Amphitheater Frequently Asked Questions

Rentals

Who can rent the amphitheater?

Any individual or group can rent the amphitheater, as long as they agree to follow the rules and policies outlined in the Rental Information & Policies document. Groups that conflict with the primary mission of Schmeeckle (preservation, education, recreation) or that are inappropriate for family audiences will not be approved.

What does it cost to rent the amphitheater?

The cost depends on the group type. See the Rental Information page for current costs.

What does my rental fee cover?

The cost includes the amphitheater and the Menzel Pavilion for a full day (8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), parking for 15 vehicles in the paved parking lot with additional parking for 50 vehicles in an overflow gravel lot, and access to a flush toilet building at the parking lot. See map for details. The fee also includes a 2-hour rehearsal on a day prior to the event, if needed.

How do I reserve the amphitheater for my event?

Rental requests may be made a maximum of 1 year in advance of the event. Use the online request form located on the Rental Information page. Schmeeckle staff will review the request and determine whether it should be approved or denied. If approved, the renter will have 14 days to pay the full base cost of the rental in order to reserve the date and time.

What is the cancellation policy for renting the amphitheater?

Refund requests with at least one-month notice will be reimbursed at 50 percent of the payment. Refunds will not be given for cancellation requests received less than a month before the rental. This includes cancellations due to inclement weather. If at all possible, Schmeeckle staff will work with renters to find an alternative date due to inclement weather.

Can I reschedule an event?

Events can be rescheduled based on availability. A $50 rescheduling fee will apply, except in instances where an event is rescheduled due to inclement weather.

Am I guaranteed my reservation date and time?

For paying groups, once payment is received for the reservation, then the date and time is guaranteed. Non-paying groups, such as university and youth groups, may be rescheduled based on other requests.

What is the damage/cleanup policy?

Cleanup is the responsibility of the renter. If Schmeeckle staff determines that excessive cleanup or repairs are required after the event, the renter will be billed $50 per hour for staff time, plus costs for any replacement materials.

Can I guarantee privacy for my event?

The amphitheater is located in Schmeeckle Reserve, a conservancy area that is by law open to the public. While the hill that surrounds the amphitheater provides some privacy for events, there is no way to restrict public access or trail user noise. The Green Circle Trail, a popular hiking and biking corridor, runs directly behind the amphitheater seating. All trails must be kept open and clear for public use.

What dates and times can I rent the amphitheater?

The amphitheater is available for rent year-round from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. This includes set-up and take-down time. The trails at Schmeeckle close at sunset, so use after dark is restricted to the amphitheater/visitor center area.

How many people can fit in the amphitheater?

The tiered stone seats can fit about 200-250 people, depending on how close people sit next to each other. Space on the grassy hill that surrounds the amphitheater can accommodate an additional 50-100 people.

Is the amphitheater accessible to people in wheelchairs or who use walkers?

The amphitheater and visitor center are universally accessible. The paved parking lot has four accessible spaces. A 350-foot long crushed granite trail provides access from the parking lot to the amphitheater, and from the amphitheater to the visitor center. At the amphitheater, the front row of sandstone seats has spaces for guests using wheelchairs or walkers. Ramped trails provide access to the stage. Vehicle access to the amphitheater is not allowed. For other accessibility or accommodation questions, please contact us at 715-346-4992.

Is there any way to weatherproof the amphitheater? What about inclement weather?

The seating area of the amphitheater is exposed to the elements, and we are unable to provide any shelter from rain, wind, or sun. Guests should be encouraged to bring umbrellas in case of inclement weather. The stage of the amphitheater does have a roof, and about 30 people could fit under it in case of rain. We highly recommend having a backup plan in place in case of inclement weather. A 20'x40' canopy tent can be setup adjacent to the amphitheater for an additional fee. The visitor center meeting room and the Menzel Pavilion shelter can also be rented, if available.

Can I rent a canopy tent or shelter?

