Theater Renovation

The Wisconsin Union Theater and the Fredric March Play Circle will close for major renovation in Summer 2012 and re-open in Fall 2014. This is part of the Memorial Union Reinvestment (MUR) project. The revitalized and improved theaters will re-open in time for the Fall 2014 semester and the 75th Anniversary of the Theater in October 2014.

Learn more about the building project and keep up with latest news here: http://unionreinvestment.wisc.edu/

Rent the Theater for Your Event

We are taking reservations through May 20, 2012.

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.

Requesting use of the Theater

All groups wishing to use the theater are asked to submit a formal request by filling out the
Theater Usage Request Form Click here.

Filling out the usage request form does not guarantee theater availability and is not the same as making a reservation.

The 2011-2012 Event Planners Handbook Click here. contains more information about the theater booking process & priorities, theater usage costs, rental policies, etc. 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 7, 2011.

Any theater reservation questions not answered by the handbook can be addressed to theaterreservations@union.wisc.edu

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)