Rent the Theater for Your Event

The Wisconsin Union Theater and Fredric March Play Circle are available to registered student organizations, university departments, and governmental agencies, plus outside groups when sponsored. For questions about availability, call 608-262-2202 or send an email to: theaterreservations@union.wisc.edu. Information about theater cost and rental policies is detailed in the Events Planners Handbook.

Download the Event Planners Handbook here. New information is added to the handbook periodically and the updated version will be posted here as changes are made. Current version is dated July 3, 2009.

Venues

The Wisconsin Union Theater, our main auditorium, seats 1300 and offers a large stage and technical capabilities suitable for performing arts events, seminars, films, and lectures.

The Fredric March Play Circle seats 168 and is an ideal space for films, lectures, and simple live performances in an intimate setting.

Wisconsin Union Theater Technical Information

The following is basic information about the stage and auditorium. For detailed technical information, including light and sound system specs, contact Technical Director Jeff Macheel at jmacheel@wisc.edu.

Seating Chart

Theater crew

Students
Local IA251 (available upon request)
Combination

Auditorium Capacity

Total capacity = 1300 (1262 without pit seating)
Main floor only = 629

Stage Information

Proscenium: width = 36’, height = 23’ 7”
Stage depth: from proscenium to back wall = 35’
From apron to back = 38’
Overall width of stage = 74’
Playing area width (legs at normal trim) = 35’
Front of House lighting position to proscenium = 83’
Balcony rail to proscenium = 53’
Last row orchestra to proscenium (normal sound position) = 55’
Chair Circle to proscenium = 80’
Projection booth to screen = 116’
Height from stage floor to grid = 70’

Play Circle Theater Technical Information

Theater crew

Student and part-time employees. Technical equipment to be used by Play Circle staff only.

Auditorium Capacity

Stage Information

Backstage entrance from stairway in Union Theater backstage shop to stage left of Play Circle Theater.
Height from stage floor to ceiling = 15’
Width of center stage = 17’9”
Width of side stages = 16’6”
Depth of center stage = 16’9”
Depth of side stages = 8’6”
Distance from cove lighting position to proscenium = 28’
Distance from projection booth to proscenium = 32’
All three stages have an act curtain (traveler)