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Kidd-Key Auditorium

Located near downtown Sherman, TX, Kidd-Key Auditorium is the home of the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. Extensive restoration and renovation of this beautiful concert hall was undertaken by the City of Sherman with generous support from Austin College and has returned the historical significance of the building and remade it into an exceptional venue for major performances. Constructed in 1938 and seating more than 1200, the Art Deco hall has fantastic acoustics for orchestral performances. Every seat affords the concertgoer excellent sound and a great view.

We can't confirm that Elvis' ghost attends concerts, but he did play here in the 1960s. So we've heard.

What happens at a symphony orchestra concert?

The orchestra plays several pieces -- usually totaling about 60 minutes of music. Some pieces are made of many parts ("movements"). The piece is not finished until all of the movements have been played. About halfway through the program, there will be an intermission. Feel free to get up and move around and get to know other music lovers! Also, don't forget to silence or turn off your cell phone!

What is appropriate attire?

Some concertgoers wear a suit and tie or fancy dresses. Others feel comfortable in more casual clothes; what is essential is to come expecting a great experience.

Getting There:

Parking and Accessibility at Kidd-Key Auditorium:

Parking at Kidd-Key (400 N. Elm St.) is street level on Mulberry and Elm streets, with city parking lots at City Hall just to the east of the auditorium on Mulberry. The lower level of parking on the north side of the building is available to those able to walk up a flight of outside stairs to the entrance on Elm. Parking is also available at First United Methodist Church just north of the hall across Elm street.

There is a ramp at the front entrance of the auditorium (N. Elm St.). Accessible parking is available on the south side of the auditorium on the lower level (W. Mulberry St.); elevators are just inside the doors.

The SSO Christmas Pops concert happens on the Austin College campus in the Sid Richardson Center (1150 E. Brockett St.), a part of the Mason Athletic and Recreation Complex.

Parking and Accessibility at the Sid Richardson Center at Austin College:

Parking, including several accessible parking spaces, is available in the lot located to the south of the building and in several other campus lots along Brockett St.

Frequently Asked Questions about Concerts

Ticketing

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes! The box office opens one hour prior to each concert. We accept cash and card payments.

I purchased tickets in advance. Where can I pick them up?

If you have purchased tickets online or over the phone, your tickets will be in the lobby at Will Call.

Concert Attendance

What time can I arrive at the hall on concert days?

The hall and the box office are open one hour before each performance begins.

Can I reserve specific seats?

You may purchase either Premium Seating or General Admission seating tickets. However, Premium Seating and General Admission do not have reserved seats within each section. You may select your seats upon arriving at the hall.

Is handicapped-accessible seating available?

Yes! There is seating available on the main level of the auditorium. To enter the hall, there are two options. You may use the ramp at the front of the building, or you may park on the south side of the building in a handicapped parking space, enter the door near the parking lot, and take the elevator up to the main level.

Christmas Pops

What are the seating options for Christmas Pops?

In the Sid Richardson center at Austin College, General Admission seating has the option of sitting at long tables or in the balcony. Or you may purchase a reserved round table for 8 people at the front of the auditorium, these tables must be purchased in advance.

What can I expect to see at the Christmas Pops concert?

The first thing you will see in the lobby is St. Nick himself, sitting in his sleigh! Feel free to take a picture with him (he is the real Santa, after all!) You may participate in the coloring contest (for ALL ages) and take part in a sing-a-long of familiar holiday tunes. You may bring in snacks to enjoy at your table during the performance. This is a fun and casual concert, and both the evening and matinee performances are suitable for families.

Free Student Tickets

Who is eligible for free student tickets?

Children and students of all ages attend our Classical Series concerts at Kidd-Key Auditorium free of charge! College students must present their student ID cards at the Kidd-Key box office prior to performances in order to receive their free tickets.

Do I need to reserve free student tickets in advance?

There is no need to reserve free student tickets in advance, but you are welcome to do so. If you reserve them in advance, they will be included with any tickets that you have purchased. If you do not reserve them in advance, you may pick them up at the box office prior to the concert.

Are there free student tickets for Christmas Pops?

Children ages 5 years and under attend Christmas Pops free of charge. Tickets for students ages 6 years and up are $5.