FAQ

Our rentals document contains lots of information about booking at The Cultch! Some answers to the more common questions can also be found here. If you’re not able to find what you’re looking for please contact [email protected].

Contact Rentals

General

What is your current COVID safety plan?

Please see here for our current safety measures. If you have any questions please contact [email protected] and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Are you able to support accessible performances?

Yes! We have experience with measures such as sliding scale ticketing, Vocal Eye, ASL interpretation, surtitles, and relaxed performances. We will accommodate your needs as best we can. More information about access can be found on our accessibility page.

Are your venues wheelchair accessible?

All areas of the Historic Theatre and Culture Lab are wheelchair accessible, except for the balcony seating in the Historic. The York Theatre is wheelchair accessible for patrons, except for the balcony seating. More information about access can be found on our accessibility page.

What is the capacity of the theatre?

The York is 350, the Historic is 196, and the Culture Lab is 72.

Making a Booking

How do I make a booking?

Please fill in our rental inquiry form. From there we can draw up a contract and take a deposit.

Two months prior to your event we will have a meeting with our Production, Technical, and Front of House teams to make sure we have all the information we need.

How much is the deposit?

For single day bookings the deposit is the full rental rate. For multi day bookings it is 50%. You pay the deposit when you sign the contract and it is non-refundable.

Can you provide me with an estimate for my event?

General information about our pricing can be found in our rentals package.

Because all events are so different, it’s always difficult to give an estimate but we will try our best! You can reach out to [email protected] with details about your show specifications and what you are hoping to achieve.

Two months prior to your event we will have a meeting with our Production, Technical, and Front of House teams to make sure we have all the information we need. After this we can send a Production estimate and proposed schedule. You are charged for the labor you use, after the event.

Technical

Are we required to hire your technicians?

Yes. As we are a union house, all events that take place in our venues are required to have IATSE 118 technicians onsite. The number of technicians required for your event will be determined by our Production Manager and is based on union requirements.

A technician must be on-site throughout your entire event. All technician shifts are based on a 4-hour minimum call.

Can we bring in our own technical team?

You may bring in your own technical team, but you will still be required to hire the same number of technicians from our crew. Due to our union regulations, you cannot replace the work of any of our technicians with your own crew.

What equipment do you have available?

You can find a list of the projectors, pianos, dance floors, and other equipment that we have available in each venue on page 15 of our rentals package. If you’re looking for anything specific that’s not listed there, please contact [email protected]. Please note that all equipment is subject to availability.

What insurance do you require?

We require you to have a minimum of $2,000,000 insurance per day and to provide proof of insurance at least one month prior to the event.

Front of House

Will the bar be open during my event?

The bar can be opened for your event. The hourly cost $30/hour per bartender will apply and be added to your final settlement. When a minimum amount of sales are earned the hourly fee for the bartender is waived.

What are your staffing requirements?

We require you to have a Front of House Supervisor for your event and Box Office staff, if you are selling tickets through The Cultch. We can provide volunteer ushers, subject to availability.

Can I have a reception?

Yes, we can accommodate both pre- and post-show receptions. Please note that the Lobby at The Cultch is shared between the Historic Theatre and the Culture Lab.

Our small supply of tables and linens are available for you to use, and all three theatres have small green rooms for set-up.

Can I serve my own alcohol?

No, we do require you to use our bar. If you would like to have the bar open then our friendly staff will be happy to serve your guests from our stock of wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages.

Can I serve food?

Yes, that’s fine! If you would like bring in food we require that food be made in a commercial kitchen or provided by a licensed caterer.

Can I sell merchandise?

Yes! We can provide you with a table for this. The Cultch takes a 10% commission on merchandise sales.

Box Office

Can I use the Cultch box office?

Yes, you are more than welcome to sell tickets through The Cultch! There is a one time box office setup fee of $75 and we take a $5 + GST service charge per ticket but you keep the remainder of the ticket revenue.

Can I sell my own tickets?

If you prefer to sell your own tickets we ask that you have a designated Box Office contact and a method for selling tickets on the door, though we can provide you with a table. We require you to offer the same accessibility accommodations as The Cultch to ensure all patrons are welcome. There is also a $300 box office buyout in the York and the Historic.