Judy Russell launches ticket seller
Event promoter and show producer Judy Russell is involved in so many different performances and special activities that consolidation was just the ticket.
Russell has launched a new company, Central Interior Tickets, to help co-ordinate sales for the dance and musical theatre shows she produces herself as proprietor of Enchaînement Dance Centre, but also any of the local and out-of-town producers that bring shows into the Prince George Playhouse that she manages. The new ticket venture can sell tickets for virtually anyone in town.
“It is offered as a service for anyone who uses the Playhouse, but it’s just an option. They don’t have to use us,” said Matt Russell, one of the startup team members.
So far the only events using Central Interior Tickets are their own production of Mary Poppins, an upcoming appearance by comedy group The Comic Strippers and the season passes for the Prince George Symphony Orchestra.
“We wanted to start cautiously, and start with one of our own shows first,” said Judy Russell. “We wanted to make sure we had figured out the system firsthand so we knew we could offer excellent service before we marketed other organizations.”
Setting up the technology to offer ticket vendor services is not easy. Due to software licensing practicalities, it was easiest for the Russells to base Central Interior Tickets out of the Enchaînement headquarters on Opie Crescent. That’s where people go, now, to purchase their physical tickets in advance of the performances under their umbrella.
On Tuesday there was a steady stream of people getting in on the last few remaining performances of Mary Poppins (they are going fast).
The Playhouse becomes a satellite branch of Central Interior Tickets on the night of each event.
“Initially we thought of hav- ing the whole operation based at the Playhouse, but it would have meant a lot of issues with static IP licenses specifically for that location, and in the end it was better to do it this way, and over time maybe we can turn the Playhouse into a second full-time location,” said Matt.
The other reality that factored into the licensing and physical location decisions was how profoundly the business of selling tickets has changed. The fact is, most seats get sold without anyone setting foot in a ticket vendor’s building.
“We embrace that. In fact, we are in full support of that,” said Judy. “
A big part of what we do at the Central Interior Tickets desk is show people how easy it is to buy tickets online from the comfort of their own cell phone. But for those who are still not comfortable buying online, or don’t have the personal technology to do that, we are here for them. Come on in.”
They are located at 3540 Opie Cres. Contact them by phone (250-596-0020) or email ( admin@centralinteriortickets.com) and their website address is www. centralinteriortickets.com.
Mary Poppins is on daily until Sunday’s finale.
The Comic Strippers perform Aug. 19-20.
The PGSO’s mainstage and chamber music seasons open in September.