Policy
As a resource of Williams College, the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance provides an opportunity for a wide variety of presentations in theatre, dance and other performing arts. It also joins many other campus venues for the lively exchange of ideas through lectures, debates, panel discussions, symposia and similar non-performance events.
Intended to support both the Dance Program and Department of Theatre, the Center also provides a home for the guest artist series, CenterSeries, presenting offerings from a wide variety of professional and creative companies and individuals.
Another important function for the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance is a venue for on-campus performing groups not necessarily connected to a Department or Program to present their work to the greater community. Once the schedules for Theatre Department, Dance Program and CenterSeries events have been determined, there are usually a number of dates available for other presentations ranging from one night lectures, to multiple performances from both established and emerging theatre, dance and musical groups.
Scheduling
Theatre, Dance and the CenterSeries have scheduling priority and they MUST have their dates for the next academic year on the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance calendar by March 31st. After that date, other proposals will be considered.
You may submit a proposal at any time during the year, but the decision process will not begin until after March 31st, when the core groups above have been settled.
To apply for space on the schedule, fill out the accompanying form with information about your event. '62 Center for Theatre and Dance staff will evaluate your request looking at the scope of the event you propose, the remaining available dates on the calendar, and available staffing resources.
- Events requiring more elaborate technical resources are more difficult to support than simpler events.
- Performing groups that can provide some labor to assist with set up and performances are easier to support than groups that cannot provide added assistance.
- Events requiring rehearsals within the performance space, and/or multiple performances are more difficult to schedule than "one night/day" events.
- While basic equipment and services are provided free of charge for College groups, fees will be charged to provide work study crews and any necessary overtime for custodians. Large, complex events will be charged for the services of professional stagehands and technicians to supplement Center staff and work study crews.
Process
Before the end of spring semester, '62 Center for Theatre and Dance staff will have looked at all applicants and made decisions based on two criteria:
- Can your desired performance dates and/or rehearsals fit into the schedule?
- Can your work--as described to us--be supported by available '62 Center for Theatre and Dance staff?
Staff may contact you to request more information prior to our decision.
'62 Center for Theatre and Dance staff are not sitting in judgment as to the quality or content of any proposed event. However if the content seems to be hateful, denigrating, or inappropriate we will seek the counsel of the College administration as to whether your proposed event is in keeping with the goals of the '62 Center.
If it seems likely that your event will fit within the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance schedule, and our resources are able to provide the necessary support requested, '62 Center staff will work with you to refine technical and support requirements, develop a complete budget and schedule of activities, and define responsibilities among building staff and your group, working together for a successful event.
If it will not be possible for the '62 Center to house your event in the upcoming season, you will receive an explanation of why your proposed event could not be supported.
If you are interested in using the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance, please complete the event proposal form below. It will be forwarded to the manager, performances and events and the production supervisor's office. One of them will be in touch with you once the event proposal is submitted.