Coastal Carolina University announces its fall 2009 cultural events schedule, a varied program of performances and exhibits for students, community members and area visitors. This year's calendar features lower prices for select performances as well as an online schedule with e-mail updates.

Highlights of the fall calendar include productions of "Two Gentlemen of Verona" by the Cambridge University American Stage Tour and "Frankenstein" by New World Performance Laboratory. Rick Benjamin's Paragon Ragtime Orchestra will perform the original scores of two classic shorts by Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton in a film program called "The Clown Princes."

Other programs of art, theater and music will also be presented for a diverse, enriching season. As part of its cultural outreach, the University also hosts children's theater events each year especially for students from elementary schools throughout the region.

During the winter months, Wheelwright Auditorium will be closed for renovations that include new seating, a new stage and new technological equipment. Performances will be held in other campus venues such as the Edwards Theatre, Recital Hall and Wall Auditorium. The renovations will occur from Dec. 1 to March 1 and will not affect the scheduled events.

An online calendar offers a detailed listing of the program of events and can be accessed at www.coastal.edu/culturalarts. Visitors to the site will have the option of registering to receive e-mail updates about the events. For information about upcoming events or to purchase tickets to a performance, call the Wheelwright Box Office weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 843-349-2502. Tickets may be purchased by phone for an additional $2 fee per ticket.