In a nod to the struggling economy, organizers of the Contemporary American Theater Festival are now offering two budget-friendly alternatives.

Besides the usual Pay What You Can Preview on July 8 and 9, they're also offering Sunday Night Specials, with single tickets for all evening shows at $25.

Founder and producing director Ed Herendeen says live theater is important to the community, and he wants to keep it affordable.

The regular season begins Friday, July 10 and runs through August 2.