Registered student organizations can save money when hosting events at Broadway Theatre instead of Warriner Hall’s Plachta Auditorium.

“It’s definitely cheaper,” said Whitney Dubay, Phi Sigma Sigma sorority president and Essexville senior.

The Broadway Theatre, 216 E. Broadway St., is allowing more Central Michigan University RSOs to use the venue, said Phil Mikus, board chairman of Friends of the Broadway, the nonprofit entity that owns the theatre.

“We want to bring different groups into the Broadway and we’re willing to negotiate on price,” he said.

Mikus said RSOs are not charged more than $350 to use the Broadway Theatre.

Phi Sigma Sigma hosted the Mr. PhiSignificant Pageant at the Broadway Theatre in October.

The group tried for Plachta Auditorium, but did not get the paperwork in time to qualify for Student Budget Allocation Committee funding.

“In my opinion, it worked out better anyway,” Dubay said. “Because the Broadway had a nicer atmosphere all around.”

She said the Broadway Theatre provided additional perks at no extra cost, including free concessions and free lighting services for the Mr. PhiSignificant Pageant.

What about Plachta?

Students who use Plachta Auditorium and Broadway Theatre say there are pros and cons to both venues.

“We’ve had great shows at both,” said Nicole Bouman, Big Rapids senior and president of CMU’s female a cappella group On the Rox.

On the Rox hosted its fall concert this year at Plachta Auditorium because it felt it was more convenient than an off-campus venue.

They group paid within 5 percent of Assistant Director of University Events Keith Voeks’ original estimate of $1,212 to use Plachta Auditorium.

Voeks said the use of sound, lighting, video projection and microphone equipment contributes to Plachta Auditorium’s higher price tag.

“Plachta is not a regularly funded venue,” he said. “It does not have an operating fund.”

Voeks said that is why RSOs have to pay for equipment and labor costs.

The only organizations that pay rental fees are those unaffiliated with the university.

Voeks said he refers students to the Broadway Theatre if Plachta Auditorium does not cater to their needs.

“It’s a great nonprofit facility and we should support them,” he said.

The SBAC funds awarded to On the Rox covered all university event fees for its fall concert, allowing it to take advantage of Plachta Auditorium’s size.

Utilizing Plachta Auditorium does have its conveniences, but some RSOs may still look elsewhere if the price is not right, Voeks said.

“This year, we are seeing a slight decrease (in use by RSOs) in the more expensive places,” he said.

E-mail the author: Carisa Seltz