Give your first year a standing ovation.

IU Auditorium
Each year the IU Auditorium brings in a slew of great national touring acts, from traveling Broadway shows to comedians to concerts. This year’s series is impressive. Don’t miss: “Avenue Q” or The Beatles tribute band Rain. Tickets can be purchased at the the IU Auditorium Box Office, located at 1211 E. Seventh St. The box office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit www.iuauditorium.com.

IU Jacobs School of Music
The music school holds tons of performances, some big, some small. Throughout the year, the school holds orchestral and choral concerts as well as smaller recitals for free. The biggest draws are the IU Opera and IU Ballet performances, held in the Musical Arts Center. Discount student tickets are available for bigger shows, though most events are free. For a schedule of events, visit www.music.indiana.edu/events. For season tickets, call 855-7433. To order tickets in person, visit the box office at the Musical Arts Center, located at 101 N. Jordan Ave. The office is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

IU Department of Theatre and Drama
The shows are usually expertly performed by students, and this year’s lineup is an exciting one. Make sure you don’t miss the first show, “Blood Brothers,” opening Oct. 9 in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center. For season tickets, call 855-1103. Tickets for shows at the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center can be purchased in person at the IU Auditorium Box Office.

Awkward Silence Improv Comedy
This student-run improv comedy group offers students a free show at 9 p.m. every Thursday. Come watch the team perform in the Union. For more information, visit www.awkwardsilencecomedy.com.
 
Bloomington Playwrights Project
A community-run theater located at 107 W. Ninth St., the BPP produces and performs original plays in its cozy theater house. For more information, call 334-1188 or visit www.newplays.org.

IU Contemporary Dance Program
If you love dance, you’ll love the performances of the Contemporary Dance Program. The choreography and music selections are edgy, and sometimes dark – which can be a nice break from “The Nutcracker,” if you need one. For more information, visit www.indiana.edu/~kines/undergraduate/dance.shtml.

Full Frontal Improv Comedy
Come to the Union’s Frangipani Room at 9 p.m. on Fridays for a free improv comedy show by student group Full Frontal. For more information, visit www.geocities.com/fullfrontalcomedy.