New Web site is just the ticket for Shakespeare festival

The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival launched a new version of its Web site just in time for the 2004 season.

"It was in answer to last year's market research survey," said executive director Catherine Atack.

Visitors get choice of "dial-up" or "DSL" when they log onto www.LakeTahoeShakespeare.com

Those who click on broadband or DSL go to a Flash site, which depicts the Sand Harbor stage with Shakespearean figures that can be clicked on and moved around.

Atack said the new Web site design offers users an easier way to purchase tickets.

"This will make help users and cut down on labor for us," she said.

Orders are processed immediately through the festival box office. Visitors also may browse the new press room and online store, which sells sweatshirts and other items.

The site, designed by Zach Lyon Creative in Reno, is cleaner and easier to manage. The amount of labor it will save will cut operating costs significantly in the long run, Atack said.

Another new feature on the site is the ability to book a package directly online. Lodging is encouraged with the festival's sponsors, the Cal-Neva Resort and the Eldorado in Reno, but other accommodations can be made from the site, Atack said.

"When booking reservations for a certain period of time, people can see which nights are available for 'Much Ado About Nothing' and 'As You Like It' and book tickets simultaneously," she said.

Previously, the site had provided links that were awkward for some users.

The festival attracts $34 million in business annually to the region, and Atack is a member of the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau.

The organization also is an on-site nonprofit member of the Parasol Community Collaboration. It is hoping to provide additional entertainment on the Sand Harbor stage as early as this fall.

"Expanding our offerings is our due diligence to those who created the stage and to our sponsors," Atack said.