Rental & Fees

Dowd Center Theatre Fee Schedules

All rental fees and expenses are determined by the date scheduled, day of the week, time of day, the exact nature of the event, the anticipated attendance, and the requirements of the tenant or lessee.

The prices below are basic fees and rates which may be adjusted as event details warrant. The Dowd Center Theatre reserves the right to adjust its rental policies and fees depending on the requirements and needs of the event. All dates are secured with a deposit.

Management reserves the right to refuse a rental request if the event is not appropriate to the mission of the theatre, or if the event conflicts with any other event planned by the theatre.

Basic Rental (Sunday through Thursday)

A basic rental includes use of the theatre, lobby, and gallery space, catering kitchen, and basic technical and administrative support (single microphone w/ stand, single video hookup, sound system, and rep light plot). Additional charges may apply for other services (see below).

Type Gallery/Lobby Theatre/Gallery/Lobby

Corporate/Private

$500 (Half-Day)

$1,000 (Full-Day)

$800 (Half-Day)

$1,200 (Full-Day)

Monroe Resident*
(Excluding Weddings)

$400 (Half-Day)

$800 (Full-Day)

$600 (Half-Day)

$1,000 (Full-Day)

Union County Nonprofit

$300 (Half-Day)

$600 (Full-Day)

$500 (Half-Day)

$800 (Full-Day)

Basic Rental (Friday, Saturday, & Holidays)

A basic rental includes use of the theatre, lobby, and gallery space, catering kitchen, and basic technical and administrative support (single microphone w/ stand, single video hookup, sound system, and rep light plot). Additional charges may apply for other services (see below).

Duration Fee

Half-Day Rental

$1,000

Full-Day Rental

$1,500

Half-Day Rental = 4 continuous hours; Full-Day Rental = 8 continuous hours
Additional Rental Hours: $500 per hour; $200 per hour if prearranged

Please Note: The basic rental fees for non-ticketed events reflect Sunday through Thursday rates. Because the Dowd Center Theatre is a multi-purpose presenting venue, rentals might preclude the booking of other forms of entertainment, especially on Friday, Saturday, and holidays, and so the rates are adjusted accordingly. In addition, the DCT requires a deposit of $300 upon acceptance of a booking date, and 50% of the rental fee 90 days in advance of the rental date. The deposit can be applied to the cost of the rental, but the rental fee is non-refundable. The remaining 50% is due 7 days before the date rental date and is also non-refundable. A damage deposit (see below) is also due at the time of the second payment.

Commercial Theatre Rental (Ticketed Events)

There are two kinds of ticketed event rentals. The first rental involves ticketing by an individual, community group, or nonprofit organization, to cover the basic costs of its event and/or to provide fundraising support for that entity. In this instance the basic rental rates (see above) still apply. However, if the rental involves the sale of tickets or admission for profit and/or commercial use (usually in the form of entertainment), the following rates apply:

Sunday – Thursday Friday/Saturday/Holidays

Commercial/Private

$1,400 vs. 12% of potential gross*

$2,000 vs. 12% of potential gross*

Nonprofit Organization

$800 vs. 12% of potential gross*

$1,500 vs. 12% of potential gross*

*whichever is higher

Commercial Theatre Rental (Residency/Multiple Events)

Fees and potential gross split are negotiated on an individual basis with each organization according to established rental rates, anticipated ticket revenue, and duration of residency. A residency is defined as two or more events or performances in consecutive days or three or more annual events or performances. Residency shall be awarded to an organization following consultation, recommendation of the Theater Supervisor and approval of City Council.

Type Duration Fee

Monroe Residents*

Full Day or Evening/Night

$1,500

Non-Residents

Full Day or Evening/Night
$2,000

Fees are based on a 6-hour block of time for the wedding and 2 hours for rehearsal.
Scheduling of the wedding rehearsal is subject the events calendar of The Dowd Center Theatre.

*A Monroe resident is defined as any individual or business owner residing with the city limits of Monroe

Commercial Theatre Rental (Residency/Multiple Events)

Personnel*

Technical Director (if event requires management and/or supervision)

$400 - $600

Technical Director (consultation beyond basic rental)

$25 per hour

FOH Personnel: House Manager /Box Office Services/Ushers

$15 per person per hour

Ad Hoc Personnel: Stagehands/Deck Crew/Board Ops

$15 per person per hour

*Please note: a complete quote for personnel for (concert) ticketed events provided only after review of Artist Contract and Rider.

Additional Expenses

Damage Deposit (based on scope of event and areas rented)

$300 - $500

Security (provided by the City of Monroe)

$30-$35 per person per hour

Cleaning (based on number of attendees)

$100 (1-100 persons)
$200 (101-200 persons)
$300 (201 persons and up)

Alcohol Sales Buyout

$250

Holiday Surcharge

$200

Artist Merchandise Sales

15%

Event Page On Website

$200

Marquee (based on availability)

$50

Gallery Fees

Artist Commission

30% - 50%

Food & Beverage Services/Catering

The Dowd Center Theatre has a catering kitchen with a commercial refrigerator and freezer, icemaker, and food warmer, where food may be prepared and served. Cooking on site is not allowed. The facility has a basic stock of table linens, skirts, and paper products. Renters should arrange for any additional table linens, skirts, or soft goods of any kind. Caterers must provide all kitchen and dining utensils, plates, and dishes.

The Center provides beer and wine and basic concessions sales for commercial and ticketed events, and can arrange for limited catering for an additional cost. Concessions will include popcorn, packaged candy, chips, and snacks, bottled water and soda, beer, and wine. Should you choose to sell your own beer, wine, and/or concessions, there is a required buyout (see above).

The Center does not provide catering or alcoholic beverages for private, non-commercial events and weddings. If rental of the facility includes food preparation and/or serving of alcoholic beverages, the renter must select from a preapproved list of vendors/caterers from the City of Monroe and Union County. If the renter wishes instead to select a vendor/caterer of their choice, the vendor must satisfy insurance and health permit criteria required by the City of Monroe and Union County.

All rentals that involve the use or sale of alcohol require a paid security officer provided by the city.

Insurance

Performing arts organizations are required to present an insurance rider before the rental of the theatre can be formalized.