Kaleigh Warner at the Aladdin show last year.
(Photo Provided by Kaleigh Warner)
By Journey Bubar Contributing Writer
Every year, the Student Life Office and Weekend Adventures and Excursions club (WAE) plans a trip to New York City, which includes a choice between two Broadway shows (this year the shows are “Kinky Boots” and “Anastasia”) and time to walk around NYC.
Warner has worked for WAE for three semesters, and says that the New York trip is one of the biggest and most talked about on campus. “New York is the most popular of the eight events we host every year,” said Kaleigh Warner, a senior. “For only $55, students will get transportation to and from NYC and entry to one Broadway show.”
Student Life and WAE plan about four trips each semester. “There is a lot of work that goes into planning all of our trips, but New York is double because we take 100 students rather than 50,” said Warner. “I do most of the advertising and connecting with students to get some more excitement for the trips.”
“We have about 50 tickets per show. 150-200 students show up to get tickets each year and will camp out hours before the event to secure their spots,” said Warner. “Throughout the semester we have students calling, emailing, or coming into our office to ask questions. Then, on the day of ticket sales, the line winds throughout the student center and we sell out in 10 minutes!”
Warner said that in the past, they have had to waitlist people in case someone pulls out last minute because so many people are interested in the event. “Every year we like to switch up what shows we offer! In the past, we’ve seen “Wicked”, “Phantom of the Opera”, “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”,” said Warner. “Sometimes we bring back tickets for really popular Broadway shows. We like to offer shows that we know will be popular with various students.”
The bus leaves UMF around 12:00 a.m. Saturday morning and gets back around 4:00 a.m. Sunday morning. “We allow plenty of time for students to wander the big city on their own,” said Warner. “Some students choose to sightsee, eat a slice of [New York] pizza, visit the various museums or art displays, walk around Central Park, or go shopping.”
The New York trip and many other trips sponsored by Student Life are great opportunities for students to travel and have new experiences at a decent price. “This trip is so affordable for students because it’s also partially paid for by Student Life,” said Warner. “$55 would typically only pay for transportation to New York, which is why it’s so important that students are taking the opportunity for trips we sponsor.”
Warner concluded by saying that Student Life enjoys getting input and suggestions from students on new or different trips and activities that they would like to see offered. “These trips are for you!” said Warner. “Our trips are affordable and range between $10 and $55 for a day full of fun with new or old friends.”
Tickets for the New York trip are being sold on Wednesday, October 24th. Doors open at 7 p.m. but be aware students line up hours in advance.