Renting
Renting an auditorium
Booking the 2026-2027 season. Send the auditorium manager your group, the venue you'd like and a few preferred dates. School events are scheduled first, so the earlier we hear from you, the better.
How it works
Step 1
Check your dates
Contact the auditorium manager with your group, the venue you'd like and a few preferred dates. Tours are available by appointment.
Step 2
Apply online
Send the online application (the Auditorium Use Form and TR-1 technical rider in one) at least 21 days before your event. Paper PDFs work too. A $15 paperwork processing fee applies to every request; mail it separately or add it to your final invoice.
Step 3
Get approval and an estimate
The auditorium manager reviews your request (allow up to 2 weeks) and returns it with an approval and a cost estimate. Some rentals need a deposit, due at least 10 working days before the event.
Step 4
Plan the show
We'll set up a meeting to walk through your event, schedule and technical needs. Changes to your technical requirements are due in writing at least 48 hours before the event.
Step 5
File your insurance
Send a certificate of general liability insurance ($1,000,000) naming Walled Lake Consolidated Schools before your event.
Deadlines
- 21 days before
- Auditorium Use Form and TR-1 technical rider due
- Up to 2 weeks
- Review, approval and your cost estimate
- 10 working days before
- Deposit due, if your rental needs one
- 48 hours before
- Last day for changes to tech needs (in writing) and last day to cancel
- Before the event
- Insurance certificate on file
School activities and Community Education programs are scheduled first, so dates can change.
A typical show day
Billed time runs from when we open the auditorium for your setup until the program and tear-down are done.
Your call time
Doors open for setup
Billed time starts when we open the auditorium for you. Plan enough time to set the whole show, and nothing more.
10 minutes before the house opens
Usher briefing
Our staff meets your ushers. You need at least one per door, or we can provide ushers for a fee.
House opens
Audience seated
No food or drink in the auditorium. Closed water bottles are fine backstage.
Showtime
Our crew runs the show
Student technicians on lighting, sound and stage management, normally with an adult supervisor.
By 10:30 PM
Tear-down complete
Events end by 10:30 PM. Billing stops when the program and tear-down are done.
Before you reach out
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You're in great handsMatthew Weber, Auditorium ManagerMeet Matt Every event has a custodian and auditorium personnel on duty. A typical show uses one adult supervisor plus student technicians for audio, lighting and stage management. More complex productions may need more crew.
What's included and what it costs
Rentals are billed by the hour for the auditorium, technicians and custodians, plus any extra rooms or equipment. Every request has a $15 paperwork fee, and you'll get a written estimate with your approval.
Included with every rental
- Stage lighting system
- Sound system
- All curtains and legs, including the grand curtain and cyc
- Projection screen
Available for an added fee
- Grand piano
- Acoustical shell
- Video equipment
- Fog and haze
- Usher staff
- Backstage classrooms, the cafeteria and other rooms in the building
Rules
The full list is in the Auditorium Use Form packet. These come up the most.
Scheduling
- Every rehearsal and performance needs a use request. For a run of rehearsals, send one form with a calendar of dates and times.
- School activities and Community Education programs come first, so dates and times can change.
- Events end by 10:30 PM. Running later may mean extra charges.
- Cancel in writing at least 48 hours ahead, or you'll be charged for expenses already incurred.
- If school is cancelled for weather, all daytime and evening activities are cancelled too.
On stage
- Only gaff or spike tape on the stage floor. Colored contact-paper shapes are fine if removed right after the event.
- Tape down every cable that crosses an aisle or runs between seat rows.
- Only authorized crew run the curtains, the booth and the lighting and sound systems.
- No confetti, pyrotechnics or open flames. Streamers only with the manager's approval, and you clean them up.
- School drama props and set pieces aren't available without the drama department's written permission.
- Take your sets, props and costumes with you unless the manager OKs leaving them.
In the building
- No food or drink in the auditorium, dressing rooms or booth. Closed water bottles are fine backstage.
- Ushers are required, at least one per door. We brief them ten minutes before the house opens, or we can provide ushers for a fee.
- No smoking anywhere on district property, and no alcohol.
- Use only the areas listed on your request, and leave them the way you found them.
Questions
How far ahead should we book?
As early as you can. The district calendar is set each spring and open booking for the next season follows. Send your form at least 21 days before the event, and allow up to 2 weeks for review.
What does it cost?
Rentals are billed by the hour for the auditorium, technicians and custodians, plus any extra rooms or equipment. Every request includes a $15 paperwork fee. You'll get a written estimate with your approval, or ask the auditorium manager for a quote any time.
Which venue is right for us?
Northern is the largest and the favorite for dance companies. Western is a full fly house with a crossover. Central has the widest opening and suits speakers, recitals and concerts. Compare them side by side on the Venues page, or ask and we'll recommend one.
Can we bring our own designer or operators?
Talk to the auditorium manager first. Only authorized people are allowed in the booth, and any change to the lighting or sound systems needs his approval. Our crew runs the equipment on every event.
Do you have dressing rooms?
Northern has dressing rooms and a green room, and Western's are below the stage. Central has none, but backstage classrooms can be added for a cost.
Can we use haze, confetti or open flames?
Fog and haze may be available for an added fee. Confetti, pyrotechnics and open flames are not allowed. Streamers are OK with the manager's approval if you clean them up.
What insurance do we need?
A certificate of general liability insurance for $1,000,000 naming Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, filed before the event. The insurance requirements sheet has the exact certificate holder wording and a sample certificate.
Can we tour a venue first?
Yes, by appointment. Contact the auditorium manager to set a time.
Do you rent other spaces?
Yes. Beyond the three auditoriums, the district rents meeting rooms, gyms, athletic fields, a pool, 19 other buildings and the Outdoor Education Center through its Use of School Facilities process. See Use of School Facilities.
Ready to book?
Send your group, the venue and a few dates. We'll check availability and follow up.