Ardrey Performance Guide

This guide outlines the scheduling process, services provided, technical expectations, and venue policies for performances in Ardrey Auditorium, such as large ensemble concerts.

Step 1: Scheduling Accordion Closed

Ensemble Directors schedule pre-production meetings for their seasons well in advance (typically the January before the next academic year) with Auditoria and the Kitt School of Music Director.

Please review the Auditoria Booking Schedule (NAU login required).

Please note:

  • The schedule is not real-time.
  • Venue availability is not guaranteed until confirmed.

Before requesting a date with Auditoria:

  • Consider additional setup, instrument moving, and rehearsals.
  • Check and consider ensemble conflicts
  • Coordinate with the Kitt School of Music to confirm funding/eligibility.

Step 2: Planning Accordion Closed

Requests may require additional approval from both Auditoria and the Kitt School of Music Director and may be subject to additional fees. Not all requests can be accommodated, especially those submitted at the last minute. Faculty should work intentionally with performers to identify and communicate technical needs as early as possible.

Work with your Academic Program Coordinator regarding:

  • Event listings
  • Graphics & Marketing materials
  • Programs
  • Program Notes

Step 3: Auditoria Communications Accordion Closed

Faculty are responsible for communicating technical needs well in advance of their performance.

No later than one month prior to the performance date, you must contact Auditoria to relay the following information (including but not limited to):

  • Rehearsal Schedule
    • Earliest performer arrival time, including percussion arrival/setup
    • Rehearsal start time
    • Rehearsal end time
    • Latest performer departure time
  • Performance Needs
    • Earliest performer arrival time, including percussion arrival/setup
    • Dress rehearsal start time
    • Dress rehearsal end time
    • House open requests (no later than 30 min before curtain)
    • Show start time
    • Intermission duration
    • Anticipated run time
    • Latest performer departure time
    • Program order and soloists
  • Stage Equipment & Layout
    • Chairs/music stands
    • Pianos, harpsichord, timpani
    • Curtains, shells
    • Platforms, risers, podiums, lecterns
  • Audio
    • Microphones, amplification, onstage monitors
    • Audio playback, pre/post-show music
    • Enhanced recording requests
  • Lighting
    • Specialty patterns or textures (gobos)
    • Color washes
    • Solo special spotlights
  • Projections
    • Stage or side wall location
    • Supertitles
  • Videography
    • Livestreaming
    • Multi-camera shoot

We understand that changes to these details may come up after the one month deadline, however Auditoria reserves the right for final approval.

Auditoria will confirm your event details and provide day-of instructions via email.

Step 4: Livestreaming & Recording Accordion Closed

Most events are livestreamed through Auditoria’s YouTube channel. Performance and streaming rights remain the responsibility of the performer. If an event should not be livestreamed, Auditoria must be notified well in advance of the performance date so appropriate arrangements can be made. If the event is livestreamed, households will need to purchase virtual tickets through Central Ticket Office (CTO).

High-quality audio/video recordings will be shared with the Director within 14 days of the event. It is the Director’s responsibility to download this recording within 14 days from the receipt of this email. After this point, only the compressed YouTube VOD will remain. You may also request the audio recording from music@nau.edu.

Please review all policies below prior to your dress rehearsal and performance.

Event Policies

Expectations Accordion Open

Faculty and performers are expected to:

  • Arrive on time.
  • Use scheduled rehearsal time efficiently.
  • Follow all venue policies and house etiquette.
  • Protect venue equipment and furnishings.
  • Follow all piano handling procedures.
  • Leave the venue in the same or better condition than it was found.

Because multiple rehearsals and performances often occur in a single day, maintaining the schedule is important for both dress rehearsals and performances.

Day of Event Accordion Closed

Events operate on a carefully coordinated schedule. Arriving on time and adhering to published timings helps ensure a successful experience for all performers and allows multiple events to be supported throughout the day.

Performance Length
  • Event slots are scheduled to accommodate both the performance and post-performance activities.
  • Faculty should plan programs accordingly, including any intermission.
  • Reservations confirmed with Auditoria should adhere to the agreed upon schedule from the published performance start time until all activity in the hall has concluded.
After the Performance

Many performers wish to take photographs and greet family and friends following their event.

  • Post-performance photographs inside the hall must remain within the allotted event time.
  • Extended celebrations, receptions, and meet-and-greet activities should be moved to the Atrium so staff can prepare the venue for subsequent rehearsals or performances.
Working With Your Stage Manager

Your Stage Manager (SM) serves as your primary point of contact on the day of the event.

  • The SM will typically introduce themselves upon arrival and can usually be found at the production desk stage-right.
  • To help our team respond more efficiently and accurately, please communicate any changes, adjustments, or questions to the Stage Manager.

Faculty should:

  • Arrive prepared and on schedule.
  • Communicate directly with the Stage Manager regarding event needs.
  • Follow venue procedures and staff instructions.
  • Respect published rehearsal, house-opening, performance, and venue turnover schedules.

Maintaining the event schedule helps provide a positive experience for performers, guests, accompanists, faculty, and fellow students.

After Your Performance Accordion Closed

Congratulations!

Following your event: