LOS ANGELES -- The Valley Theatre League is planning to open a half-price ticket booth in the North Hollywood district.

It would be an alternative to Theatre L.A.'s Times Tix outlet in the Beverly Center, located on the city's West Side.

"The ticket booth in Beverly Center is very inconvenient for us," said Ed Gaynes, who was recently re-elected for his third term as president of the VTL. "I mean, I don't want to go there."

Gaynes is a producer and theatre owner who has been involved in the league since its founding six years ago.

The NoHo half-price outlet will open in the next two months someplace near the intersection of Magnolia and Lankershim boulevards. It would operate for only a few hours each day and sell half-price tickets to that evening's performances. "That way you're not dealing with tourists or Beverly Center types, but people who live and work in the area," Gaynes said.

The league has a toll-free number that lists currently running shows -- (888) 677-SHOW; or, for local calls, (818) 759-7592. The league's website is www.1bc.com/vtl.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent