Amphitheater

An amphitheater (also spelled amphitheatre) is a concert venue with a covered stage and partially or fully open-air seating — typically featuring a fixed-seat pavilion section closest to the stage and a general admission lawn section further back. Amphitheaters are a staple of summer touring in the US. Some amphitheaters are only open seasonally depending on location — for instance, venues in the northeastern US may only operate spring through fall and close during winter months because of weather. Well-known amphitheaters include the Hollywood Bowl, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Gorge Amphitheatre, Merriweather Post Pavilion, and PNC Bank Arts Center.

Amphitheaters on tour

Amphitheaters (sometimes called sheds in industry slang) typically hold 15,000-25,000 people and are most active from May through September. Major amphitheater circuits (Live Nation, AEG) form the backbone of summer touring for mid-to-large acts. The touring experience is distinct: weather is always a factor, lawn sections create different crowd dynamics, and outdoor noise curfews tend to be strict.

Production considerations

Amphitheaters usually provide house sound, lighting, and staging, though many touring acts carry their own production. The covered stage protects equipment, but open-air seating means weather affects the audience and sound propagation. Rain plans, wind, and temperature all factor into advancing an amphitheater date.