ORION PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
50 Republic Avenue
M.S.A.D. No. 75 MISSION STATEMENT
The four communities of M.S.A.D. No. 75 are united in our dedication to develop confident, life-long learners. It is our mission to work together to ensure a community of fluent learners, critical thinkers and creative contributors to our society.
A. DISTRICT
GOALS
The Orion
Performing Arts Center (OPAC) is the largest performance space in the region. It is a tremendous asset, one which will
greatly enhance the District’s capacity to cultivate interest in and
appreciation for the fine arts in our schools and communities. OPAC gives students involved in the
performing arts the opportunity to perform in a serious performance space, a
vital part of the artistic experience.
It also gives students, staff, local citizens, and visitors access to a
broad array of performances, ranging from local productions featuring our own
children to community theatre to professional productions.
The District
intentionally makes OPAC available for use by groups independent of MSAD No. 75
NO. 75 No.75, both to promote the arts and to make the facility financially
self-sufficient. The District expects
OPAC to serve as a cultural beacon in the region, drawing in people to see high
quality performances by amateurs and professionals.
B. USES
OF OPAC
The schools of
MSAD No. 75 belong to the people of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell and Topsham
derive substantial support from local taxes.
The MSAD No. 75 Board of Directors has established a tradition of making
school buildings and related facilities available to local community groups and
individuals, and it continues this tradition with OPAC. To maximize use of this unique asset, the
Board permits use of the facility by groups outside the District as well. In general, the facility is available for
use when not otherwise committed for district purposes.
The Board evaluates whether proposed uses are
appropriate in the context of the District’s interests and the welfare of its
students and reserves the right to accept, reject, or place conditions on
proposed uses based on these considerations.
C. SCHEDULING
PRIORITIES
1. Use of
OPAC for District-based educational activities takes precedence over any other
use of the facility, provided they are scheduled in accordance with procedures
established by the Board.
District-based educational activities include (a) performing arts,
academic, vocational, and adult education, (b) District-sanctioned
extracurricular activities including the performing arts and (c) activities of
organizations that exist solely for the purpose of supporting school
programs. Priority among District-based
educational activities is assigned in the order they are listed above, and fine
arts performances take precedence over other uses.
2. Secondary use of OPAC is shared with
Merrymeeting Regional Adult Education.
D. PROCEDURES
1.
The Board has established the position of Auditorium Manager to administer
its policies and procedures regarding use and management of OPAC. Decisions of the Auditorium Manager may be
appealed to the Superintendent or Board of Directors which shall make a final
and binding decision on the matter.
2. Applications for use of OPAC are approved
only if judged appropriate, based upon criteria established by the Board.
3. To facilitate scheduling and maximize use of
OPAC, District-based educational activities requiring the facility during a
school year are to be scheduled by May 15 of the prior school year. All other individuals and groups are
prioritized based on the date of their completed application, with
consideration given to the District’s expected needs when applications for use
during the subsequent school year are received before May 15 of the previous
school year. Once an application is
approved and rental obligations are met, the date is considered secure.
4.
To
maximize use of the auditorium, no group or individual is granted exclusive use
of any portion of the facility for a period to exceed three weeks or on an
ongoing basis, unless pre-approved by the Auditorium Manager.
E. RESTRICTIONS
1. The Board does not allow use of OPAC by any
group, for any activity that advocates unconstitutional or illegal acts. It does not allow use of OPAC for activities
that are contrary to the District’s interests or the educational welfare of its
students.
2. The Board
reserves the right to reject applications that pose a risk of damage to OPAC or
associated facilities, including school buildings, grounds, or equipment.
3. Because of constitutional
considerations involving separation of Church and State, the following
restrictions apply to use of OPAC and associated facilities by a religious
group:
(a)
The use must be temporary;
(b) The facility must not be used
for worship unless the group in question is actively pursuing a plan
to obtain or construct its own facility;
4.
Except with special permission, the use must not occur during
school hours and must not disrupt or interfere with other designated uses of
the facility;
5.
A
fair rental, based on the approved fee schedule, must be paid for use of the
facility.
6.
All
renters must arrange security with the Topsham Police Department.
A. APPLICATION FOR USE OF FACILITIES
1.
