Power Center
With a variable thrust or proscenium stage, the 1,300-seat Power Center provides a versatile and technically sophisticated facility for theatrical productions. Located on Central Campus, the Power Center was completed in 1971 in a modern classical style featuring soaring glass and concrete architectural features.
History
The Power Center for the Performing Arts originated from a realization that the University of Michigan had no adequate proscenium-stage theatre for the performing arts. Hill Auditorium was too massive and technically limited for most productions, and the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, too small. The Power Center was built to supply this missing link in design and seating capacity.
In 1963, Eugene and Sadye Power, together with their son Philip, wished to make a major gift to the University. Amidst a list of University priorities was mentioned “a new theatre.” The Powers were immediately interested, realizing that state and federal government were unlikely to provide financial support for the construction of a new theatre.
Opening in 1971 with the world premiére of The Grass Harp (based on the novel by Truman Capote), the Power Center achieves the seemingly contradictory combination of providing a soaring interior space with a unique level of intimacy. Architectural features include two large spiral staircases leading from the orchestra level to the balcony and the well-known mirrored glass panels on the exterior. No seat in the Power Center is more than 72 feet from the stage. The lobby of the Power Center features two hand-woven tapestries: Modern Tapestry by Roy Lichtenstein and Volutes by Pablo Picasso.
Namesakes: Eugene and Sadye Power
The Power Center for the Performing Arts honors a family of public servants and U-M alumni.
The philanthropy of Eugene and Sadye Power, and their son, Philip, made the 1,300-seat performance hall a reality for the campus. The family initially gave $1.6 million in the early 1960s, and pledged another $1.2 million in 1968. Construction began in 1969, with the facility named to honor the Powers for their longstanding support of the performing arts in Ann Arbor.
Eugene B. Power was born in Traverse City in 1905. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at U-M and, in 1929, married Sadye L. Harwick. A native of Monroe, Sadye held two U-M degrees, worked as a clinical psychologist and was active in women’s causes. The Powers’ son Philip was born in 1938.
Eugene Power founded University Microfilms Inc. in 1938 and pioneered the use of microfilm He sold the company to Xerox in a 1962 merger. Power was a member of the Board of Regents from 1955-66. Among his many honors was being made an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 1977.
Sadye Power died in 1991 at age 90. Eugene Power died two years later; he was 88.
Philip H. Power served on the Board of Regents from 1987 to 1998. A U-M alumnus, former Michigan Daily editor, and longtime newspaper publisher, he is founder of the Center for Michigan, a non-profit “think and do” tank.
Take a virtual tour of the Power Center for the Performing Arts
Technical Specifications
The information contained in these technical specifications has been updated to the best of our ability. Renters are advised to work with their local presenter and the venue to ensure a safe and smooth production. Shows with extensive lighting, audio, staging and rigging requirements are especially encouraged to either schedule a site visit or a phone conversation with venue staff or trained professionals who have handled similar shows in our halls.
Venue Address
121 N. Fletcher Street
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2017
Mailing Address
University Productions
128 Michigan League
911 N. University Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265
Technical Specifications
Auditorium Seating Capacity
Orchestra: 834
Orchestra wheelchair spaces: 12
Orchestra companion seats: 12
Balcony: 455
Total capacity (including accessible seating): 1,289
Load-in Access
Access to loading dock is on Palmer Drive
Loading Dock Doors 18’ x 12’
Note – Two trucks can be parked at the dock for loading/unloading.
Stage Specifications
Proscenium arch width – 55’3-3/4″
Proscenium arch height – 28′
Depth of stage – 42′ (from plaster line to back wall)
Depth of apron – 2′ (front of stage to plaster line)
Off stage dimensions – 18′ (stage right); 22′-3″ (stage left)
Dimensions of orchestra pit – 31′ x 8′
Note – Orchestra pit is a hydraulic lift to stage level with four stops – stage level, house level, 7’ – 8” below house level (pit level), 14’ below house level (storage room level)
Stage floor – Unpainted masonite on tongue-and-groove pine resting on sleepers.
