Ticket sales have spiked as students plan ahead for the arrival of “Wicked,” leaving Popejoy unable to meet the demand for half-priced student tickets, which are no longer available.

The Student Fee Review Board, a student advisory body that recommends allocation of student fees, cut the funding for discounted tickets $3,000 this spring. The cutback, in conjunction with regular sales that have reached more than $90,000, resulted in the ticket shortage.

GPSA President Lissa Knudsen, also the SFRB chair, said the board decided to cut Popejoy’s funding because it wanted to prioritize programs more closely related to the University’s academic mission.

“It’s in relation to other programs that are meeting essential needs that it’s a low priority,” Knudsen said.

Popejoy’s director Tom Tkach said student demand has never failed to exceed funding, something he feels is evidence of sufficient student preference.

The SFRB was concerned with the number of students who benefit from this discount as well as the extent of the benefits in relation to more academic programs, Knudsen said.

“Twenty-five dollars is still a lot of money for a luxury item to go to a play,” Knudsen said. “As important as it is for your soul, mind and personal growth, it is not an immediate need.”

Knudsen said the SFRB explored more advantageous uses for the funds, such as the LGBTQ resource center, which she said would have a greater impact on a student’s ability to graduate. The board maintained funding for programs like CAPS and the libraries.

The Board of Regents received these recommendations, cutting funds accordingly. However, it imposed a $10 increase for Athletics on top of the recommended decrease, effectively raising the allocation by $8 per student.

Considering funds come from mandatory fees, students will have the opportunity to influence next year’s distribution at the SFRB’s open meeting in the spring semester.