WASHINGTON (AP) - To celebrate its 40th birthday, the Kennedy Center in Washington is giving away free tickets to every performance taking place in the 2011-2012 season and is starting an effort to reach more young people, military families and underserved groups.

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Beginning Thursday at 10 a.m., people can enter online to win a pair of tickets to a performance. In total, more than 1,200 free tickets will be distributed from a random drawing after the entry period closes Sept. 19.

The ticket giveaway serves as the beginning of the center's MyTix program. It will offer discounted, complimentary and last-minute tickets to select performances. MyTix members also will receive ticket alerts and discounts on food and drinks.

Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein funded the program to broaden the center's audience.

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Online:
http://www.kennedy-center.org/kc40