Rigging
Single purchase manual counterweight system
Number of line sets – 65
Height of grid from stage floor – 80’
Height of SR pin rail from stage floor – 40’
Highest batten can be flown – 75’
Lowest batten can be flown – 3’
Distance from back wall to last set – 11’-6”
Minimum pipe length – 45’
Arbor Information: Total length 8’; loading clearance 1’; usable length 7’; full weight – 25 lbs, 2⅛” tall; 1/2 weight – 12½ lbs, 1” tall
Arbor capacity: 975 lbs (39 full weights)
Note – loading gallery located on SR
Soft Goods
House Curtain – manual, flies out, does not open center, follows apron, gold-checked color
House Masking Hang (all draperies are black velour unless otherwise noted)
One (1) Teaser – 60’ x 25′
One (1) White Muslin “bounce” drop – 60’ x 38′
One (1) Rosco RP screen “Twin White” – 60’ x 39’
One (1) Border/Blackout – 60’ x 30’
Four (4) Borders – 60’ x 15′
Four (4) Legs – 12’ x 40’
Six (6) Legs – 17’ x 40’
One (1) Traveler track
Two (2) Traveler panels – 25’ x 40’ (hung with two (2) tabs – 4’-3”w x 40’8”h)
Four (4) Traveler panels – 32’ x 30’ (dead hung and cannot move)
Additional Drapery
One (1) Scrim, white sharkstooth – 60’ x 30’
Two (2) Scrims, black sharkstooth – 50’ x 28’
Two (2) Orchestra pit drapes (one full length velour, one short Duvetine)
Eight (8) Tabs – 6’ x 30’
Four (4) Tabs – 9’ x 30’
Two (2) Legs – 15’ x 40’
Eight (8) Legs – 17’-9” x 30’
Two (2) Traveler Panels – 31’-3” x 30’
One (1) Border – 50’ x 15’
One (1) Border (for House Curtain) – 70’ x 7’-5”
One (1) Border (for Lineset A) – 41’ x 15’
Company Switches
110/208v 3 phase 5 wire – Two (2) 400 amp disconnects on USR Wall
Note – Access to this power is ONLY via 400 amp locking Cam Locks
Four (4) 60 amp 208v NEMA 14-60 circuits on USR Wall
Isolated Audio Power on DSL Wall
Three (3) 30 amp 120v L21-30 circuits
Four (4) 20 amp 120v duplex edison circuits
One (1) 30 amp 110v single phase twist lock circuit
Lighting System
Lighting Control
One (1) ETC EOS Ti w/ three (3) touch screen displays, in lighting booth
One (1) ETC Nomad Puck w/ two (2) touch screen displays
One (1) iPad Mini with ETC iRFR app
ETC Net3 ports located throughout the hall
Dimmers
Four hundred seventy-two (472) ETC 2.4kW Sensor dimmers
Four (4) ETC 6kW Sensor dimmers
House lights controlled through ETC Paradigm System
Note – See circuit chart for more information on dimmers and house 208v moving light power
Front of House Repertory Hang
#2 Ring
Twenty (28) ETC Source Four 10˚ 575w
Twenty (14) ETC Source Four 5˚ 575w
Three (3) Lycian Xenon Followspots, model 1290
#1 Ring
Forty-Two (42) ETC Source Four 10˚ 575w
Two (2) PAR 64 1kW as work lights
#0 Ring
Two (2) ETC Source Four 19˚ 575w
Stage Left Box Boom – Ten (10) ETC Source Four 14˚ 575w
Stage Right Box Boom – Ten (10) ETC Source Four 14˚ 575w
Stage Left Pro-Torm – Six (6) ETC Source Four Zoom 15˚ – 30˚ 575w with half hats
Top unit at +26′ with 2′ spacings down
Stage Right Pro-Torm – Six (6) ETC Source Four Zoom 15˚ – 30˚ 575w with half hats
Top unit at +26′ with 2′ spacings down
Additional Lighting Inventory
Sixty-Eight (68) ETC Source Four LED Lustr 2 Engines
- Fifty-Eight (58) Shutter assemblies for ETC Source Four LEDs
- Twenty (20) Cyc attachments for ETC Source Four LED
Two hundred fifteen (215) ETC Source Four 575w Bodies w/ shutter assemblies
- Six (6) ETC Source Four 5˚ Lens Tubes
- Ten (10) ETC Source Four 10˚ Lens Tubes
- Seventy-five (75) ETC Source Four 19˚ Lens Tubes
- One Hundred Nine (109) ETC Source Four 26˚ Lens Tubes
- Fifty-Eight (58) ETC Source Four 36˚ Lens Tubes
- Fifteen (15) ETC Source Four 50˚ Lens Tubes
