USAO Opens Invitation to Summer 2008 New York Tour

CHICKASHA – Every spring, students and faculty at the University of Science and Arts travel to New York City for a week of fun, culture and memory making. The annual art and theatre tour is scheduled for May 20-25, 2008, and reservations are being accepted now through Feb. 11.

As always, the public is invited to join the USAO crew.

For six days and five nights, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of USAO will join Chickasha community members to explore the sensory scenes of New York City. For less than $1,200, students can fly to the Big Apple and experience the theatre, art and sightseeing that make New York so famous.

“The trip is open for everyone and is a wonderful opportunity to see New York City, which is very tourist friendly,” said Jacquelyn Knapp, assistant professor of art and tour co-leader. “There is something for everyone in the Big Apple.”

Tour costs begin at $1,199 each for USAO students, four to a room. Non-student rates start at $1,299 each for rooms of four. Rooming for three is $1,574 each, two to a room is $1,674 each and single rates are $1,999. Prices are based on current airport fees and fuel surcharges; any significant increases will need to be added.

A $300 deposit is due by Feb. 11, 2008, with the remaining balance due by March 24, 2008. All deposits become non-refundable after Feb. 18, 2008. Trip cancellation insurance is available. A $100 down payment will reserve a spot on the tour until Feb. 11, 2008.

Under the direction of Roger Drummond, retired drama professor of 28 years, and other USAO faculty and staff, tourists will attend two major Broadway plays and an introductory seminar about New York. The seminar includes tips about what additional shows to see, how to get half-price tickets to plays and art events and advice regarding subways, tipping and sightseeing, as well as a guidebook with additional trip specific information.

The first announced Broadway production included in the tour price is Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein." More information is available online at www.youngfrankensteinthemusical.com/home. A second Broadway play will be announced soon.

Included in the price is round-trip airfare from Oklahoma City to New York City, transportation between the airport and the hotel and accommodations for five nights at the Edison Hotel in the heart of the Theatre District at 47th and Broadway.

Though many tour members fly out from Oklahoma City, Drummond said it’s not uncommon for out-of-towners to fly from other cities and states and meet the group in New York.

“We have had numerous alumni and friends who live in Texas, California, Florida and other states arrange their own airfare and join us in New York,” he said.

In those cases, Drummond said the cost of airfare from Oklahoma City to New York is subtracted from the total price of the trip. Out-of-town travelers will be responsible for arranging their own flights. If arrival and departure times coincide with the main group, they can join the group and ride the chartered bus from the airport to the hotel and return.

In addition to the basic tour, there will be an optional theatre add-on package and an art/museum package available. Meals are not included in the price.

“Our hotel is centrally located on the island of Manhattan in the heart of the theater district, 50 steps from Times Square,” Knapp said. “We are within walking distance to most theaters, the Museum of Modern Art, Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Macy’s, Central Park, numerous restaurants and much more.”

The theatre package offers the addition of one, two or three plays chosen by Drummond.  The art package consists of visits to the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and a gallery tour led by Knapp. Costs for the art and theatre add-on packages will be based on the number and types of plays and/or museums selected.

The trip features plenty of free time for individual shopping, sightseeing and other adventures. USAO Independent Study credit is available for students but is not required.

More information is available from Roger Drummond by phone at (405) 361-2554 or by email at facdrummondr@usao.edu. Jacquelyn Knapp also is available by phone at (405) 574-1303 or by email at facknappj@usao.edu. 

 

PHOTO CUTLINE

USAO invites students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members to join a team of travelers headed to New York May 20-25. More information is available from tour leader Roger Drummond at (405) 361-2554. From left are 2007 New York tour members Candy Nicholson, Jamie Knapp, Katt Krause, USAO graphic designer Marcie Price and Dovie Hines, a 2006 graduate.

NEWS RELEASE August 22, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT MICHAEL BENDURE, News Bureau, 405-574-1362, mbendure@usao.edu
RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377