Yellowknife (Feb 08/06) - You don't have to wait in line to purchase tickets, or worry about losing your seat because you misplaced your stub.

YKtix.com is now online, so getting tickets for that play you wanted to see is as easy as clicking a mouse.

"Your information is saved in the database, so there is a permanent record of your sale," said Tony Watier, owner of YKtix.com.

The only ticket agent for theatrical events in the city is Birchwood Gallery, which Watier owns as well.

"We used to sell the tickets voluntarily," said Watier.

The old process wasn't working as Watier wanted, so he enlisted the use of a U.S.-based company for ticket sales. Now he owns the contract for the Northern Arts and Cultural Centre and sells tickets for their events.

"You can buy the tickets online, or here at the gallery," said Watier.

The newest, and some might say coolest, aspect of the new system, is the tickets are made on the computer using barcodes.

"We ask for your name and address for our records," said Watier.

The information is digitally imprinted on each ticket, so when you scan your ticket at the event, it is entered in the database.

"We know who used their tickets and who didn't," said Watier.

Information like who you are, when you bought the ticket and where are all stored in the micro-lines of ink in a barcode. Using the online service is easy to use, said Watier.

"You can print the ticket at home, too," he said.

Barcoding the tickets eliminates the worry of a stolen ticket as well.

If your ticket goes missing, just call up the ticket booth and let them know that you need another one.

"You'll be issued a new ticket with new barcode info," said Watier.

"The old one is cancelled and useless at the event."