Forty (40) ETC Desire D60 LED Lustr+
Forty-Four (44) ETC Source Four PAR 575w (VNSP, NSP, MFL, WFL lenses available)
Forty (40) Altman PAR 64 (VNSP, MFL, WFL lamps available)
Ten (10) MR-16 L&E striplights 3 circuit/5 pairs lamps, 6’ long, EYC and EYF available
Four (4) LE Mini 10 units 1K
Accessories
Seventeen (17) Source Four iris units
Forty-Five (45) Source Four top hats
Sixty (60) Source Four color extenders
Template holders (Source 4, Altman, Great American)
Misc. PowerCon cables for LED instruments
Sound System
Console
One (1) 16 channel mixing board, Midas F26 (in booth)
One (1) 16 channel mixing board, Behringer X32 Producer (portable)
Playback
One (1) compact disc, Tascam CD-401 mkII (in road case)
Processing
Four (4) Crest CC301 amps (outputs to speaker patch bay)
Four (4) Rane GE-60 graphic EQ’s (normalled to Rane EQ’s)
One (1) patch bay w/28 patch cords
One (1) headset, stereo
Speakers
One (1) EV DeltaMax 1152/1122 speaker cluster (permanently mounted above stage center at proscenium)
Four (4) Electro-Voice DeltaMax 1122A
Eight (8) EV Sentry IIA
Six (6) 50’ speaker cables (Speakon connectors)
Fifteen (15) 25’ speaker cables (Speakon connectors)
Fifteen (15) 10’ speaker cables (Speakon connectors)
One (1) audio snake, 100’ long 8 x 4 channels
Monitor
One (1) booth program monitor
One (1) Crest CC301 amps
Two (2) JBL Control 3 speakers (mounted on wall in booth)
Microphones
Three (2) portable wireless microphone racks
- Total of four (4) wireless channels – only four (4) transmitters can be used at once
- Each contains (1) Shure Dual UHF-R Receiver
- Each contains two (2) Shure UR2/SM58 and two (2) Shure UR1 transmitters w/ lapel mic
Four (4) AKG 451 condensers, w/shotgun capsule
Two (2) Shure SM58
Two (2) Shure SM58 w/on-off switch
Three (3) 18” gooseneck microphone stands
Microphone jack outlets
Line number – location
8-11 Proscenium wall SR
12-15 Proscenium wall SL
16-17 USR wall
18-19 USL wall
20-23 Patch Panel SR
24-27 #0 Ring
28-30 #1 Ring center
31-32 #2 Ring HL of followspot booth
33-34 #2 Ring HR of followspot booth
35 Light Booth
Speaker outlets
Line number – location
Left & Right Program proscenium wall SR
1 stage lip SR
2 stage lip SL
3, 5, 7 proscenium wall SR
4, 6, 8 proscenium wall SL
9 & 11 USR (up stage right)
10 & 12 USL (up stage left)
13 rear of orchestra HL (sec. 5)
14 rear of orchestra HR (sec. 1)
15 rear of balcony ceiling HL (sec. 6)
16 rear of balcony ceiling HR (sec. 8)
17 rear of orchestra HL (sec. 4)
18 rear of orchestra HR (sec. 2)
19 rear of balcony ceiling HL (sec. 9)
20 rear of balcony ceiling HR (sec. 7)
21-22 #0 ring
23-26 #1 ring center
27-28, 31 #2 ring HL of followspot booth
29-30, 32 #2 ring HR of followspot booth
33 light booth
34 spare
35 lobby floor HL
36 lobby floor HR
37-38 cluster amp rack
39 vomitory entrance HL
40 vomitory entrance HR
41-42 sound booth rack
Miscellaneous Audio Equipment
Fifteen (15) 25’ speaker cables (Speakon connectors)
Fifteen (15) 10’ speaker cables (Speakon connectors)
One (1) audio snake, 100’ long 8 x 4 channels
Four (4) microphone stands, desk
Twelve (12) microphone stands, floor round base
Two (2) microphone stands, boom attachments
Twenty-Five (25) Microphone cables
Communication Systems
Headset System
Ten (10) Beyer DT-108 single muff headsets, 15 Telex
Three (3) Clear-Com KB-112 squawk box
Fifteen (15) Clear-Com RS-501 single channel belt packs
Five (5) Clear-Com RS-502 double channel belt packs
Ten (10) Freespeak II wireless double channel belt packs
Sufficient headset cable for most applications.
