The Anne Simley Theatre is a 289 seat proscenium theatre that is housed in the Drew Fine Arts Center on the campus of Hamline University. While the University is in session use of the theatre by outside groups is usually limited to one or two day programs. Bookings for more extensive periods are available during vacations, the January Winter Term and in the Summer. Use of the theatre by both on and off campus groups must be arranged through the Director of Scheduling in conjunction with the Technical Director. The primary mission of the theatre is to provide training and performance opportunities for students at the College.
Publicity
Sponsoring groups not connected with the University must insure that their promotional materials clearly and unambiguously identify the sponsor of the event. The name of the University may only be used to identify the location of the event. All promotional materials must also make clear where and how tickets may be obtained. This information must also be provided to the Director of Scheduling.
Insurance
A certificate of insurance is required from all groups renting the theatre. This certificate, evidencing adequate insurance coverage and naming Hamline as an additional insured party for the the duration of the rehearsal and performance period, must be provided to the Director of Scheduling no less than seven (7) days prior to the first use of the theatre. Full details on coverage amounts and requirements can be obtained from the Director of Scheduling.
A deposit fee (usually not less than 25% of the estimated total rental fee) is due from the rental group at the signing of the contract. The deposit fee is applied to the overall rental charge for the theatre.
Rental of the theatre includes:
Use of stage (including curtains and rigging), the auditorium and the lobby.
Use of the Theatre Green Room
Use of the Dressing Room and Makeup Area
Use of the podium and one microphone
Use of basic worklight and house illumination.
A Facilities Coordinator will be in attendance throughout the rehearsal period and at all performances and presentations. The Facilities Coordinator is responsible for insuring that the facility is operated in a safe and efficient manner, monitor the heating and cooling system, resolve any emergency situations and to assist the rental group in their presentations, The Facilities Coordinator is not allowed to accept any specific performance assignments from the rental group such as crowd control, ticket taking, scene shifting or clerical duties.
The rental group may arrange for pre-rehearsal delivery of its sets and costumes at any time mutually convenient to the theatre and the rental group. Materials may be unloaded and placed on stage. The rental group must provide sufficient help or hire Hamline students to assist with the load-in and the set-up of all scenery and other materials. The Facilities Coordinator must be present at the load in and the set up.
Rehearsal Policies
The standard rehearsal call begins at a time arranged by the rental group and the Director of Scheduling and ends at 10:30 PM. After 10:30 PM the hourly crew rate is 3 times the normal rate for each hour or any portion of an hour. An additional facilities rental fee is also imposed. Crews are required to have a minimum 30 minute lunch break and a 45 minute dinner break. The scheduling for these breaks is coordinated with the Facilities Coordinator.
Scenery, Props and Effects Policies
All scenic units and draperies must be flame proofed or flame resistant, Certification must be provided to the Facilities Coordinator on request.
All scenery, lighting equipment, special effects materials and cables must be installed in a safe manner, The Facilities Coordinator will forbid the placement of any material deemed to be unsafe, Any electrical or electronic equipment must be approved by the Facilities Coordinator prior to installation. Any disconnect or modifications to the electrical service must be done by a University electrician. The rental group is responsible for the fee to make and the restore the electrical service.
No modifications of the stage -such as the construction of runways or extensions that extend into the house are allowed. All aisles must remain free of obstruction.
Pre-built units may be assembled in the Scene Shop or on stage. No new construction is allowed without prior arrangement, No painting is allowed on stage. The rental fee does not include the use of theatre tools, paint, props platforms or hardware.
No decorations, signs or posters may be attached to any of the walls in the theatre, the lobby or on any door. No masking or duct tape may be used on the stage floor.
Rental groups may bring their own lighting equipment or rent from the theatre. If a rental group brings in its own lighting equipment a detailed inventory must be given to and checked by the Facilities Coordinator at the load-in and load out. The theatre does not provide color media.
No rigging will be done unless it is approved and supervised by the Facilities Coordinator. Line load limits must be observed and approved hanging hardware must be used.
Groups working with children, in order to insure their safety, must observe the following guidelines:
One adult monitor (over the age of 18) must be provided for each group of 15 children. A child is any person under the age of fourteen.
The monitor's only responsibility should be to supervise the children.
The children should remain in the dressing room areas until needed on stage. Monitors should plan supervised activities for the children while they are waiting to perform.
The monitors should be introduced to the Facilities Coordinator.
Changes to Show
At the conclusion of the rehearsal period the show will be considered "set" and no changes such as the addition of lighting instruments, relocation of scenery or alterations to platforming will be allowed unless an additional rehearsal call is scheduled. This will allow changes to be made in a safe and professional manner.
During the Performance
The rental group must provide or hire at least three ushers for each performance. Ushers must be present from 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the event and must remain in the auditorium during the entire event. The Facilities Coordinator will provide an orientation for the ushers.
The rental group must assure that they have not sold more tickets than the available seating. No one will be permitted to sit in the aisles or add chairs in excess of the 300 person seating limit. The Facilities Coordinator will not allow the show to begin if the house is oversold. It is the rental group's responsibility to remove any patrons over the 300 person limit.
No food or beverages are allowed in the theatre. When the rental group serves or sells refreshments it is the rental group's responsibility to make sure that refreshments are not taken into the house.
After the Performance
At the conclusion of the event it is the rental group's responsibility to strike the show and remove all scenery, costumes and lighting. If materials cannot be removed following the performance then a storage fee may be charged, The theatre will not provide load out assistance unless prior arrangements have been made.
The theatre is rented with the understanding that it will be kept in good condition by the rental group. All work required to repair damages caused by the rental group to the facility or to theatre equipment will be charged to the rental group.