A 20'x40' white canopy tent can be set up adjacent to the amphitheater for an additional fee. The location for the tent is a picnic area surfaced with crushed granite just west of the amphitheater. The picnic site has rustic wooden benches and tables that can be used by event guests. White folding chairs and tables can also be rented for placement underneath the tent (tablecloths are not provided). A maximum of 96 chairs and 12 tables (8'-long) can fit under the tent, although this is very tight spacing. Walls for the tent are also available. If interested in renting the tent, chairs, or tables, check the box on your reservation request.

Can I bring in food and/or beverages?

Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and nonalcoholic beverages as part of a picnic or potluck. Guests are not allowed to bring in alcoholic drinks, per campus policy. Outside catering must be coordinated through UW-Stevens Point On Point Catering. On Point Catering can also provide alcohol service. For more information about On Point Catering, visit www.uwsp.edu/dining/OnPointCatering.

Can I or guests bring alcohol to my event?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in Schmeeckle Reserve, per university regulations. Exceptions may be made if alcohol is catered through the university’s On Point Catering.

Are the stone seats comfortable? Are there alternatives for seating?

The amphitheater features native sandstone blocks for seating. Most people find them comfortable for short-term events. For longer programs, you may consider bringing portable cushions (not provided by Schmeeckle). Chairs can also be set up between the stone seats or at the top of the hill (chairs are not provided by Schmeeckle).

Are there any other spaces that I can rent with the amphitheater?

The base rental cost includes the Menzel Pavilion, a beautiful open-air shelter located between the parking lot and amphitheater. It features a towering double-sided stone fireplace, stone columns, and a timber roof. About 50 people can fit under the shelter roof, with an extra open plaza area on the opposite side of the fireplace. Picnic tables and benches are provided. Click here for more information about the Menzel Pavilion.

The meeting room in the visitor center can be rented for an additional fee, if available. The meeting room is 23'x27' in size and can accommodate about 40-50 people with chairs. This could serve as a rain site for smaller gatherings or as a preparation room for an outdoor event. Check the meeting room online availability calendar.

A 20'x40' white canopy tent can also be set up adjacent to the amphitheater for an additional fee. If interested in renting the tent, check the box on your reservation request.

Will the visitor center be open during my event?

View the visitor center page for current operating hours.

How many restrooms are available? Do I need to order additional restrooms?

An all-season flush restroom building is available near the parking lot with two lockable all-gender restrooms. The visitor center has a small men's and women's restroom.

Is there electricity?

Yes, the amphitheater stage is connected to 100-amp electrical service. Four power outlets are available, located on the back of each of the wood pillars. Electricity is included in the rental fee. Extension cords, power strips, etc. are not provided.

How many vehicles can fit in the parking lot? Where is additional parking?

The paved Schmeeckle visitor center parking lot has limited space. Parking in the lot is limited to 15 vehicles for event reservations. The remaining spaces in the lot must be left open for public visitors. A gravel overflow lot just east of the paved lot provides additional parking for up to 50 vehicles. If more than 60 vehicles are expected, please indicate this on your reservation request. Schmeeckle staff will need to request that the City of Stevens Point open North Point Drive for street parking. If cars park along the road or other undesignated parking spots without prior approval, they will be ticketed by the City of Stevens Point Police.

Does Schmeeckle provide any equipment or furniture?

Schmeeckle Reserve staff can coordinate the rental of folding chairs, folding tables, sound system, and stage lighting. Please indicate these on your request form. Schmeeckle does not provide any other equipment or furniture, but you are welcome to bring in your own tables, chairs, podiums, easels, archways, backdrops, or other small temporary equipment. Note that vehicular access to the site is not allowed, so everything must be carried or rolled in using the trails

Can we use an amplification system or play music at my event?

Schmeeckle Reserve is a natural area that visitors enjoy for its quietness and solitude. Amphitheater users must respect other visitors on the trails. If a sound system is used, its volume must be set at a level so that it cannot be heard more than 350 feet away, or the distance between the amphitheater and paved parking lot. Short music clips played as part of a ceremony are acceptable, but sustained amplified music (like that played during a dance) is not allowed. A sound system can be reserved through Schmeeckle; check the box on your reservation form if interested.

Is there a sound amplification system available to rent?

