Private Groups

We invite you and your group to explore astronomical topics at the Manfred Olson Planetarium theater at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

This page will answer all your questions including:

• breakdown of a private show
• optional hands-on activities
• when private shows are offered
• fees
• how to request private shows
• important tips for your visit

If you are a teacher, please visit
http://www4.uwm.edu/planetarium/teachers.cfm.

Private shows are for . . .

• Large groups of people (more than 20), who might not fit on a Friday Night Show.
• Groups who would prefer to visit at a time other than Friday at 7:00 p.m.
• People who are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or other special events.
• Groups with special needs.
• Girl Scouts, who have special requirements for try-its and badges.

How is a private show structured?

The planetarium show component (55-60 min) consists of

• an introduction to the planetarium and the motion of the earth (5 min);
• a tour of the solar system with up-to-date information on planets and important moons. (others topics are available upon request) (25 min);
• a description of constellations and objects in the current night sky (15 min);
• and a question and answer period (10-15 min)

The show can be shortened for young audiences (K4, K5, G1) or altered to meet special needs.

Optional hands-on activities

We also offer optional hands-on activities that explore the following themes:

• Scale of the Earth and the Moon (K4 - G2)
• Scale of the Solar System (G3 - G5)
• Star Maps (G5 - G12)

When are private shows offered?

• Typically, shows may be scheduled between 9 am and 4 pm. Please contact Jean Creighton at (414) 229-4961 or stargaze@uwm.edu for specific dates.
• Some evenings (typically Monday or Wednesday) and select weekends are available upon request.

Fees

The planetarium show costs $25 per private group for up to 68 people (Starting September 5, 2009, private show will cost $30).

The fee for optional hands-on activities ranges from $25 to $50 (starting September 5, 2009, optional activities will cost $30 - $60) depending on the size and age of the group and the particular activities chosen. The activities can last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on the activity and the age of the group.

How to make a reservation

To make a reservation for your group or for more information, please write to Jean Creighton at stargaze@uwm.edu, or call (414) 229-4961. If no one is in the office, please leave a message and Jean Creighton will get back to you as soon as possible.

Please note: if you do not get a response within 48 hours, please try again. Occasionally our mail server "gobbles up" messages. We apologize for this inconvenience.

After we have agreed upon a date and time, Jean Creighton will fax you an invoice form. Please send a completed copy of the invoice form and a check made to "The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee" to

Physics/Planetarium

UW-Milwaukee

P.O. Box 413

Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413

Kindly arrange for the check and reservation invoice form to arrive before your scheduled program.

Important Tips for Your Visit

	Please use the restrooms before the show starts as the doors of the theater lock automatically.
	Although food and drink cannot be consumed in the planetarium, one may bring cake, snacks, and beverages to the UWM Student Union; it is a quick walk over the Maryland Avenue bridge.
	If traveling via bus, we recommend you arrive 10 minutes early to allow time for parking and unloading.
	Please keep in mind that the planetarium is part of a university. We ask that your group keep as quiet as possible when moving through the building to avoid disrupting classes in session.
	For safety reasons, please remain seated during the program as the planetarium environment is very dark.
	Please turn off or silence your cell phone during the show, and abstain from opening it as the light will disrupt the darkened theater environment.
	Some aspects of the planetarium experience (especially the darkened room) may not be suitable for children under 5.
	Dress in layers for your comfort. During warm days, the theater can become quite cool.
	Come to the show with your astronomy questions! We always have a question and answer period at the end of our show.

Please feel free to contact Jean Creighton if you have additional questions: (414) 229-4961 or stargaze@uwm.edu