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Benson Auditorium – Policies and Procedures

George C.S. Benson Auditorium

Review all policies and procedures prior to booking an event. Contact Benson Support Staff for all questions or concerns. 

Reservations

  • Reservations for Benson Auditorium can be made through Event Management System (EMS) by Pitzer staff, faculty, and students only.
  • Reservations must be made at least 10 days prior to the event.
  • Reservations for overlapping times are moderated on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Reservations require a minimum attendance of 35 persons.
  • Time requested for a reservation must include additional time for attendees to exit, use the auditorium and/or atrium as a gathering space, and similar.  Attendees in the auditorium or atrium may be asked to leave after the reserved time has elapsed.
  • Reservations for Benson Auditorium are not final until a representative from the Benson staff confirms via e-mail and all questions regarding the event have been answered.  Expect correspondence about your event within 4 days of your request; if you are not contacted, please e-mail us to verify that your request was received.
  • An event itinerary or outline must be provided, including a list of needs, to Benson staff no later than 5 days before the event.
  • The College reserves the right to request the presence of Campus Security at certain events, any and all fees associated will be charged to the organizers.
  • If your audio-visual needs change after your reservation is final, these changes must be approved by Benson staff in writing and may not be approved if adequate time to prepare is not provided.
  • Event Staff will not be available on days when the College is closed.
  • Events longer than 5 consecutive hours may require breaks (with the auditorium locked) for an hour before continuing.

Use of the Auditorium

  • No tape, paint, or adhesive substances that would alter the appearance of the auditorium are to be used anywhere in the auditorium.
  • Chemical or aerosol agents or substances are prohibited.
  • All equipment and props must be approved by Benson staff prior to its use.
  • Use of the green room is limited to individuals who are part of the production.
  • The green room must be left in it’s original condition.  Any items left in the green room once the reservation period is over will be recycled or donated to charity.
  • Only Benson Support Staff are permitted to operate the auditorium’s audio, media, and computer systems.  Absolutely no one may operate the console except Benson Support Staff.
  • Burning anything of any kind is not permitted in Benson Auditorium.
  • Your organization will be wholly responsible for any damage caused by your group to the auditorium, its equipment, etc. during your organization’s use of the auditorium.
  • Presenters are must to arrive 15 to 30  minutes prior to their event start time to meet with Benson Support Staff to prepare any computer presentations or microphone setups.  Presenters using their own laptops/devices for presentations, please contact the Benson Support Staff to confirm compatibility.
  • Event coordinators or representatives must be present for the duration of the event. 


Conduct in the Auditorium

  • No food or drinks are permitted in Benson Auditorium.  Audience members may bring in water only in canteens or bottled.
  • Water only may be provided for speakers/performers on stage.  Water may not be placed on the lectern.  Any food or drink brought into the green room must be consumed in the green room only.  If your organization provides food/drink in the lobby/atrium areas outside of the auditorium, the event coordinators are responsible for making sure that attendees do not bring it into the auditorium.
  • For food served in the the Lobby for post event receptions, event organizers must ensure staff are present at the entrances to remind attendees of the no-food policy if entering the auditorium.
  • Chewing gum is prohibited in Benson Auditorium.
  • The stage and seating area must be left in their original condition.  Any items left on the stage or in the seating area once the reservation period is over will be recycled or donated to charity.
  • For the safety and consideration of others, there is no climbing over or placing of feet on the seats.
  • Aisles and doors must remain clear at all times.  All recording, photography, etc. must be done from designated areas.
  • Benson Support Staff reserve the right to remove anyone in violation of the safety rules or engaged in disruptive conduct.