Yes, Schmeeckle has a system available for rent that includes two QSC powered speakers on stands, two handheld/wireless microphones, two wireless microphones, and a mixer. If interested, check the box on your reservation request.

Are there lights available to rent?

Yes, Schmeeckle has a portable lighting system available for rent that consists of two LED light arrays on a stands and a controller for changing color. Note that the amphitheater already has dimmable, overhead lighting, so portable lights aren't required. If interested, check the box on your reservation request.

Is there vehicle access to the amphitheater site?

Vehicle access is not allowed, except by Schmeeckle staff. Vehicles may be parked in the visitor center parking lot. A relatively flat, hard-packed crushed granite trail leads from the parking lot to the amphitheater. The distance is about 350 feet. We recommend that you bring along a cart or wheelbarrow with large wheels to haul materials between the lot and amphitheater. If vehicle access is essential, please contact Schmeeckle Reserve to discuss.

Can I decorate the amphitheater? What kinds of decorations are allowed?

Decorations can be hung if there is no adhesion to the structure (wrapping lights or cloth around beams, free-standing arbor, etc.). Decorations and other materials cannot be attached or adhered to the amphitheater structure at any time. No nails, thumb tacks, staples, glue, tape, poster putty, etc. Glitter, confetti, rice, etc. is not allowed due to cleanup issues and possible ingestion by wildlife. For specific questions, please contact Schmeeckle Reserve.

Can I put up signage for my event?

Free-standing or in-ground temporary signage may be installed to guide guests to the event site. Signs and other decorations (such as balloons, ribbons, etc.) are not allowed to be attached to existing posts, fences, trees, or other structures. All signage must be removed at the end of the event.

Can I release sky lanterns, balloons, butterflies, or other things? Can I throw glitter, confetti, birdseed, or other things?

No. The ceremonial release of items such as balloons, sky lanterns, butterflies, or doves is not allowed in Schmeeckle at any time. Throwing glitter, confetti, birdseed, rice, paper airplanes, popcorn, etc. is also not allowed. These items cause cleanup issues and can lead to possible ingestion by wildlife.

Can I have a campfire? Can I have candles, torches, grills, or other open flames?

A fireplace is available in the Menzel Pavilion, which is part of the amphitheater reservation. Use of the fireplace requires an extra fee, and includes kindling and firewood. If interested, check the box on your reservation request. You are not allowed to bring your own firewood. Grills are only allowed on the open patio area of the Menzel Pavilion (not under the roof). No other open flames are allowed, with the exception of small, contained candles.

Can I have fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers?

No fireworks, sparklers, fountains, firecrackers, or other pyrotechnic/explosive items are allowed in Schmeeckle at any time.

Will there be trash and recycling cans for my event?

No. Schmeeckle has a carry in-carry out policy. Garbage/recycling cans are not available at the amphitheater site. Any garbage generated during the event is the responsibility of the renter and must be removed from the site. All equipment and decorations must be taken down prior to the reservation end time. Please allow ample time for cleanup on your reservation request. If excessive cleanup is required by Schmeeckle staff, the renter will be billed for staff time.

Can I or guests smoke, vape, or use other tobacco products at my event?

No. Smoking, tobacco use, and E-cigarettes are not allowed in Schmeeckle Reserve, including the parking lot. Schmeeckle is part of the UW-Stevens Point tobacco-free campus. The closest area where smoking is allowed would be along North Point Drive in the city right-of-way.

Can I or guests bring dogs, cats, or other pets to my event?

No. Pets are not allowed in Schmeeckle Reserve due to sensitive wildlife population studies that are being conducted. Trained service dogs are allowed.

Can I or guests use a drone at my event?

Drones/Unmanned Aircraft Systems are highly regulated over university property. Operation of a drone, including for photography, must be approved through the UW-Stevens Point Risk Management office prior to the event. Visit the UW-Stevens Point Drone Policy page for more information.

Is there anything that can be done about the bugs?

The amphitheater is a rustic part of the natural landscape of Schmeeckle Reserve. In late spring and summer, mosquitoes, deer flies, and other biting bugs may be a nuisance. Personal insect repellent is recommended. Insect foggers are not allowed.