The National Arts Centre offers discounted tickets for students registered in the Live Rush program ( Photo: Amanda To )

Rather than accepting gifts of aluminum and tin for its 10th anniversary, the National Arts Centre’s (NAC) Live Rush program is getting connected on the net and is going green.

The student-friendly program began in 2000 when the NAC made live performances more accessible for students who enjoy the arts, yet are unable to afford the regular ticket price.

The $11 tickets allow students to view a variety of performing art shows that can be more enriching – and cheaper – than other weekend extracurricular activities.

Although the ticket price remains the same as last year’s, the program is ditching the free membership cards and taking a more environmentally-friendly approach. Online signups allow students to simply show their student ID when purchasing tickets.

Another change allows students to purchase tickets at earlier times. In order to ensure the best possibility of obtaining tickets to the show of their choice, tickets can now be bought at the Live Rush price starting from 10 a.m. on the day prior to the show until 6 p.m. on the day of the show.

Connecting with Live Rush also became easier this year. The program activated accounts on Facebook, Flickr and Twitter.

Students also have the choice to receive mobile texts that update them on the schedule of shows for that week.

The program has become increasingly popular and since its first year 38,000 students have enrolled in the program and 72,000 Live Rush tickets have been sold.

“I always loved going to the shows and the price was so good that me and my friends made a habit of it,” said first-year student Angie Aboukassam. “It’s definitely a better experience than the movies.”

In addition to the discounted price, the Live Rush program has a show for every student’s taste.

On Oct. 1, Pinchas Zukerman will be playing at the NAC, which is sure to inspire music lovers everywhere.

Other shows that are sure to be incredible include the Drowsy Chaperone from the Oct. 14-30, the National Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty from Nov. 5-7, and Hedda Gabbler, which runs from Nov. 10-14.

Jennifer Covert, the marketing officer for the NAC, said she hopes that the affordable prices give students the opportunity to explore stage art.

“We want students, who are often facing financial pressures while completing their studies, to discover how attending theatre, dance and orchestral performances can be enriching and rewarding experiences.”