Intercom
One (1) dressing room monitor system w/ dressing room page
Video
Three (3) cameras - Two (2) color, fixed in booth, One (1) black/white portable for conductor use
Two (2) 9” color monitors available for stage manager SR
One (1) 17” color monitor available for stage manager SR
One (1) 32” mobile color flat screen monitor
Miscellaneous black/white small monitors available
One (1) 32” color monitor in trap room with stage view
Four (4) color monitors for late seating
- two (2) on orchestra level outside lobby doors HR & HL
- two (2) on balcony level HR & HL above doors on bridge
Information System
Wired – Ethernet 10 and 100 Base-T — Jacks are located throughout building (stage and lobby) and may be used by arrangement in advance. All wired network circuits are protected by the SMTD firewall, part of the University of Michigan’s Virtual Firewall. Please verify in advance that what you need is available by contacting Alex Gay at 734-764-4220 or [email protected].
Wireless – U-M Wireless on-stage and in the auditorium, lobby and dressing rooms. Please refer to U-M IT for information regarding access.
Dressing Rooms
Washer and Dryer (2 each) located in trap room. All dressing room access USR.
One Flight Above Stage Level:
Two (2) Dressing Rooms – Each with seating and mirrors for four (4) performers with toilet, basin and shower.
Stage Level:
One Dressing Room – With seating and mirrors for four (4) performers with toilet, basin and shower.
One Dressing Room – ADA compliant with accessible lavatory and roll in shower for two performers.
One Flight Below Stage Level:
Small Ensemble Room – seating and mirrors for 14 performers, showers, basins, and toilets.
Large Ensemble Room – seating and mirrors for 24 performers, showers, basins, and toilets.
Note – The wall between ensemble rooms is removable to make one large space.
