Questions and Answers
Click on a question to see the answer.
- Why is the Academy doing The Benefit?
- People who visit the Academy often enthusiastically comment that they had no idea just how much kids can learn and how unique and important the vision of the Academy is to the community. Rather than putting on another auction in the area that draws a couple hundred of our best friends, we want to expand our reach. The Benefit tickets are reasonably priced so that our best friends can invite their best friends and we’ll expand the vision.
- Did you make this idea up?
- No. A classical Christian school in Texas pioneered the idea for the same reasons we mention above. They have successfully done at least seven of these benefits. However, we’ve modified the program to move quickly and be entertaining, even for those whose kids aren’t on the stage!
- How will this event raise money?
- Not from ticket sales. The ticket sales cover the costs, as they did with the auction. Most of our supporters tell us they come to the auction to give, not receive. We’re making it easier this year. You get to see what you really care about—the kids. You’ll be entertained and informed. Then, you get to write a check, fellowship with friends, and go home. No pressure. We just believe that when you see the vision in action, you’ll gladly help us drive forward.
- How do the tickets work?
- All seats for The Benefit will be reserved. Our goal is to fill the Brandt Center and we need your help. Families (and relatives on our list) will have first choice of advanced seats on a first-come basis until March 21st. Get your tickets early for the best seats! During this time, families who purchase two tickets for $10 each will receive vouchers for two additional guest tickets to give away. You can give these to family, relatives, or friends. The guest seats will be adjacent to your seats (if you select them that way), so families and friends can sit together. These guest vouchers MUST be redeemed on our website by their users, and we will send the actual tickets via the mail. Any vouchers not registered on our website by April 4th will be voided so we can make them available to others in the community.
See a comic that
explains the process!
Families can also buy premium seats for $25 each (no vouchers come with these seats).
All families who attend will receive a complimentary DVD of the performance. - Why are we selling tickets this way?
- We wanted families to have reserved seats (so you won’t have to come early and use your coat). We also want to fill the auditorium. At the Christmas program, we have almost 1000 people. The center has seats for 1400. We want to be sure that everyone has a seat. Finally, we need to send ongoing information to attendees up until the time of the event. To this end, we are using vouchers that can be redeemed on our website, with a name and address, for real tickets.
- What is the Benefit like?
- The evening will begin with some social time in the foyer of the Brandt Center at around 6:15. While you wait, you can look at the class projects and other items that will be available for raffle in the foyer. At 6:45, the doors to the Auditorium will open and the program will begin at 7:00. The program will include students from every grade, our orchestra and drama class. Each grade (K-7) will have a 5-7 minute role, while the 8th graders will be our narrators. 9th through 11th grades will have specialized dramatic roles. The program will be tightly structured to ensure about 90 minutes of entertainment. At about 8:30, we will begin a social time in the foyer of the Brandt Center. During this time, the raffle winners will be announced. Students can be picked up anytime, but older students can remain in the greenroom until about 9:30. At 9:30, all students will be released to their parents.
- Where can I get more information?
- Our website will be continually updated until the event. We will also send mailings home in the near future with more details.