Miller Auditorium

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James W. Miller Auditorium is a performance venue at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was opened on January 12, 1968, at a ceremony that included WMU's third president, James W. Miller, for whom the auditorium was later renamed.

With a seating capacity of 3,497, Miller Auditorium is the fourth-largest auditorium in Michigan, after the Fox Theater, Masonic Temple Theater, and Hill Auditorium.

Miller Auditorium has three separate seating sections, the Orchestra level, the Grand Tier level, and the Balcony level. Each seating level is divided into two seating areas: left and right. Miller Auditorium employs many students from the University, some as part of Work Study. The performances are also staffed in large part by volunteers from the community known as ushers. The ushers work as part of the Usher Corps and contribute a great amount of time and energy to keeping the auditorium atmosphere helpful and friendly.

Miller Auditorium is host to several kinds of performances. A Western Michigan University student organization known as the Campus Activities Board (CAB) brings in several performances each year, usually offering a discounted price for students. The CAB events run the gamut from Miller Movies (newer movies, generally costing less than $5 with student ID) to comedians and other speakers. The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra routinely plays shows throughout the year at Miller, providing discounted seats in the balcony level. Several Broadway shows come through Miller's doors every year, the likes of which have included: Phantom of the Opera, Chicago: the Musical, Stomp, Beauty and the Beast, and many more. Miller has also hosted Jeff Corwin, Dave Chappell, and Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood. Located mid-way between Chicago and Detroit, Miller patrons don't have far to travel to see a wide variety of performances.

Every year, Miller Auditorium is also host to the three Western Michigan University commencement ceremonies, in addition to hosting ceremonies for the local community college and various secondary schools in the area. The auditorium is available for rent to persons in the community, which makes the auditorium even more valuable.