Brown Family Amphitheater is an outdoor performance and gathering space for a variety of events and performances. The amphitheater is located between Park and Pruis Halls and between Noyer and Woodworth Complexes. Our staff is highly motivated to meet your event needs. Our aim is to provide exceptional service to ensure a positive outcome for your function. We encourage faculty, staff, student organizations, and the public to tour our facility.

Space Request Form

Event Spaces and Policies

The stage dimensions are as follows:

  • 45 feet wide
  • 30 feet deep

Loading dock:

  • 48 inches high

total: 1,350 square feet

  • Two dressing rooms and common space backstage
  • Stairs on left and right of stage
  • Nothing can be hung or attached on back wall and floor
Smoking is not permitted at Brown Family Amphitheater or the adjacent buildings. Ball State University is a smoke-free campus.
  • One unisex bathroom backstage
  • Four venue bathrooms
  • No smoking
  • No outside alcohol
  • No weapons (i.e. knives, pepper spray, stun guns, any concealed weapons, firearms, etc.)
  • No laser pointers/pen
  • No air horns/whistle

If you are interested in reserving Brown Family Amphitheater for your upcoming event, please contact Will Foster at 765-285-8154 or email us to inquire about availability.

Schedule of Fees

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

  • with admission to event – $500
  • without admission to event – $250
  • fee schedule

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

  • with admission to event – $150/day
  • without admission to event – No charge/free
  • fee schedule

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

  • $50/hour

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

One free rehearsal not to exceed 3 hours will be granted for each event. Rehearsal does not have to be on the same day as the event.

  • A set up time of up to 3 hours may be used prior to the event.
  • Any additional time will be charged a fee of $25/hour plus labor.

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

  • Student labor: $11/hour per worker
  • Technical production support (lighting/video/sound): $41.10/hour for each of up to four stage professionals
  • Additional stage crew: $20.97/hour per worker

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

  • Student labor: $11/hour per worker
  • Technical Production Support: $41.10/hour for up to four stage professionals.
  • Additional Stage Crew: $20.97/hour

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

  • Nonrefundable $100 with signed lease (cash or check) and must be received before event is confirmed.

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

  • A non-refundable $50 is required for events with admission (journal voucher or check) and must be received before the event is confirmed.

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Reservations cancelled within two weeks of the event date will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Circumstances such as inclement weather, inability of speaker/artist to appear will be granted due consideration.

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

  • All merchandise sales are subject to 7% sales tax and a facility commission of 15%.

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

  • All merchandise sales are subject to 7% sales tax and a facility commission of 15%.

NON-UNIVERSITY ORGANIZATIONS

Ball State University reserves the right to coordinate ticket operations. For events with ticket sales to the general public, the following Box Office fees will apply:

  • $150 minimum OR;
  • 3% of ticket sales, 3% recovery charge on all credit card sales, and 10 cents per ticket.
  • Ticketed events are subject to additional cost recovery for required staffing.
  • Repeat performances during the same day will be subject to a charge of one-half the initial rental fee. Additional performances on subsequent days will be subject to the same initial rental fee.
  • Lessee will be financially responsible for all direct expenses including but not limited to required rental for video projection, backline, intelligent lighting, sound reinforcement, crowd management, security, or clean-up costs.

UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

The sponsoring University department will be financially responsible for all direct expenses including but not limited to required rental for video projection, backline, intelligent lighting, sound reinforcement, crowd management, security, or clean up costs.


ACCOMMODATIONS FOR EVENT SET UP

  • Speakers (up to 2)
  • Microphone
  • Tables
  • Chairs
  • Lectern
  • It will be the responsibility of the renter to make provisions for rain or severe weather. However, Ball State University has the right to terminate an activity due to inclement weather that could pose a hazard to the guests, performers, staff or the Amphitheater.
  • Performances will generally be presented regardless of light rain, but in the instance of severe storms, a delay is probable/cancellation possible.
  • Light rain, drizzle, heat, and cold will typically not deter an event.
  • Download the Brown Family Amphitheater Inclement Weather Policy here.
  • If there is a confirmed lightning strike within 10 miles of the stage during an event, the show will pause and the venue will be cleared.

  • Patrons must exit the grounds and seek shelter in their vehicles, Pruis Hall, or other University facilities as directed.

  • After 30 minutes have passed without a confirmed lightning strike, guests may return to the venue lawn and the event will resume.

  • Should winds exceed 30 mph, the event will be suspended with the intent of resuming once the wind has subsided.

  • If wind speeds are between 20-30 mph, venue management will determine if activity can be continued in a safe manner.

  • Heavy rain will not necessarily impact the status of an event.

  • If there is no tangible risk to patrons or staff, event participants may choose to continue during heavy rain fall.