Southeastern Louisiana University

Southeastern's Columbia/Fanfare unveils new web site

Contact: Christina Chapple

7/23/08

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     When patrons log on to columbiatheatre.org to preview Fanfare’s October schedule and the Columbia’s 2008-2009 season, they will find a whole new site, boasting an elegant new look and many new interactive features, all created to better serve patrons, said Fanfare/Columbia Director Donna Gay Anderson.

     "Columbia has grown and now our Web site has caught up,” Anderson said. “Our new site contains more information and graphics than ever before and will present the opportunity for donors to contribute on line. From our site, the visitor can easily link to other Southeastern sites and the sites of our guest artists.  It is an enhanced experience." 

     Online visitors will still find the detailed calendars, performance descriptions and online ticket purchasing options that the old site offered, but they will also be able to sign up for e-mail updates, request a brochure, or download a season ticket order form, said Columbia Marketing Director Michelle Biggs, who worked with the Baton Rouge graphic design firm Covalent Logic to create the new site.

     Biggs said the new columbiatheatre.org also makes it easier for patrons to donate to Fanfare or learn about sponsorship opportunities. And, with a click or two, she said local schools can make reservations for Education Outreach school performances.

     The Web site has a complete history of the Columbia, built as a movie house 80 years ago, then rescued, restored and reopened by Southeastern and community partners in 2002, plus information and forms on facility usage and rental of the Columbia Conference Center.

     “The new Web site will really allow us to strengthen the connection we have with our patrons,” said Biggs. “At any time they will be able to log on and view upcoming event information, purchase tickets, or make a donation. And coupled with our monthly e-mail newsletters and other marketing and publicity efforts, the community will always be informed about the great events happening at the Columbia.”

     Columbia season tickets for new subscribers will be available Aug. 11-29. Individual event tickets (including Fanfare tickets) will go on sale beginning Sept. 3. Tickets can be purchased at the Columbia/Fanfare box office, 220 E. Thomas Street, 985-543-4371, from noon to 5 p.m., weekdays or at columbiatheatre.org.

     Highlights of Fanfare 2008, which opens the year-long Columbia season, include statesman and journalist Hodding Carter III, whose family has Hammond roots; the return of the popular Missoula Children’s Theatre, casting local children in “Robinson Crusoe”; Elisa Monte Dance, premiering the specially commissioned piece “Zydeco”; and concerts by the Robert Cray Band and the U.S. Air Force Concert Band and Singing Sergeants.

     The Columbia’s 2008-09 entertainment lineup includes the popular 1970s band WAR, Grammy Award winners Kathy Mattea and Marty Stuart, singer/pianist Marcia Ball, two Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra concerts, the 1960s nostalgic comedy review “The Wonder Bread Years,” family entertainment by the Moscow Cats Theatre, two “Pajamas and Play” performances specially tailored for children, the hit musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” a stage version of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” New Orleanian Ricky Graham’s “Renew Review,” and as part of Southeastern’s annual Bill Evans Festival, jazz legends Chuck Israels, Ellis Marsalis and Troy Davis.

     For complete Fanfare and Columbia schedules, contact the Columbia/Fanfare office at 985-543-4366 or visit columbiatheatre.org.