Building Rental
Want to rent Bristol Riverside Theatre for your event?
(Frequently Asked Questions about BRT Facilities Rentals)
Q: BRT rents its facilities to outside organizations and individuals
A: BRT has hosted a wide variety of events from musical theatre productions to solo concerts, from large corporate meetings to intimate memorial services. We offer daily and weekly rental rates of our theatre and lobby facilities. Please note, however, that many months advance notice is usually necessary so that we can make every effort to accommodate outside meetings and special events into our busy schedule.
Q: How far in advance should date/space availability be requested?
A: We usually plan our schedule for the summer and following subscription seasons in December (example: in December 2004, we determined the schedule from June, 2005 through May, 2006). Single day events may not be booked until the schedule is set for our upcoming seasons, and theatre rentals cannot be confirmed until set designs for BRT in-house productions have been submitted (approximately 4 months prior to available rental dates). Groups looking for a weeklong rental should express interest prior to December so that we can consider your request when planning for the following year.
Q: What is the seating capacity of the theatre?
A: The theatre seats 302 patrons: 216 in our downstairs Orchestra, 86 upstairs in the Mezzanine. Please note that there is no elevator access to the Mezzanine.
Q: Can the lobby be rented for a meeting or reception?
A: Groups who would like to combine a reception with a theatre outing are welcome to rent our lobby or balcony for a pre-show or post-show gathering. The lobby is not available on show days unless the group is attending the performance.
Our Lobby, Atrium, and outdoor Terrace are an ideal location a for small (up to 30 people) business meeting, or may be rented for an hors-d’oeuvres or catered reception on non-performance days (pending availability). Sit-down meals are not recommended, as there is limited space for seating, and BRT does not have kitchen facilities.
Q: How often is the theatre available for rental?
A: The theatre is available for rental when not in use for BRT rehearsals or performances. BRT annually produces nine shows: five during its regular subscription season (September through May), three as part of its Summer Musicale Series (June through August), and a Winter Musicale (December).
From September through May, the theatre is usually only available for rental on Mondays and Tuesdays of the second and third weeks of the run of a production. Weekend dates are almost never available. Please be aware that even on those days, scenic designs frequently limit the availability of space and the ability to put a piano, band or large ensemble on stage. Generally, only small concerts or presentations can be considered, as special events must take place on the set of the BRT production running at that time.
Summer dates are far easier to schedule. The summer series only offers four performances a week, instead of the seven offered during the regular season. Furthermore, the Musicales are produced with a repertory lighting set-up, and a more basic, repertory stage.
Q: What is included in the basic rental packages?
A: Theatre rental includes access to the stage, auditorium, lobby, restrooms, and dressing rooms, a load-in/rehearsal period on the day of your event, use of the sound system, basic use of the current lighting set-up with minimal (lights up/lights down) operation, Production Management services (scheduling, coordinating and supervision of the theatre), and one technician to run lights or sound. Only BRT Technicians or other professionals approved by the Production Manager may operate BRT equipment. Box Office services are not included in the basic rental fee.
Lobby/Atrium rentals include use of the lobby and atrium, restrooms, the concession and merchandise counters and a house manager. There is a minimal additional charge to cover housekeeping costs if refreshments are served.
For a complete list of pricing and additional services and fees, please contact the Production Manager.
Q: With performances taking place only 25 weeks out of the year, why is availability so limited?
A: Since we do not have a separate rehearsal hall, our stage is occupied with a load-out, load-in, rehearsal, or performance period every week between September and May and most weeks in the summer. Summer rehearsal venues are more flexible as most rehearsals consist of learning music at a piano.
To check on availability and pricing for BRT Facilities Rentals please contact:
Scott Crandall
Production Manager
(215) 785-6664
scott@BRTstage.org