Theater Rental at Miles Memorial Playhouse

The Miles Memorial Playhouse charter, as approved by the City Council, states that the Miles Memorial Playhouse is available solely to non-profit organizations presenting performing arts events (music, theater and dance) that are open to the general public and appropriate for youth. (“Youth” is defined as 24 and under.) We are also available for general performing arts-related rehearsals, single events and readings when schedule allows.

We book the Playhouse 6 months in advance. Proposals for calendar months March – July must be received no later than the third Friday of the previous SEPTEMBER. All proposals received by this day will receive priority consideration. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by the end of September. Proposals for calendar months August – December must be received no later than the third Friday in March of the same year. All proposals received by this day will receive priority consideration. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or denial by the end of March. Please allow the widest possible range of dates for your production within those time frames.

We do not rent the playhouse for private events such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, benefits, fundraisers, birthday parties or social clubs. We do not rent the playhouse to for-profit entities or producers unless they are affiliated with a non-profit and dedicating proceeds to that approved organization.

Booking Deadlines

Third Friday in March: For all production proposals for the upcoming August – December time period.

Third Friday in September: For all production proposals for the upcoming March – July time period.

NOTE: January and February are reserved for the City-produced Fireside at the Miles series.

Rental Rates

(Divided as follows)

Weekly Rental: $800 per week. Includes 25 hours of free load-in tech. Up to 4 shows.
Daily Rental: $300 per single show. (Only when available. Same-day load.)

As of 7/1/2015, some of the Miles Playhouse Performance rental rates have increased. If you have any questions about this rate increase, please contact Cultural Venue Manager Justin Yoffe at [email protected]

Definitions

Weekly Rental

A “Weekly Rental” reserves the Theater, Green Room and Auditorium for a user group from Monday at 9 a.m. through Sunday at 11 p.m., except for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of every month (to be discussed with Playhouse Manager). It includes 25 hours of free time, primarily used during the first week (load-in week), and up to 4 scheduled public performances between Thursday at 6 p.m. through Sunday at 11 p.m. Most rentals perform Friday and Saturday night at 8 p.m., with two shows on Sunday (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Some choose to do a single show Thursday – Sunday. Others choose to do only two or three shows. Performance start times are up to user group but must be approved by Playhouse Director.

1 week rental: $800
3 week rental: $2400
4 week rental: $3200
6 week rental: $4800

Single Weekend Evening

When available, the charge for a single performance beginning on a Thursday – Sunday between 4-8 p.m. will be $300. These rentals are second in priority to full weekend rentals and are only available when schedule allows. Single weekend evening rentals do not include free tech and rehearsal time, which will be billed at $20 per hour, as arranged with Playhouse Staff.

Weekend Matinees

For those organizations that have already booked a Weekly Rental, the opportunity to add a fifth show is available for an additional $300 charge.

Single Weekend Matinee

These are individually scheduled low-tech, low-prop shows, geared toward the toddler and pre-teen audience. Up to two performances per weekend day will be allowed. The show must be under one hour in length, and must be struck (clear of the theater) by 4:00 p.m. Single weekend matinee rates are $150 per show.

Rehearsal / Meeting / Reading Rentals

The Miles Memorial Playhouse is now available to the general public for non fee-charging, performing arts-related rehearsals, meetings and readings at the following rates:

Weekdays before 6 p.m.: $20 per hour
Weekdays 6-11 p.m.: $30 per hour
Weekends before 6 p.m.: $25 per hour
Weekends 6-11 p.m.: $35 per hour

Theater Set-Ups

The Miles is generally set in a raked Proscenium style set-up with 12 rows. There are 11 rows of 11 chairs across and one row with 6 chairs across. Alternative set-ups may be accommodated but must be cleared with Playhouse Director at time of booking. If you do not request an alternative set-up when BOOKING, we may not be able to accomodate you.

Rental Criteria & Restrictions

We encourage you to submit proposals of all kinds. When evaluating proposals, we will consider the following criteria. The only mandatory criteria is that a user group be a federally recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization or a member of the general public.

Artistic excellence as demonstrated by reviews, awards and/or other documents.
Demonstrated financial support and ability of organization to translate vision into a physical reality.
Company and programming reflect the diversity of Santa Monica’s population.
Realistic marketing plan demonstrating specific outreach to Santa Monica youth with adequate budget.
Sufficient staffing and organization to meet established guideline requirements.