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Butler School of Music Operations | College of Fine Arts | University of Texas at Austin

Jessen Auditorium

General Usage Notes

When using Jessen, all direction from the Production Manager and stage managers must be followed (this includes instructions about and during load-in, load-out, rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances).

When finished rehearsing in Jessen, always strike the stage and remove your equipment from the hall unless instructed otherwise by the Production Manager and always:

  • Pay close attention to your in and out time in ArtsVision
  • Leave pianos/harpsichord closed and covered upstage along the wall. Instrument covers should never be placed on the floor.
  • Do not move harpsichord or the lectern off stage. Do not unplug the lectern from the connection port.
  • Leave stands and chairs in backstage in an orderly fashion not blocking doorways
  • Do not leave house doors propped open. Check that they are secure and turn off all lights when you leave.

Hall Resources

  • Seats 325
  • Stage 22’x 40’
  • Two Steinway D 9ft concert grand pianos (may not be moved off stage)
  • Harpsichord
  • Audio recording and single camera video
  • Two backstage areas (left/right)
  • Large green room below the stage
  • 20 chairs (approx.)
  • 20 stands (approx.)

Food & Drink Policy

Absolutely no food or drink is allowed in the hall at any time. Homer Rainey Hall also prohibits food at receptions following the concert. If you break this policy, you may have your access privileges to Jessen permanently revoked.

Sound Support

Jessen is an excellent hall for acoustic music, but sound support requires special preparation. Sound support requests should be sent to recording services (astoltz@austin.utexas.edu) at least one month prior to the recital date to determine availability of that service.

Lighting

Jessen is equipped with a simple lighting system geared toward large and small ensemble performance. The button controller backstage is labeled with descriptions of each setting and artists may try them out during rehearsal times. The vast majority of ensembles will find one of the 8 settings pre-programmed for the hall appropriate for their event. We do not allow ensembles direct access to modify these lighting settings. A wide range of color options are available in Jessen and simple spot lights are available. Please contact the production manager (tweller@utexas.edu) for additional information. Lighting requests made less than 30 days prior to the event will not be accommodated. Due to limitations with the button controller, special lighting may be unavailable during busy times of the semester.

Scheduling & Hall Access

In order to use the hall, you must have a reservation. It is crucial that the schedule in Jessen be strictly adhered to. Please double check your in-time and out-time in ArtsVision for every reservation you have in the hall. If you are confused about your reservation time, please contact the scheduling office. Early setups or staying late must be cleared with the scheduling office or the production manager.

If you have an ArtsVision reservation in Jessen you will be provided with a code for the backstage door so you can enter the hall for your dress rehearsals and performance. We do not check out keys for Jessen Auditorium.

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