Attend a Performance or Event

Our audiences catch talented student artists at the beginning of their careers, before they go on to be recognized at the national level in their field, as well as performances by expert faculty and renowned guest artists. We encourage the public to explore our events and make plans to attend!

Read on for helpful information for attendees of SMTD performances and events.

Audience Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to find a seat?

Typically ample seating will be available at our free performances and events. Please be aware that some SMTD performance spaces have a limited capacity, and seats are available to event attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. These venues include:

  • At the Moore Building:
    • Hankinson Rehearsal Hall
    • Watkins Lecture Hall
    • McIntosh Theatre
  • At Walgreen Drama Center:
    • Towsley Studio
    • Newman Studio
  • All Studios in the Dance Building

Can I bring my baby?

With the exception of the Halloween Concert, children under the age of three will not be admitted into performances. All children, regardless of age, must have their own ticket and must be able to sit quietly in their own seats throughout the performance. Age guidelines will be posted on individual performance pages.

If I arrive late, can I still get in?

Late seating is not guaranteed, and varies by performance to reduce disruption. Please leave ample time for parking and arrival.

How will I know if the event is cancelled or if there are any other changes?

Our event calendar is kept as accurate as possible, but is subject to change at any time. Please check back in advance of your planned event to confirm details. In the case of ticketed events, you will be notified of any cancellations.

Where is the performance located?

Visit our Calendar of Events to find event locations. For ticketed performances, the performance venue is located on your ticket. Scroll down on this page for details on our most common event locations on North Campus and Central Campus.

Can I buy parking online?

We do not offer event parking through our office. You must pay for parking at the lot/structure when you arrive. Event parking is payable by credit card only.

Where can I park?

Parking on the U-M campus is limited, and there may be an event fee assigned or hourly parking fees at the nearest structure/surface lot. Please see our Maps & Directions page for campus parking information as well as public transportation options. Accessible parking is provided in University of Michigan parking structures and surface lots for those with a state-issued disability permit or a U-M handicap verification permit. There are drop-off areas near Hill Auditorium, the Michigan League, and Walgreen Drama Center, and inside the Power Center Fletcher Street parking structure.

Ticket FAQs

Do you offer ticket discounts?

Discounted Student Tickets (students and children age 3+):

  • Student tickets are available in select locations for most performances.
  • Limit TWO per college student, one per child or high school student.
  • University Students must show valid ID at time of pick-up.
  • The box office can not release partial orders containing discounted tickets.
  • Student price is listed when available. Please use the listed promo code on the ticketing page to access the student discount.
  • When standard tickets are available at or below the student rate, additional student discounts will not be available.
  • Most student tickets cannot be mailed. Verified students (students whose IDs have been verified by the box office) may have their tickets mailed if they choose.
  • The student discount cannot be combined with other discounts.

Group Tickets:

An order of 10 or more tickets to a single performance entitles you to amenities of the Group Sales Program, which may include ticket discounts, waived service fees, payment plans, and advanced purchasing privileges. To place your group order, contact our group sales desk at 734-763-3100 or [email protected].

I lost my tickets. Can I get new ones?

Please call the Ticket Office at 734-764-2538 to have duplicate tickets sent via email or held at Will Call. Duplicate tickets cannot be mailed. If the Ticket Office is closed, please go to the Will Call of the event for assistance.

I can no longer attend! Can I get a refund?

If you can no longer use your tickets, you may choose to exchange or donate your tickets.

You may exchange your tickets for any future performance of any production within the season. We do not require that you exchange your tickets for another performance of the same production. There is a $5 exchange fee per ticket. Flex Package subscribers may exchange their tickets up to 48 hours in advance with no fee, or up to an hour before the performance; but beginning an hour before the performance, tickets may only be donated.

Alternately, tickets may be returned to the box office as a tax-deductible donation. All donations must be received prior to the performance start time. The revenue generated by your donation will go directly to support future performances, productions, and academic programs.

I ordered tickets to arrive in the mail. How long will that take?

Tickets are sent in the mail daily. Typically orders arrive 4-5 business days after mailing. Please allow for up to two weeks.

When can I pick up Will Call tickets?

You can pick up your Will Call tickets beginning an hour before the scheduled performance time at the box office window in the lobby of the venue.

What do I need to bring to claim my Will Call tickets?

If you are a student you need to bring your student ID. No other identification is needed.

Accessibility of Venues

All of our ticketed performance venues have barrier-free entrances. Patrons with accessibility or special seating needs should notify the Ticket Office of those needs at the time of ticket purchase. We will make every effort to accommodate special needs brought to our attention at the performance, but we request that these arrangements be made in advance if at all possible.

  • Please Note: Stairs are required to access the balcony seats in the Power Center, Hill Auditorium, and the Mendelssohn Theater.

Information about accessible entry-points and elevator access in all SMTD buildings is available through the interactive campus map.

Accessible parking is provided in University of Michigan parking structures and surface lots for those with a state-issued disability permit or a U-M handicap verification permit. There are drop-off areas near Hill Auditorium and Rackham Auditorium and inside the Power Center structure.

See our Maps & Directions page for more information on free U-M buses, convenient public buses, and taxi options.

Audience Accommodations

  • Seating spaces for patrons with mobility disabilities and their companions are located throughout each venue, and ushers are available to assist patrons. Please let the usher know how best to assist you.
    • Elevator Access: Elevators are available in Hill Auditorium. Please note that there is no elevator access for balcony seating in the Power Center.
  • Assistive listening devices are available at all of our ticketed performances. Earphones may be obtained upon arrival. Please ask an usher for assistance.
  • Large-print programs are available at our fully-staged productions, upon request from an usher. Programs are also posted on our website in advance of each performance.
  • Sign language interpretation: ASL interpretation is available upon request (3 weeks advance notice to UMS to arrange requested).

ADA Requests: Visitors, guests, customers, and members of the public have the opportunity to request accommodations to ensure an accessible University of Michigan experience. Visitors are encouraged to request any accommodations prior to any event or trip. Initial requests should be directed to the event organizer, the venue management, or other customer contact. If visitors require assistance or have additional questions, concerns, experiences, and ideas, they are encouraged to contact the University of Michigan ECRT ADA Team via the ADA Request Form or by contacting [email protected].

Maps & Directions

North Campus Venues

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Carillon Tower – 1230 Murfin Ave

Walgreen Drama Center – 1226 Murfin Ave

Arthur Miller Theatre, Stamps Auditorium and Newman Studio are located within Walgreen.

Earl V. Moore Building – 1100 Baits Dr

Home to Britton Recital Hall, McIntosh Theatre, Watkins Lecture Hall, Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, Hankinson Rehearsal Hall, and Chip Davis Technology Studio.

Dance Building – 1000 Baits Dr

Home to the Dance Performance Studio Theatre.

Central Campus Venues

Hill Auditorium – 825 N. University Ave

Burton Memorial Tower – 881 N. University Ave

Power Center for the Performing Arts – 121 N. Fletcher St

Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre – Located within the Michigan League, 911 N. University Ave

Rackham Auditorium – Located within Rackham Graduate School, 915 E. Washington St

Questions?