Florida Rep's babysitting nights give parents a night out

A night out on the town is not just for grown-ups at the Florida Repertory Theatre. Now in its 11th season, Florida Rep is once again holding 2008-2009 Babysitting Nights, a program designed to give children an educational and interactive evening of creative games and learning while mom and dad get a stress-free evening of award-winning professional theater.

Parents' first opportunity to take advantage of this unique program is Friday Oct. 10, with Tennessee Williams' autobiographical classic, "The Glass Menagerie." Florida Rep is offering eight such nights throughout the season for each of its eight productions.

"How about a play date for the parents?" says Rachel Burttram, the Rep's associate director. "We want people of all ages and demographics to enjoy live theater, but sometimes having little ones can get in the way of mom and dad's social life."

While their parents see the play, children will take part in an interactive theater workshop, enjoy a snack and games. The cost for Babysitting is $10 for children ages 4 to 11 with the purchase two regular price tickets ($34/$38) to that evening's performance.

The performance on each Babysitting Night begins at 8 p.m. Parents are welcome to drop youngsters off in Florida Rep's studio space at 7:30 p.m. for an evening of interactive fun.

"It's part of our mission to make theater accessible to everyone," Burttram finished, "and now young parents have no excuse to miss out on a night at the theater."

Single-ticket prices are $38, $34 and $20. Season subscriptions are now on sale through the box office, and subscribing is the most economical way to see Florida Rep's work, and packages are available that save up to 57 percent on single-ticket prices.

Florida Repertory Theatre is located on Bay Street between Jackson and Hendry in the Historic Arcade Theatre in the Fort Myers River District. Subscriptions and single tickets are available through the Box Office at (239) 332-4488. Visit Florida Rep online at www.floridarep.org.

Florida Rep's 2008-2009 Babysitting Nights

• "The Glass Menagerie" Friday, Oct. 10 • "Born Yesterday" Friday, Nov. 7 • "Indian Blood" Friday, Dec. 5 • "Dancing at Lughnasa" Friday, Jan. 16 • "Alone Together" Friday, Feb. 20 • "The Art of Murder" Friday, March 27 • "The Last Romance" Friday, May 1 • "Shirley Valentine" Friday, June 5