Students will be able to do their one-stop shopping for any theatre, dance, music or fashion event at the new box office in the Music and Speech Building.

The Performing Arts Box Office, originally called The School of Theatre and Dance Box Office, created an easier process to purchase tickets.

“It’s a collaborated effort,” box office manager Jenna Bice said. “Before, we were just selling tickets only for theatre and dance events. Now it will be a smooth experience for everyone to purchase tickets for a performing-arts event they want to see.”

The new box office, which opened Monday, will also help students receive their free tickets for most performing-arts events including “Big Love,” Dance 2012 and the Kent State Orchestra Opera.

“At the box office, the student arts fee [that pays for most events] and the free performances will be highly promoted, so students will be more aware of it,” Bice said. “Seeing the arts is a valuable experience.”

Students now also will be able to purchase tickets online, said Denise Seachrist, director of the School of Music. She said it would improve the overall experience of purchasing tickets.

“It will help our process move so smoothly,” Seachrist said. “It will be convenient for those who support us and go to performances. All of our events are free, but it will be nice when an event is charged.”

Many student employees who worked at the box office last year will be returning. Bice said she also hired new student employees with majors ranging from geology to fashion, which encourages any student to experience the arts.

“The biggest challenge, though, will be getting people accustomed to the new box office,” Bice said. “I don’t want people confusing the new marketing materials with the old.”

The Performing Arts Box Office is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.

Contact Rebecca Campbell at [email protected].