In addition to the main theater, the Young Auditorium also houses the Fern Young Terrace and the Kachel Center, which are available for private events. See below for virtual tours of these event spaces, along with a look inside our front lobby.
Our Facilities
MAIN STAGE
The Young Auditorium is an awardwinning facility designed especially for multi-purpose use. The unique design of the Young Auditorium features a seating capacity of 1300; however it can also achieve the feeling of warmth and intimacy of a much smaller space for 200-300. The chamber offers exceptional lighting, sound and video support to meet the needs of your event. The 4000 sq. foot stage has a forty-six foot proscenium opening with a curtain. The Auditorium is available to rent for business functions including: trade shows, seminars, conferences, meetings, lectures, and training sessions.
FERN YOUNG TERRACE
The Fern Young Terrace, located on the second floor of the Young Auditorium is available for a variety of events such as sit-down or buffet style dinners, lectures, celebratory occasions and social mixers. The Fern Young Terrace is an attractive glass enclosed space that offers unparalleled charm, privacy and a grand piano. It comfortably seats 56 for sit-down dinners and 90 for lecture style seating. If you are interested in the many amenities of the Fern Young Terrace for rental purposes, click on Fern Young Terrace Rental Information.
KACHEL CENTER
The Kachel Center, located next to the Young Auditorium, is the ultimate in flexibility. The room is appealing for groups up to 165 for lecture-style seating and 120 for sit-down dinners or as a break out space for small group meetings. Both the Fern Young Terrace and the Kachel Center can serve as dual purpose support spaces to compliment auditorium functions or as versatile stand-alone meeting, rehealsal, or reception rooms. The center is equipped with a 32 ft. x 68 ft. sprung hardwood floor identical to that of the auditorium's stage, as well as adjustable lighting.
THE FRONT LOBBY
The Front Lobby is a truly versatile area having housed everything from a wedding reception for 200, to the the new children's play area. The three multi-purpose areas are each equipped with phone and internet connections to provide for varied uses. Extended public areas such as the first and second floor lobbies provide for a variety of potential activities complete with registration counters, concession areas, and box office. We also have portable concession stands available for events.
- Download tech specs (PDF) (CAD drawings available upon request)
- Facility reservation form
General Seating Chart
Download General Seating Chart (PDF)
- All events use the general seating chart unless otherwise indicated. Our online ticket ordering system provides a real-time interactive chart in the ticket purchase window for the seat selection of each show.
- Never Too Young Series events are held in the Kachel Center.
Accessibility Information
The Young Auditorium strives to make our facility accessible and inviting to all of our patrons. A variety of services are offered to compliment the theater experience. Please alert our staff to any requests for handicapped access or other services. If you require any of the services listed below, please contact Ticket Services, 262-472-2222, or Michael Morrissey, Audience Services Manager at morrissm@uww.edu or 262-472-1487.
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
The Young Auditorium offers free parking for all patrons. Parking is available in Lot #1 and Lot #2. The entrance to Lot #1 is the first right turn on N. Prince Street from Main Street. The Entrace to Lot #2 is the third right turn on N. Price Street from Main Street. Both lots offer wheelchair accessible parking spaces. Lot #2 is closest to the front doors of Young Auditorium.
Patron Drop Off
Two circular drop-off zones accessible from etiher Lot #1 or Lot #2 allow patrons to drop off individuals who need assistance in accessing the building. Both are about thirty feet from the main entrance of Young Auditorium. The areas are only for short term unloading of passengers and no parking is allowed. Ushers are posted within the doors to assist patrons beginning one hour before every performance.
Sign Language Interpretation
Signed interpretation (pending availability of interpreters) is available for only one performance of each show upon request. Please make your request at least three weeks ahead of time to check on the availability. Horizon Matinee Series performances can also be provided with a sign language interpreter. Schools should contact the Horizons Education and Outreach Coordinator four weeks before the performance date to request an interpreter.
Foreign Language Interpretation
Productions of foreign language performances (usually Opera) are provided with English language captioning devices.
