School groups who wish to use the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater for performances or fund-raising events will be getting quite a deal.

The amphitheater has established a $150 rental fee for such events for school groups. The normal non-profit rental rate is $1,500.

The hope is to encourage more events at “The Fred” and provide more opportunities for youths to perform in an outdoor venue, according to city staff.

Amphitheater staff is also hoping to draw more interest in the venue. The Starr’s Mill High School Band Boosters has already scheduled a fund-raiser for April 24.

While the rental fee has dropped significantly each school group will be responsible for funding cleanup, staffing, production lighting and sound and security as needed, officials have said.

If the school event is free of charge, the school group will need to pay $250 to the cleaning contractor for cleanup of the facility, $25 per hour for one on-site staffer, a certificate of liability insurance and additional security as determined by the police department.

If the fund-raiser features regional or national contracted talent and tickets are sold, the cleaning fee rises to $650 and the amphitheater would get 20 percent of the net profits from ticket sales.

Also, the group must meet the amphitheater’s staffing costs as normally charged to any group renting the facility.