There are some skills all college students must have to survive their years of higher learning. One of these is the ability to get top-quality entertainment for the lowest price possible. For the fourth consecutive season, the UCSD Theatre and Dance Department is giving UCSD students an opportunity to hone their spendthrift skills by offering an opportunity to enjoy fine theater at a rock-bottom price.

Created four years ago by Department Chair Walt Jones, the “”Five for Five”” program allows students to buy one pass for $5 that will gain them admittance to five main stage productions that take place from November through May. Regular student prices are $6 per production.

“”Walt Jones wanted to make sure that every student on campus had an opportunity to get acquainted to really fine theater,”” said Caroline Passeneau, promotions manager for the department of theatre and dance. “”It’s been a big success.””

“”The program introduces our plays to students who would not normally take advantage of them,”” said Erin Sposato, a work-study student who regularly attends productions.

Unbeknownst to many, UCSD’s graduate’s theatre program is ranked third in the nation. This prestigious ranking comes from high caliber productions like the ones in the upcoming 2002-2003 season. “”Five for Five”” members will be able to enjoy the upcoming “”Morning Becomes Electra,”” directed by UCSD student Suzanne Agins. The grandeur of this first production will be echoed throughout the rest of the year with such stage performances as “”Angels in America: Millennium Approaches,”” “”The Two Gentlemen of Verona,”” “”An Evening of Dance”” and the hilarious “”Stage Door.””

“”‘Five for Five’ is rewarding for all the actors as well,”” explained Patti Harp, management services officer of the department. Harp explained that a large audience is also an important part of the training for stage managers, designers and directors who gain experience through the audiences’ reactions to the production.

“”The purpose of ‘Five for Five’ [is] to expose students on campus to theater and get them addicted,”” added Harp.

UCSD students who are interested in taking part in the camaraderie of UCSD theater and dance productions through “”Five for Five”” should visit the theatre and dance department on the south side of Galbraith Hall with their student ID card before Oct. 31.