Louisville arts groups have announced a new program that will offer $10 rush tickets to more than 70 performances during the balance of the 2008-09 arts season, including propductions by Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Louisville Orchestra, Louisville Ballet and the Broadway series.

The program is part of an effort to battle the faltering economy that is putting a pinch on arts groups and patrons alike. Last month, Louisville arts groups saw their city funding cut by 50 percent.

“As an arts community, we are very grateful for the enormous support and positive feedback we receive each year,” Stephen Klein, President of The Kentucky Center, said in a news release. “This is a way for us to give back, something especially important in light of the current economic crisis. Patrons will now have the opportunity to see award-winning live performances for the price of a movie ticket.”

Discounted performances at the Kentucky Center will include the Mark Morris and Alvin Ailey dance groups. Other groups will be offering shows such as productions in the Humana Festival of New American Plays and Leonard Bernstein celebration by the Louisville Orchestra.

The Arts Rush tickets will be available in person at the box office two hours prior to the selected performances.