Wheelchair and Accessible Seating
The Young Auditorium was constructed to offer easily accessible, prime seats to patrons who require wheelchairs. In order to ensure that your seat is prepared ahead of time, please alert the ticket office of your request when purchasing tickets. We have available: 48 wheelchair accessible seats, 8 special needs seats, 8 visually impaired seats. These seats are reserved until all other seats in a section have been purchased.
Complimentary Wheelchairs
The Young Auditorium has house wheelchairs available for patrons. To request a wheelchair contact the Audience Services Manager (262-472-1487), or ask an auditorium staff member in the lobby when you arrive.
Balcony and Fern Young Terrace
An elevator to the Fern Young Terrace and Balcony Seating is located in the middle of the lobby.
Restrooms / Facilities
Each level of the Young Auditorium is equipped with ADA approved accessible restroom facilities and water fountains.
Campus Accessibility
Students who utilize wheelchairs can access the Young Auditorium via the Carter Pedestrian Mall. The mall connects the University Center and residency halls onto the front entrance of the Young Auditorium. For students who live off campus check with Adapted Van Transportation Center at (262) 472-4712 to make travel arrangements. For other questions regarding assistance for students on campus please contact the Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at (262) 472-4712.
New audio amplification headsets available
We have hearing assistance devices available in several styles, to better aid our patrons. Sets can be picked up at our welcome and information area in the middle of the lobby.
Braille and large print materials
Braille and large print programs are available if requested three weeks before a performance.Young Auditorium staff and our friendly volunteer ushers are trained to assist patrons. If you need any help in reaching your seat, please ask for assistance from staff members (silver nametags) or ushers (dressed in black and white).
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is committed to equal opportunity in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies for all persons regardless of race, color, gender, creed, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, Vietnam-era veteran status, parental status, and pregnancy.
Policies
Please note the following policies to ensure enjoyment for all!
- Timing is everything . . . so don't be late! The house opens at least one-half hour before the curtain rises, so plan to arrive at the theater 15-30 minutes early (30 minutes if you haven't purchased tickets). Prior to most events Young Auditorium offers Sound Bites (pre-show discussions plus dessert and beverages in the Main Lobby), so arriving early has added benefits. Late arrivals may not be seated until the second act or an appropriate pause in the performance.
- Quiet on the set . . . Studies have found that unwrapping medicinal candies slowly does not stifle wrapper noise, but only increases length of irritable commotion. In fact, noises not coming from the stage like talking, humming, or foot tapping during the performance causes feelings of hostility to arise in attendees and should be considered dangerous. If cough drops are necessary, please unwrap lozenges before show time. Young Auditorium is known for its excellent acoustics, so if you make noise others will hear! Musical percussion is allowed only by musicians performing on stage and not to be confused with audience participation. Exceptions to this rule include shows that ask for audience participation. Applause and laughter are appreciated and appropriate.
- Time to unplug . . . By all means during intermission text your friends and tell them that they are missing the greatest show ever; but remember to turn it off again until the final curtain call! Please be aware that texting is as distracting to other audience members as a cell phone ringing, the light emitted is like a beacon for the eyes of anyone sitting behind you or in the balcony. Turn off pagers, cell phones, cameras, and watch alarms during performances. You may leave your seat location with a member of the front of house staff for emergencies. The number to leave with your babysitter is 262-472-1487.
- Teach your children well . . . Parents should exercise discretion in deciding which programs are appropriate for children, so as to prevent undesired early education. Children need to be instructed in proper theater behavior. Make sure you share these courtesies as part of their experience, and be sure to choose shows appropriate for their age & attention span. Have them use the restroom before the performance begins. If your child disturbs the audience, please take them to the lobby and watch it on the television screen. Young Auditorium's ticket office would be happy to help you find the right show for your entire family.
- Space for everyone . . . Regardless of age, a seat must be purchased for every one attending an event. Patrons arriving late are seated in the closest available seat at a suitable pause in the performance.
- Personal space . . . Please keep feet on the floor, not on the seat or railing in front of you. Shifting in your seat, wearing hats, or children wandering in the aisles is extremely distracting to those around you; please stay in your seat until intermission or the final curtain. Those with young children or those who may need to leave the theater should request an aisle seat, and once outside the theater, may watch the show on TV monitors throughout the lobby televising the performance.