The college is now giving people the opportunity to purchase VIP tickets to the opening nights of productions at the Performing Arts Center, beginning with the next upcoming performance, “Hairspray.”
Those who purchase the $50 VIP tickets will be invited to a pre-show event that allows guests to indulge in a variety of fresh snacks and beverages, while having the opportunity to meet prominent figures in Hollywood or in the community, said David Mirisch, executive director of the Moorpark College Foundation.
“We know that $50, most students can’t afford, but we are hoping they’ll encourage their parents and friends and everybody to come enjoy the party,” said Mirisch. “They’ll enjoy the VIP party, get the best seats in the house, and help the foundation and the performing arts.”
The money will go towards the Moorpark College Foundation giving contributors the opportunity to help the college raise money while enjoying a relaxing night and center seating at a top-notch performance by students, said Mirisch.
For an additional $50 donation, VIP guests are able to have their name embossed on a brass plate and attached to the back of a chair in the main stage seating area. This is a permanent reminder of the contribution you made towards the school.
Mirisch, the man who put together the event, has only been a part of the college for roughly four months. Before helping college’s foundation, he had his own enterprise, in which he would organize large-scale charity and non-profit events.
“My background is special events,” said Mirisch. “I’ve put on about 2,500 fundraising events around the U.S. and in seven foreign countries. When I came here, I told the president that I’ve never really been involved in the scholastic world, and said that I know how to do special events, so the president said ‘Okay, do them’.”
These VIP nights are expected to be held for every opening night of any major production held by the college. Mirisch stated that the largest anticipated VIP event will take place in December, for the production of “Holiday Lights,” which includes ballet performers, the Moorpark College Symphony, actors and nearly everyone involved in the performing arts will put on a large-scale show to celebrate the holiday season.
“Hairspray” opens Mar. 3 and will be held at the Performing Arts Center on the west end of the campus. The showings will run until Mar. 20. The full list of dates and times are available on the Moorpark College website, under the section of the Performing Arts Center.
Other upcoming events include “Motion Flux,” a dance concert, which takes place on April 23, as well as another VIP night for the symphony of “Americana” on May 6.
