“COOL: SAN FRANCISCO & SHAKESPEARE”

Both a theatre company and conservatory, the American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.) proudly “embraces its responsibility to conserve, renew, and reinvent the rich theatrical traditions” of its collective legacy. It all began in 1965.

Two years after its debut, A.C.T. successfully opened its first season. From the start, its commitment to the art of live theater was proven through its bold productions and educational programs. Today, the conservatory provides instruction to 3,000 students annually, and in the past 30 years, has staged more than 300 productions. Its combined audience total over that same period of time? Seven million!

Former students include Danny Glover, Annette Bening, Denzel Washington, Benjamin Bratt, and Anika Noni Rose. In A.C.T.’s current productions, who knows if there’s a star-in-the-making among the talented cast. Each season, the conservatory is determined to produce challenging theatre, inviting new and proven works alike to its beautiful stage: The American Conservatory Theatre, formerly known as Geary Theatre. It’s an experience all its own.

Official Site: http://www.act-sf.org/
Box Office: 415.749.2228, online
Current Season: Now Playing

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^{* Photo of the American Conservatory Theater by Marco Lorenzetti.}

If you plan on visiting San Francisco anytime between October 3 and November 2, 2008, you might want to check out what’s available from Theatre Bay Area’s “Free Night of Theater,” an annual event which has grown into an entire month of free theater-going.

Indeed, the “free-for-all” includes you, the visitor to San Francisco. Should your trip coincide, definitely try and get in on the giveaway. Starting today (Oct. 1), a new batch of tickets will be uploaded every Wednesday through October 22nd, and will remain available until they’re gone. Log on early for the best selection.

A free show during your stay in San Francisco could be the perfect end to a day spent exploring the city. Participating S.F. theaters include the American Conservatory Theatre, 42nd Street Moon, and SF Playhouse.

Last year, Theatre Bay Area gave away over 8,000 tickets to theater-goers across the Bay. To be part of the celebration this year, simply log onto the official site and take a look at the available tickets. Register a patron ID (it takes but a minute) and then, reserve your ticket(s). Performances begin October 3rd and continue through November 2nd.

• What: Free Night of Theater in San Francisco

• Where: Various theaters in the Bay Area; over 25 in the city alone.
• Website: www.tixbayarea.com
• Contact: 1.415.430.1140.
• Remember: The tickets database is constantly changing, but on Oct. 1, 8, 15, and 22, a new batch is uploaded in the morning.

^{* JoBeth Williams, Dennis Boutsikaris, and Laurie Metcalf in Jane Anderson’s The Quality of Life at the American Conservatory Theatre. Photo (c) Geffen Playhouse and Michael Lamont.}

Landlocked in Central Europe, Austria is surrounded by several other countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Italy that make travel a snap. Tourists can make Austria part of a multi-country tour or travel there specifically to holiday in its beautiful countryside and historic towns.

Known as an alpine country, the famed Alps of Austria actually only cover about half of its landscape. Nonetheless, skiing in Austria is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Many travel to Austria for the skiing alone, with an ample supply of cozy ski resorts found throughout. Indeed, winter sport tourism thrives in Austria, with peak travel times traditionally being from Christmas to January 2nd and all of February. Other outdoor adventures that tourists enjoy are hiking and cycling – both refreshing ways to travel and take in a scenic journey.

As for where to go in Austria, there are plenty of choices, with historic cities Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz always high on travel checklists. In 2008, the European Football Championships (Euro 2008) will see football fans from the world over travel to Austria and Switzerland to attend the tourney. The Austria cities of Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, and the aforementioned Vienna and Salzburg will all host matches. However, though football might bring the fans to Austria, it shouldn’t be their only memory, as Austria offers great food and drink, beautiful scenery, unique shopping, and quite simply, a wonderful travel experience.

To travel to Austria is to step into one of the safest countries in the world – a luxury that’s afforded all. For instance, in Austria, it’s not uncommon to knock on the door of a country farmhouse to ask if a room is available. Even if they don’t have one, they’ll make sure you won’t have to travel very far to find a place to rest. The people of Austria are characteristically friendly, even if somewhat reserved. One thing to remember when you travel to this European gem is to mind your manners. Courtesy in a foreign country is always advisable, but in Austria, it’s easily inspired by those you meet.

Travel to and from cities is best done by train, but to explore the Austria countryside, renting a car for a few days is a smart travel idea. Keep in mind that credit cards aren’t used as frequently in Austria as in other European countries you might travel to, though debit cards are accepted most everywhere. Travel light when exploring the cities, towns, and rural sights, but be sure to bring along the essentials: visa or photo ID, money, and maps. Austria is a beautiful country, but like anywhere, you wouldn’t want to travel and get lost in it. Fortunately, travel in the Austrian Alps is such a popular pastime, there are a good number of marked trails, as well as mountain shelters; not to mention the many other hikers and mountain-climbers to ask travel directions from.

If you travel to Austria, it would help a great deal to learn a few common German words/phrases, as 99% of the people speak the language. And finally, remember that the currency of Austria is the Euro (€), so when you do travel there, make sure to account for the proper conversion rate.

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