Man and the Thief and The Impresario” on Jan. 16, “Young Frankenstein” on Feb. 18, and the Senior Dance Concert on March 10.

During each of the receptions, students will have an opportunity to mingle with OU and SMTD students in the venue lobby, learn about upcoming performances, redeem their complimentary tickets, and complete a brief survey to receive exclusive “Making Life Golden” SMTD merchandise. Chartwells will be catering the events, and light refreshments will be offered.

“’Making Life Golden’ is more than a tagline, it’s a reminder that the arts add something precious to our human experience,” Hoegberg said. “We (SMTD) wanted to find ways to share our work with more people and it just made sense to start with the students. I’m so happy that we’re able to make ‘golden’ moments possible for more students and grateful to President Pescovitz for her generous support. We hope to see many new faces in Varner Hall!”