In a bid to combat sticker shock with young theatregoers, Roundabout Theatre Company artistic director Todd Haimes has launched a new discount program called HIPTIX. The membership program is currently being offered free to theatregoers between 19-35 years of age.

“We hope HIPTIX will motivate younger audiences to attend plays and change their perception that a night at the theatre is beyond their financial means,” Haimes said in a prepared statement.

The annual membership offer expires Jan 1. Until then, free HIPTIX services include new low-priced ticket alternatives including a 50 percent savings on tickets to “participating Roundabout productions.” For the 2000-2001 season, the participating productions include Betrayal, A Skull In Connemara, Design For Living, Blue and Faith Healer.

Joining the list of established audience development programs at Roundabout (Family Series, Solo Series and Teacher’s Series), HIPTIX is aimed at establishing theatregoing habits with “a segment of the population traditionally under-represented in New York theatres.”

After the initial free offer, “HIPTIX members will pay only $30 for Roundabout’s Broadway productions and $25 for Off-Broadway performances. The program allows for date flexibility and show choice, as members elect to purchase tickets on a show-by-show basis during preview periods and other specially designated performance dates.” HIPTIX annual fees are $30 per person with duo memberships available for $60. Roundabout says that membership forms and program information are available at www.roundabouttheatre.org/hiptix.htm or by calling Ticket Services at 212-719-1300. —By Murdoch McBride