Riverland Community College is about to help people take a bite out of the Big Apple.

The college is planning for its next study abroad trip: Big Arts in the Big Apple from March 12 to 17, 2015.

The trip is open for up to 40 students and community members who want to experience New York City and all it has to offer.

“It’s kind of a New York City 101,” said theater director Lindsey Williams, who is leading the trip with Scott Blankenbaker.

This year had been pegged as a London Dash year, but costly airfare to Europe caused organizers to reconsider. Instead, they opted for the New York trip, and Williams was pleased to be able to offer the trip at an affordable price.

“We’re really happy with it this year,” she said.

Airfare and hotel packages will cost $793 to $1,222 — depending on whether people share rooms with up to three people or opt for a solo room — and include roundtrip, nonstop flights between Minneapolis International Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, and hotel accomodations in Times Square.

“We were able to put together a very affordable package this year,” Williams said.

While participants need not be Riverland students, they must register for a two-credit class, which costs an additional $367.32, plus fees, or $64.62 for senior citizens age 62 or older.

“It is open to every body,” Williams said.

After free continental breakfast at the hotel, each participant will be responsible for all other costs for food, show tickets, subways transpiration and more.

The trip has no itinerary, and participants have freedom to focus on whatever cultural experiences they wish: theater, concerts, museums or tourist destinations like Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, and more.

Williams and Blankenbaker will host small group trips and will be available to help participants navigate New York, the subway system, and secure affordable tickets to shows and museums.

A city the size of New York can be intimidating, but Williams said this trip is a good way for people to experience all the city has to offer, whether someone has been there before or not.

“It’s really sort of an easy way to get to experience new york for the first time,” she said.

For theater people, March is a good time to be in New York, as they get a chance to see many big shows.

“It is a good time of year because you’re getting close to the end of the Broadway season,” she said, noting many shows are opening in anticipation of the Tony Awards.

Informational meetings about the trip will be held at 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 14. Registrations are due Nov. 24, along with a $250 nonrefundable deposit.

Participants must attend two classes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 20 and March 3, but Williams described them as more introductory discussions to prep for the trip. Williams and Blankenbaker are working to have the classes available online. People can invite friends or relatives from outside Austin and outside Minnesota, which has happened before. Williams just said they must take the prep classes online and find a way to meet the group at Riverland or the airport.

For more, visit www.riverland.edu/baba/ or contact Scott Blankenbaker at scott.blankenbaker@riverland.edu and 507-433-0547 or Lindsey Williams lindsey.williams@riverland.edu and 507-434-7390.

Trip cost

Occupancy covers airfare and hotel. All other expenses are

• Quad occupancy: $793.00

• Triple occupancy: $841.00

• Double occupancy: $936.00

• Single occupancy: $1,222.00

• Plus two credits of tuition

—$367.32, plus fees

—$64.62 (Senior: age 62 and up)

• Tuition payment is due at time of registration for MUSC 2600 or THTR 2600 and is not included in basic cost. Credit Cards, checks, and cash accepted.

Scholarships are available for Riverland Theatre & Music students.