Information for Performers

Each year, Oregon Zoo welcomes school, church and community performers from throughout the region to participate in our annual ZooLights event. Thousands of talented musicians of all ages have shared the experience of performing at the zoo, and it has become a holiday tradition for many.

ELEPHANT PLAZA STAGE
Performance Schedule
This year, performance opportunities at our Elephant Plaza Stage begin on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and continue nightly through Sunday, Jan. 3. ZooLights is closed on Nov. 26, and December 24-25. There are three time slots every evening at 5:45, 6:30 and 7:15 p.m. On Friday and Saturday evenings a fourth time slot is available at 8 p.m.

For groups performing at Elephant Plaza, the following equipment can be provided by the zoo: Piano, P.A system with three microphones, a CD/cassette player, and up to three music stands. Other equipment may be brought into the zoo if it can be carried in through the front gate.

Performances are expected to be seasonal in nature and approximately 30 minutes in length. There is a fifteen minute "buffer" space between groups, to allow setup and takedown time. Please be respectful of these time constraints.

Because of space limitations in this performance area, performing groups must be limited in size to 35 performers. This is a number designated by the Fire Marshall to control the safe occupancy of the area. We understand that it may be necessary to adjust the number of your performers to work with this restriction. Please plan your performance with this in mind. Please do not ask us to make exceptions.

ENTRY PLAZA
Performance Schedule
Between Friday, Dec. 11 and Wednesday, Dec. 23, a second performance venue will be available in the zoo's main entry plaza. This is a great space to perform as all of our guests stream past on the way into and out of ZooLights! Performance times are available at 5:30, 6:15, 7:00 and 7:45 p.m. nightly.

There is a lit, ten foot by ten foot canopy for groups to stand under while they perform. Electricity is available, but the zoo cannot provide any other equipment at the entry plaza venue.

ZOO ADMISSION
Complimentary tickets for ZooLights will be sent for each performer. For school and youth ensembles, tickets will be included for chaperones, as one chaperone is required for each five youth performers. A ticket will also be provided for the director. Families of performers wishing to enjoy the performance will be expected to enter the zoo and pay regular admission.