Natalie Brigance wondered why it took her so long to become a Popejoy subscriber. Popejoy has offered half-price subscriptions to the UNM community since 2001, but Natalie only started subscribing six years ago.

She said she enjoys the cultural shows and the Disney productions Popejoy has hosted through the years. “I couldn't attend these shows if this benefit were not offered to UNM employees at such a discounted price,” she said. “I have enjoyed everything that I have seen over the years.”

Natalie is executive assistant to the Vice President of Student Affairs Administration. As a staff member, she is entitled to a half-price subscription, or season ticket, from Popejoy Hall. It’s a taxable benefit available to all faculty and staff of the University who are employed half-time or more.

Students enjoy a very similar benefit because the other half of their subscription is paid for by student fees. The UNM Student Fee Review Board deems Popejoy Hall worthy of funding so students can expand their cultural horizons.

The process is simple: purchase a Broadway in New Mexico package of either five or six shows, or buy tickets to two Ovation Series shows. This year’s La Vida Llena Broadway in New Mexico series features Disney’s The Lion King, Once, Disney’s Newsies, The Producers, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and A Christmas Story: The Musical.

The Ovation Series features a variety of concerts, plays, speakers and more that come to Popejoy typically for one or two performances. This season those shows include The Beach Boys, Sherlock Holmes, Driving Miss Daisy, Jim Belushi and the Board of Comedy, and Mannheim Steamroller, among many more.

The full list of shows can be seen at Popejoy Presents. Full details for the subscription offer can be found at UNM Discount Subscriptions.

Ryan Lindquist also thinks a subscription is a great idea. “A half-price Popejoy subscription makes a wonderful and affordable date night for my wife and I,” said Lindquist, who is associate director of the Student Activities Center. “It's a great opportunity to see the big shows I always hear about [that are] on Broadway in New York.” Plus, he saves all those travel expenses.

The deadline to take advantage of these offers — for students, faculty, and staff — is Friday, Aug. 28.