The Doudna Fine Arts Center launched a new rewards system and a student-exclusive offer for the upcoming Premier Event season. 

The Doudna Loyalty Points system allows audience members to earn points for every ticket purchased. For each ticket bought, two points are earned.

When 50 points are reached, you can claim a $25 gift certificate able to be used for merchandise or for ticket purchases. 

These points don’t expire and will automatically be applied to your user profile. 

In addition to the new loyalty points, Doudna will be offering new discounted student group tickets. 

The base rate of a student ticket is $15, but if students bring three friends, they can buy all their tickets for $10.

Doudna will continue offering its student rush tickets. 

Tickets can be purchased at doudnatix.universitytickets.com.

Dennis Malak, Doudna’s programming director, said because the cost of tickets increased, they wanted to offer a reimbursement program to give back to customers. 

The price of tickets increased because of the cost of hosting artists for the premier events. 

Last year, some performers were involved with Doudna’s arts students. This year, there are plans for even more student interaction.

Some artists and groups like Empire Wild, Randy Brecker and Mike Wiley will be working with students for multiple days and some having the chance to perform with them.

Malak said having these professionals come to Eastern will help students gain beneficial real world experience.

“So we have just a lot going on that really benefits the students in the community and offers a great additional educational component for our students,” Malak said.

Last year, 2,744 tickets were sold to premier shows; so far this season, 74 tickets have been sold.

Malak said the numbers are about the same as last year.

This year, Doudna will host 11 different groups for their premier events, half which are labeled “new and emerging.”

On Aug. 27, the Saturday after classes start, Tusk will return to Doudna performing The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute at 7:30 p.m.

The Indie-rock, scythe rock and folk pop group Twin Flames will perform on Saturday, Sept. 17, at  7:30 p.m.

The well known dance company Ailey II will showcase young talent and choreography on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Ailey II will be hosting a workshop open to community members. 

On Thursday, Nov. 3, Douglas Taurel will perform the one-man dramatic production of The American Soldier revealing struggles soldiers face at war at 7:30 p.m.

Opening the new year, Calypsus Brass, a professional chamber ensemble will perform their show on Friday, Jan. 20. At 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, Feb. 10, trumpeter and composer Randy Brecker will be the feature artist at Eastern’s 63rd Annual Jazz Festival. 

On Thursday, Feb. 16, Dar He, the story on Emmet Till will be portrayed by Mike Wiley. Wiley will describe the murder, trial and confession to the lynching of Emmet Till in 1955.

Xandadu The Musical, a Tony Award nominated musical is an 80’s theme roller skating musical adventure themed around following your dreams despite what others say. The shows will run from March 2-5, all starting at 7:30 p.m.

On Thursday, March 30, at 7:30 Mik Nawooj, a Western European ensemble combining hip-hop and classical music will perform using a variety of instruments.

On Sunday, April 16, Empire Wild, a genre bending music trio will be partnering with Eastern’s Symphony Orchestra and playing at 7:30.

Children’s author Michelle Nelson-Schmidt will share her story of being a full-time mother along with a full time author and illustrator. This event will show on April 21-22 with a free admission. Details will be released at a later date.