The Trump-Kennedy Center (TKC) is rolling out the red carpet to members of the public ahead of what could be the final major show before it closes for major construction.
This year’s Mark Twain Awards will honor Bill Maher, but the audience won’t only feature high-level donors to the legendary arts center. For the first time, the TKC is rolling out ticket packages that cost as little as $99, according to invitations obtained by the Washington Reporter.
Among those who the center said will be in appearance to honor Maher are Louis C.K., Whitney Cummings, Woody Harrelson, Arianna Huffington, Jay Leno, John Mellencamp, and Stephen A. Smith.
Members of the public can also join celebrities at the official after party for as little as $750. With President Donald Trump at its helm, the TKC has worked to expand its reach beyond the traditional crowds that dominated its events for years, and these discounted tickets are the latest example.
“Previously, limited tickets were available to members of the public the last couple of days before the show, but we’re trying to make this more accessible to every supporter — not only to big donors,” a TKC insider explained to the Reporter.
The awards will take place on June 28, a few days before the center’s planned — but controversial — plans to shutter to conduct millions of dollars of repairs. While the center wants to close its doors for years, a judge recently ruled that it is not able to do so.
While this year’s Mark Twain Awards will have one of its most egalitarian audiences ever, it also retains high-level sponsors. Wells Fargo, for example, is the Presenting Sponsor of the Mark Twain Prize, while United Airlines is the Official Airline of the Mark Twain Prize, and Booz Allen is the sponsor of the Night Before Dinner.