Removable Seating
Section 1
Row D, Seats 1,2
Row E, Seats 1,3,2
Section 2
Row B, Seats 1, 3, 2 (Orch pit/HR Vom)
Row C, Seats 1, 3, 4, 2 (Orch pit/HR Vom)
Rows D & E, Seats 1, 3, 5 (HR Vom)
Row F, Seats 1, 3, 5, 7 (HR Vom)
Row F, Seats 2, 4, 6
Rows G & H, Seats 1, 3, 5, 7 (HR Vom)
Rows J, K, & L, Seats 1, 3, 5 (HR Vom)
Rows U & V, Seats 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 (Sound pulls)
Row W, Seats 2, 4 (Sound pulls)
Section 3
Row A, Seats 1, 3, 4, 2 (Orch pit)
Row B, Seats 1, 3, 5, 4, 2 (Orch pit)
Row C, Seats 1, 3, 5, 6, 4, 2 (Orch pit)
Rows D & E, Seats 1, 3, 5, 7, 6, 4, 2 (Orch pit)
Row F, Seats 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 6, 4, 2
Section 4
Row B, Seats 1, 3, 2 (Orch pit/HR Vom)
Row C, Seats 1, 3, 4, 2 (Orch pit/HR Vom)
Rows D, Seats 2, 4 (HL Vom)
Row E, Seats 2, 4, 6 (HL Vom)
Row F, Seats 1, 3, 5
Rows F, G, & H, Seats 2, 4, 6, 8 (HL Vom)
Rows J, K, & L, Seats 2, 4, 6 (HL Vom)
Section 5
Row D, Seats 1,2
Row E, Seats 1,3,2
Conference/Lobby/Backline Equipment
Tables:
Three (3) 2′-7″ x 6′ Tables
Three (3) 1′-6″ x 6′ Tables
Two (2) 2′ x 5′ Tables
Three (3) 2′-6″ x 4′ Tables
Two (2) 13’ royal blue table skirts
Two (2) 21’ royal blue table skirts
Orchestra Pit:
Sixty (60) music stands
Sixty (60) music stand lights
One (1) conductor’s stand
Sixty (60) black Wenger orchestra chairs
Fifteen (15) bent plywood chairs
Ladders:
One (1) 8’ Step ladder
One (1) 10’ Step ladder
One (1) 12’ Step ladder
One (1) 16’ Step ladder
One (1) Genie personnel lift (max. platform height 30’) – requires current lift certification for use
One (1) JLG personnel lift (max. platform height 36’) – requires current lift certification for use
Miscellaneous Equipment
One (1) 9’ x 16’ front or rear projection screen with bottom skirt – can be reconfigured to 10.5’ x 14’
Fifteen (15) Loose hemp lines, 5/8”
One (1) hoist, 1/2 ton, electric
One (1) one-ton CM chain motor w/60’ chain
One (1) bull winch
Three (3) hand trucks
One (1) upright grand Yamaha piano with bench (Additional charge for moving and tuning)
Three (3) costume racks
Two (2) 30” x 6’ prop tables
One (1) 24” paper cutter
One (1) United States flag with pole & floor stand
One (1) State of Michigan flag with pole & floor stand
One (1) University of Michigan seal (for officially sanctioned events)
House Line Set Schedule
Line Set # – Distance from Plaster – House Hang (Notes)
C – 0’-3” (16’-1” long)
B – 1’-5” (29’-0” long)
A – 2’-8” (41’-0” long)
House Curtain – 2’-3” – House Main Curtain (Follows proscenium curve)
Dead Hung – 3’-2” – Dead hung torm panels w/black velour
Dead Hung – 3’-6” – Dead hung traveler track w/pleated black velour
1 – 4’-4” – Teaser
2 – 5’-2”
3 – 6’-2” – #1 Electric (Dimmers 205-216)
4 – 7’-6” – #2 Electric (Dimmers 217-228)
5 – 8’-0” – Boom Cable X/O (Dimmers 229-234)
6 – 8’-6” – #3 Electric (D60s. Relay 391)
7 – 9’-0”
8 – 9’-6” – #1 Border
9 – 10’-0” – #1 Legs
10 – 10’-6”
11 – 11’-0”
12 – 11’-6” – #4 Electric (Dimmers 253-264)
13 – 12’-0”
14 – 12’-6” – Boom Cable X/O (Dimmers 265-270)
15 – 13’-0” – #5 Electric (Dimmers 277-288)
16 – 13’-6”
17 – 14’-0” (58’-1” long batten)
18 – 15’-0” – #6 Electric (D60s. Relay 392)
19 – 15’-6”
20 – 16’-0” – #2 Border/Blackout
21 – 16’-6” – #2 Legs
22 – 17’-0”
23 – 17’-6”
24 – 18’-0” – Boom Cable X/O (Dimmers 301-306)
25 – 18’-6” – #7 Electric (Dimmers 313-324)
26 – 19’-0”
27 – 19’-6”
28 – 20’-0”
29 – 20’-6”
30 – 21’-1”
31 – 21’-6” – #3 Border
32 – 22’-0” – #3 Legs
33 – 22’-6”
34 – 23’-0” – #8 Electric (D60s. Relay 393)
35 – 23’-6” (58’-0” long batten)
36 – 24’-0” – #9 Electric (Dimmers 337-348)
37 – 24’-6”
38 – 25’-10” Boom Cable X/O (Dimmers 349-354)