The Auditorium Manager or designee is authorized to accept and
review applications to use OPAC and associated facilities and to schedules
those applications that satisfy the Board’s policies, application requirements
and procedures.
2.
Applications will be made to the Auditorium Manager in a timely
manner so that scheduling of facilities can be coordinated. Applications by non-district entities for
use of space in addition to the auditorium may not be approved more than six
months in advance, except with the written permission of the Auditorium Manager
following consultation with appropriate administrators.
3.
Availability of the auditorium is limited only by the District’s
scheduled annual activities and the Board’s policies.
4.
The Auditorium Manager reserves the right to revoke any permission
granted for use of the auditorium, at any time and without prior notice or
liability, should the Auditorium Manager determine that such action is
justified based on the terms of the Rental Agreement, or this policy.
B. CONDITIONS OF USE
1. All non-District applicants must execute a written Agreement governing the use of OPAC and associated facilities.
2. To the extent feasible, the hours of use should coincide with the hours of the custodians’ regularly scheduled duties. At other times, the user is responsible for fees charged for contracted custodial services.
3. Users of OPAC and associated facilities are responsible for leaving the facilities in the same condition in which they were received. If the Auditorium Manager determines this responsibility was not met, the user will be charged for clean-up costs in addition to other applicable fees.
4. Users are not permitted to make any alterations, interior or exterior, without the prior written approval of the Auditorium Manager. Such alterations include, but are not limited to, attachment of any item to any part of OPAC and associated facilities.
5. Users of OPAC and associated facilities are responsible for preserving order during all activities and must comply with all applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations, in addition to any policies or conditions imposed by the Auditorium Manager. The party in charge of the event must supervise activities and remain on the premises from the time the first person enters the facility until the last person has left the facility. Security is necessary and payment for said services is the responsibility of the user. Arrangements shall be made with the Topsham Police Department. Evidence of meeting all legal obligations must be provided 14 days in advance of use, to the Auditorium Manager.
6. Users are responsible for any loss of or damage to facilities or equipment. Proof of liability insurance or adequate financial resources to meet this responsibility may be required as condition of approval.
7. MSAD No. 75 reserves all rights to food and other concessions.
8. In the rental of the auditorium:
Any bonded school or non-District-related government groups must have an insurance bond for liability ($1,000,000) and damage ($25,000). The Auditorium Manager will inspect facilities following the use of the facility. The user will promptly make restitution for any loss or damage that occurs during their use of the facilities.
(a)
The Auditorium Manager and MSAD No. 75 shall be named as
additional insured in all such policies and all insurances provided by the user
shall be primary to any incurrences which MSAD No. 75 may have.
(b)
The user will furnish certificates of insurance to the Auditorium
Manager indicating that it has provided the coverage required herein at least
fourteen (14) days prior to the event.
(c)
All insurance required by this agreement shall be placed with
insurers licensed to do business in the State of Maine and acceptable to the
Auditorium Manager.
9. If minors are involved in scheduled activities, outside normal school use, the user must provide adequate adult supervision. A ratio of one adult to every ten students is recommended.
10. Use of OPAC’s stage lighting, sound system studio or projection areas require employment of an approved MSAD No. 75 technician. Cost of this technician is paid by the user at the rate established in the Fee Schedule. Special regulatory or technical requirements may necessitate the hiring of additional technical assistance. Any such arrangements require prior approval of the Auditorium Manager and must be paid for by the user.
11. The Auditorium Manager reserves the right to require school personnel to be present during a scheduled activity, at the expense of the user.
C.
PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES
1.
The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco
products or illegal drugs in OPAC and associated facilities including school
buildings and grounds is prohibited.
2.
Animals are allowed in OPAC and associated facilities only with
prior approval of the Auditorium Manager.
3. The use of open flame, or flammable materials, including candles or other special effects, are allowed only with prior approval of the Auditorium Manager in consultation with the Topsham Fire Chief.
D. FEES
1.
The Board of Directors shall approve a schedule of fees for the
use of OPAC and associated facilities.
Fees will be based upon actual costs as determined by the Auditorium
Manager and administration. Waivers of
fees may be granted in exceptional situations where the Board determines the
following criteria are met:
(a)
A waiver of the fee is needed;
(b)
A waiver of the fee serves the interests of the District;
(c)
A waiver of the fee serves a compelling public benefit.