WOMAN: Vancity Theatre. How may I help you?
STUDENT: Hello? This is the independent theatre, is it not?
WOMAN: Yes.
STUDENT: Brilliant. I’m an international student living here in Vancouver. Um, I’m studying film, actually. One of my professors mentioned your theatre, and said that you have discounted memberships for students.
WOMAN: That’s right. I’m not sure how familiar you are with the concept of our theatre…
STUDENT: Not so much, really.
WOMAN: OK, well, we are a non-profit organization run primarily by volunteers, and are overseen by a board of directors. Our mandate is to increase awareness of world cultures by showing independent and festival-style films year-round.
STUDENT: Great.
WOMAN: We also rent out our venue to events that are in line with our mandate. We host our own events as well, of course. Um, such as the Vancouver International Film Festival.
STUDENT: That’s the biggest film festival on the West Coast!
WOMAN: Uh-huh.
STUDENT: So, people can become members?
WOMAN: Actually, we run on a member-only basis. In order to see any films, you have to first become a member. This helps us to stay afloat as a non-profit. Even though volunteers offer their time to save on staff costs, maintaining such a large theatre is quite expensive.
STUDENT: I’m sure. But can I become a member, since I’m not a Canadian citizen?
WOMAN: Yes, of course! As long as you have two forms of identification, we can get you signed up.
STUDENT: Is there a membership fee?
WOMAN: Yes. How much you pay depends on the type of membership you choose.
STUDENT: There is more than one?
WOMAN: There are three types of memberships, in fact.
STUDENT: Oh.
WOMAN: There’s the Basic Membership, which allows you to buy tickets for regular screenings. That costs $12 per year, and includes one complimentary ticket.
STUDENT: OK.
WOMAN: Then there’s the Gold Membership that gives you $2 off every ticket you buy. And that one’s $16 a year.
STUDENT: So, for only $4 more per year, you save a lot of money.
WOMAN: Right. And if you anticipate seeing a lot of films, you’re best to get the Premium Membership. It costs $40 per year, but you receive $4 off of every ticket you buy.
STUDENT: But, uh, what about the discounted student membership?
WOMAN: Right, sorry. Students receive 50 percent off any annual membership fee.
STUDENT: Wow! What a great deal! How can I sign up?
WOMAN: You’ll need to visit our box office between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Bring two forms of identification, and proof of your student status.
STUDENT: Will a copy of my transcripts from last year do? I’m still waiting to get my new student identification card. I lost mine over the summer.
WOMAN: Hmm… I’m not sure about that. I’ll have to ask my manager and have her call you back.
STUDENT: Sure.
WOMAN: What’s your name?
STUDENT: Brenton Searle. S-E-A-R-L-E.
WOMAN: And Brenton, what’s a phone number we can reach you at?
STUDENT: 6-0-4-4-4-4-8-9-3-4.
WOMAN: Thanks. And is there anything else I can help you with today?
STUDENT: Well, I just have one question. Are members guaranteed passes for the Vancouver International Film Festival? That’s what I’m truly interested in.
WOMAN: Unfortunately, no. You have to register for passes just like everyone else. But if you get your name in early enough, it should be all right. And if you join our mailing list, you’ll be the first to know when the passes go on sale.
STUDENT: OK, thanks so much.