39 – 26’-6”
40 – 27’-0” – #4 Border
41 – 27’-6” – #4 Legs
42 – 28’-0”
43 – 28’-6”
44 – 29’-0”
45 – 29’-6” #10 Electric (D60s. Relay 394)
46 – 30’-0”
47 – 30’-6”
48 – 31’-0” Black traveler (49’-11” track)
49 – 31’-6”
50 – 32’-0”
51 – 32’-6” – #5 Border
52 – 33’-0”
53 – 33’-6”
54 – 34’-0” – #5 Legs
55 – 34’-6”
56 – 35’-0” – Rosco RP screen
57 – 35’-6”
58 – 37’-0”
59 – 37’-6”
60 – 38’-0”
61 – 38’-5” Muslin bounce drop
62 – 38’-11” Blackout Drape
Rental Rates
One (1) Day: $1,600.00
Two (2) Days: $2,400.00
Three (3) Days: $2,750.00
Four (4) Days: $2,950.00
Five (5) Days: $3,150.00
Six (6) Days: $3,350.00
Seven (7) Days: $3,550.00
Eighth (8) Consecutive Day Only: 50% of one-day rate – (If rental goes beyond eight (8) days, rates follow above schedule without exception)
Lobby only (one day, 8 hours, includes House Manager only): $1,000.00 (First 8 hours), $150.00 each add’l hour
Receptions in addition to Performances: $250 per reception, includes House Management oversight
Events involving paid professional artists must be handled by an official University presenter. Additional costs and fees may apply.
Rental Policy
To initiate a reservation:
Renter must provide a non-refundable $100.00 deposit per day of rental, and return a signed confirmation letter, provided by the Scheduling Office.
60 days prior to the event:
Renters must deposit the entire base rent in the University’s escrow account. [For Non UM Organizations only]
2 weeks prior to the event:
The signed contract must be returned to Scheduling Office.
Failure to meet any of these requirements will result in forfeiture of the date.
Cancellation Policy for Reservations and Contracted Events
- Day of the Event: 100% of the rental fee will be charged.
- Less than 72 hours notice: For a Load-in day or lecture, a 30% cancellation fee of the day rate will be charged. For a Performance day, a 50% cancellation fee of the day rate will be charged.
- Less than 15 days notice: a $200.00 cancellation fee.
- Less than 60 days notice: a $150.00 cancellation fee.
- Earlier cancellations: A full refund of deposited funds, minus the non-refundable deposit.
Base Rent Includes
- Access to the theatre from 9 am to 1 am
- One house technician for 1 shift (8 hours)
- One house manager and ticket takers for 1 performance per day
- HVAC, custodial, open & close of theatre
- Use of dressing rooms (with showers)
- Use of box office and reception room during rental period
- Sound system
- Lighting system
- 60 Music stands and chairs
Additional Charges to Base Rent Include
- Overtime hours for building: $250.00 per hour
- 2nd shift House Technician: $35/hour – charged in 4 hour blocks
- Additional House Tech (as needed): $35/hour – charged in 4 hour blocks
- Additional Lobby staff for receptions/perfs as needed for advance set up/clean up: $35/hour – charged in 4 hour blocks
- Piano – per arrangement with Randy Bibri, SMTD, (734) 764-6207
- Orchestra pit, voms, thrust removal & restoration: at cost
- Changes to Access times less than 24 hours in advance will be subject to double-time rates for affected personnel
Rates as of September 2023
Policies
Our performance facilities follow policies set by the Regents at the University of Michigan. Please refer to the general policies as well as policies specific to the venue you are interested in renting
RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Smoking is PROHIBITED in all University buildings and on University grounds. Smoking is allowed on sidewalks adjacent to public roads.
- No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed within the building pursuant to University regulations.
