Comedian Jon Stewart’s Colonials Weekend appearance has many families saying, “It costs HOW much to go!?”
Theories of profit motives arise and some families may elect not to pay the $50 to $90 per ticket to attend the performances, especially given the economic situation that is forcing families across the country to tighten their belts.
While some can barely afford the cable to watch Stewart on “The Daily Show,” Peter Konwerski, Associate Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer with Student and Academic Support Services tells WRGW News that, “The money from ticket sales is generally expected to cover the costs of the programming that takes place on campus during Colonials Weekend. We basically are running a break even program here, not a revenue generator. There is no surplus of funding which is turned back over to the University, since nearly every dollar in spending to produce the show is attempted to be recouped by ticket sales.”
The university will not reveal the exact amount it is spending to stage the shows or the talent citing a confidential contractual agreement with Stewart’s management.
Konwerski claims that his office receives very few complaints from students or parents about the affordability of the program, though he says it was important to both the university and Stewart to have a ticket value of less than $100.
The prices are comparable to previous Colonials Weekends.
Tickets for last year’s headliner, comedian Robin Williams, ranged from $57 to $125 dollars. 2007 Billy Crystal tickets ranged from $57 - $150. Jerry Seinfeld’s 2006 performance ranged between $57 and $125 dollars, though a portion of the money from Seinfeld’s performance went to scholarship funds for underprivileged D.C. public school students, according to archived press releases.
Stewart previously performed at Colonials Weekend in 2005. General admissions tickets sold for $45.
It’s a far cry from a 2000, non-parents weekend Jon Stewart performance where $8 dollar general admissions tickets were sold with the Student Activities Center giving away 300 free tickets at a women’s basketball game.
Tickets to New York City tapings of "The Daily Show with John Stewart" are free.
Konwerski said he would work with any student with “dire financial concerns,” but said there were a number of ways to attend among them, staffing the event.
Other, lower cost Colonials Weekend options are available including Cabaret Showcase and Colonials Invasion. Ticket information for these events has not yet been released.
Stewart will perform at the Smith Center at 600 22nd St. NW on Saturday October 17 at 7pm and 10pm. Ticket prices range from $50-90 each and will go on sale July 6. For tickets call: 202-994-7411 or visit http://gwired.gwu.edu/tickets to purchase tickets online.
- Jesse Regis
This is the Old WRGW District Radio News website. As of January 13th, 2014 all of the latest GW and local DC news can be found on our brand new website at: www.wrgwnews.com!
Talk about a pathetic bias. You don't really call this journalism, do you?
ReplyDeleteNo, I call it my Fuzzy and I will love it forever.
ReplyDeleteActually, my name is Hank and I'm an agent for the state. It is my job to impose propaganda upon the masses.
If you weren't aware, Anna, this is a story designed to spark discussion.
Konwerski alleges that he gets few complains about prices. Are you a parent or student who feels otherwise? Speak up!
WRGW is far from a hand of the administration. If you'd like more information on conspiracy theories I suggest channelling the spirit of J. Edgar Hoover, or speaking with some White House protesters on a Saturday afternoon.
Until then let's not throw terms around we don't know how to use.
I don't find this article biased at all. In fact, there is a lot of information here, and no opinion-stating on the part of the reporter whatsoever. If you think this article is biased, it is probably because you went into it with a bias of your own.
ReplyDelete