Running Your Theater: rent

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rent

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Theater Administration
Forum Name: Running Your Theater
Forum Discription: General questions about how to make it work
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2811
Printed Date: 10/31/25 at 11:33am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: rent

Posted By: janetk
Subject: rent
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 12:32pm

Our theatre company is getting ready within the next year or two to enter into an agreement with the local arts council, being the resident theatre company. This will be a new facility and we are currently working on contract negotations. I am looking for feedback on what other organizations are paying in rent. Any help?

Replies:

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 4:03pm

Rent varies from city to city and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. Instead of citing an actual amount, you should be looking into percentages of perceived value.

For example, is the area your theater will be in used mostly for residential, retail or commercial (warehouse) purposes? Find out what your neighbors are paying (either by evaluating property values or by square footage) and negotiate with the council on what PERCENT of that your group is willing or able to afford.

If the landlord is agreeable, the difference may be tax deductible for him, or the missing percentage may be underwritten by another corporation -- also looking for a potential tax break (assuming your theater is a non-profit).

Good luck

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 4:03pm

Probably most of this won't apply to a new facility. The agreement that we have with the owners of the old grange hall are: that we upgraded the electrical system, split the cost of maintenance, pay our share of the heat and electricity, and pay a per sold seat revenue. They are thrilled, and the building hasn't been in such good condition for years.

Linda

Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 11/15/07 at 4:44pm

What are the details of your situation? We're paying around a $1,000-1300 for one week in a 250 seat theater run by the Art's Council. That includes 5 performances, one dress rehearsal and 4 other nights for rehearsal.

Posted By: janetk
Date Posted: 11/27/07 at 8:41am

Currently we pay $5000 for 9 months, they cover electricity. Our house seats approx. 130. We are moving to a place that will seat approx 230. It is a historical theatre that is being redone, with state of the art (hopefully) equipment. We are looking at $15000 for 9 months.

Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 11/27/07 at 10:46pm

Originally posted by janetk

Wow. Is any of that rent being subsidized by anyone?

Posted By: janetk
Date Posted: 11/29/07 at 9:26am

No. We have a very successful season with 3 shows each season running for 3 weekends each. We also have underwriters, sponsors, benefactors and patrons. Our community is very supportive. We receive no money from grants or the city or county.

Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 11/29/07 at 12:43pm

So you were renting a building that seats 130 for $550 a month? What kind of square footage is that and what kind of location if you don't mind asking? I wish we could find a deal like that.

Posted By: janetk
Date Posted: 12/06/07 at 1:47pm

We are located in the downtown area of a small rural community. As far as square footage...not quite sure. There is no backstage and the dressing room...yes only one...is quite small. It is a very intimate theatre. Our organization redid the loft of the arts council building approximately 15 years ago. They had been using it for storage.