- No pets of any kind are permitted within the building. Any use of an animal in a production must be approved in advance by the Office of the Vice President for Facilities via the Facilities Manager.
- There will be no food or beverages allowed in the theatres/auditoria at any time. University Productions retains the sole right to concession sales in the facilities.
- Upon the discretion of the Facilities Manager, security shall be provided, at Lessee’s expense, through the Department of Public Safety (DPSS). The number of such personnel shall be determined based on the nature of the proposed event, the number anticipated to be in attendance, and the past experience of the University with respect to similar events. University Productions reserves the option of alerting DPSS when, in our judgment, a higher level of security might be necessary.
- According to Section 3.06 of the Bylaws of the Regents of the University of Michigan, the following activities are prohibited in places of public assembly:
Raffles
Donations/Solicitations of Funds/Taking of Pledges
Selling of Memberships - Items for sale at events are allowed at the discretion of University Productions, and only upon completion of a Sales Permit. This sales permit acknowledges the Lessee’s obligation to pay Sales Tax to the State of Michigan.
- No live flame of any kind is allowed in any theatre at any time for any reason without the advance permission of the Fire Marshal. This prohibition includes the representation of smoking by actors, candles, oil lamps, torches, incense, effects requiring explosive charges, and fireworks. The Fire Marshal’s permission may or may not be granted depending upon the safety infrastructure of the theatre being requested, the duration of the effect, and its risk of combusting nearby materials. Live trees, garlands, and wreaths are not permitted in places of public assembly due to their flammability hazard. Flame-proofed materials must be used in the construction of scenery or draperies. Please be advised that the University’s fire-safety regulations are strictly enforced.
- Due to the sensitivity of building smoke detectors, the use of foggers and hazers in the Power Center, Hill Auditorium or the Arthur Miller Theatre must be scheduled in advance and receive the prior permission of University Productions. The use of fog/haze is prohibited in the Mendelssohn Theatre and Rackham Auditorium. There will be additional charges associated with the use of this effect. Please be aware that sometimes smoke and haze drifts to smoke detectors outside of the stage area and may set off the building’s fire-alarm system. Even in the case of “false” alarms, the theatre must be evacuated by all audience and backstage personnel until DPSS has authorized re-entry into the building and the re-commencement of the program.
- Exit signs may not be turned off, covered, removed or altered in any way. All exits must remain clear of blockage by any scenery, props, seating or other objects while the theatre is occupied. Audio/visual, lighting, and sound equipment must be kept out of aisles and out of the seating areas that are designated for patrons using wheelchairs, in compliance with accessibility codes.
- The use of confetti and glitter is prohibited due to the difficulty of cleaning the plush seating and carpeting. Unauthorized use will be subject to extra custodial charges.
- In Rackham Auditorium, the piano lift cannot be used as a Stage Extension.
- In Rackham and Hill Auditoriums, no activity is allowed that would scuff or damage the stage floors.
- No construction or painting is allowed in the theatre other than that which is required to install previously constructed scenery, properties, or lighting equipment into the theatre. When construction or painting is necessary, precautions must be taken to prevent damage to the theatre and its contents. There is to be no affixing of anything to walls and draperies by screws, nails or tape anywhere inside or outside the building without express permission from University Productions. For Hill and Rackham Auditoriums, no nails, screws or related fasteners are to be inserted into the walls, floors, or other parts of the theatre.
- Wheelchair-accessible spaces must be held for physically-challenged patrons until one hour before the start of a performance, or until such time as all other permanent seats are sold out. These spaces should be sold on a “first-come, first-served” basis, and these requests should include the space for the companion seat, as requested by the ticket purchaser.
- Inevitably, matters will arise which are not covered by these general rules. The Backstage Operations Manager and Lobby Supervisor are the final on-site arbitrators of fire, safety, and accessibility regulations. Should a dispute arise about the interpretation of such codes, University Productions’ personnel’s interpretations of the rules shall be enforced until the appropriate code specialists can be consulted.
TERMS OF AGREEMENT FOR USE OF THE FOLLOWING UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
Hill Auditorium – Mendelssohn Theatre – Power Center – Rackham Auditorium – Arthur Miller Theatre
- The University will provide the facility heated, lighted, and clean. If Lessee cannot provide accurate access times for use at least two weeks ahead of time, then the University cannot guarantee that the building will be clean upon arrival. Rental time includes all set-up and strike time. Rental time is charged from the point that personnel, whether it be the University Productions House Technician or a member of the Lessee’s staff, enter the theatre until the time all personnel leave the theatre. If it is necessary for a staff member of University Productions to remain after the Lessee has left in order to return the theatre to its original condition, the Lessee shall be charged for this time as part of its rental.
- In order to accommodate many users, the theatre may be occupied by the Lessee only at times that have been previously arranged and agreed upon by both parties. It is at the discretion of the Facilities Manager to accommodate last-minute change-of-access requests.
- University Productions will provide the house electrics, including control board, lighting instruments, cables, and pipes which are its permanent equipment. The renting group has use of all lighting, stage, and sound equipment that is part of the theatre’s inventory at the time of their rental. Chargeable items are listed on the rate schedule.
- A House Technician assigned by University Productions shall be in attendance whenever the theatre is occupied. This individual will be responsible for securing the theatre, adjacent spaces, and their contents, and for the maintenance of house equipment. An additional technician at extra charge may be required if additional technical work is necessary. University Productions retains the right to determine if extra technicians are required.
- Lessee will provide its own scenery, costumes, properties, musical instruments, miscellaneous equipment, and any tools necessary for their installation and removal. Lessee is also responsible for providing its own stage staff and crew.
- Lessee will provide its own programs, tickets, ushers, and box office staff. With the exception of the Arthur Miller and Mendelssohn Theatres where we do not provide ticket takers, University Productions will provide ticket takers and a Lobby Supervisor for your event.
- Deliveries of scenery, lighting equipment, programs and musical instruments, such as pianos, shall be made within the rental period. The Facilities Manager will require advance notification of any deviation from this policy and will attempt to accommodate deviations if possible. Costs may be assigned depending upon required staffing, use of the stage lift or adverse effects upon other tenants. It is agreed that the facility will be vacated promptly of all personnel and equipment after the final performance unless Lessee rents an additional load-out day or is able to reach an agreement with University Productions.
- Lessee will leave the facility clean and deposit all discarded trash in proper receptacles. Extra cleaning required to put the theatre back in condition for the next tenant will be billed to the Lessee. Lessee agrees to pay costs associated with extraordinary custodial cleaning at University Productions’ sole discretion.
- Lessee shall be responsible for all damage to, or misappropriation of, the premises or any part thereof, including contents and furnishings of any building, and shall pay and reimburse the University for any such loss or damage.
- University Productions will not be responsible for losses incurred by the Lessee due to failure of systems operated by the University (i.e. Heat, Water, Air Conditioning).
- (For Non-University Lessees) Lessee shall provide a certificate of insurance evidencing general liability, owned and non-owned auto liability, and workers’ compensation with limits acceptable to the University’s Risk Management office. Lessee shall notify the Risk Management office as soon as practical of any claim or potential claim arising out of this activity.
- (For Non-University lessees) Lessee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the University of Michigan, its Regents, Directors, Officers and employees for any claim that may arise due to the negligence of Lessee.
- Willful failure to follow any of the listed conditions and rules may result in the renting group being evicted from the theatre.
If you have questions regarding these policies, please contact:
Shannon Rice
Facilities Manager
(734) 647-3327
[email protected]
Contact Us
All inquiries may be mailed to:
University Productions
911 N. University
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1265
If you have rental questions or would like to rent one of our facilities, please contact:
Shannon Rice
Facilities Manager
(734) 647-3327
[email protected]
If you have questions regarding the technical specifications of Hill Auditorium, Power Center for the Performing Arts, Rackham Auditorium, or the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, please contact :
Dane Racicot
(734) 764-5553
[email protected]