Neighborhood House at Wellstone Center

Neighborhood House Performance Space

To see Performance Space rates, please click here.

The Performance Space is the crown jewel of the new facility. We believe that by providing opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and current situations to both perform and see performances we help people see and feel the incredible value of diverse communities and we increase cross-cultural understanding.

Some organizations that have used the performance space include Young Artists Initiative (YAI), the Vagina Monologues, Teatro del Pueblo, Theatre Unbound, Commedia Beauregard Theatre, CB Productions, Stepping Stone Theater, Los Alegres Bailadores, Zorongo Flamenco dancers, Center for Irish Music, Senior Jazz Band of Minnesota, the Mayor’s office, the Minnesota Department of Education, and the MN Dept of Public Health. Even travel guru Rick Steves, Extreme Make Over: Home Edition’s Ty Pennington and the Muppets were in the performance space!

While the performance space is designed to serve many functions related to community building, providing a much-needed mid-sized venue for the performing arts is paramount. As described above, bringing the performing arts in general and musical performance in particular into people's lives is one of the most powerful tools for community-building.

Performance Space Features

265 seats, with 2 handicapped accessible seating in front (row C)

A raised, 1500 sq. ft. stage

State-of-the-art sound and A/V equipment, lighting and distance learning technology

A design that supports interactive performances

A concessions room with portable catering carts that can be placed in the gathering rotunda during performance intermissions (rotunda rental additional)

Ticket booth

A rehearsal room/green room for performer preparation and a performance space shop for preparation of props and scenery will support the performance space. In addition, the loading dock and service elevator at the rear of the building are designed with doors large enough to accommodate scenery and pianos.

Because the performance space is used by many different groups, it is critical that Renter’s props/set be mobile so that when others use the space during the same time period, Renter’s props may not interfere with another renter’s event. Generally it is OK if Renter’s props/set are merely behind the middle traveling curtain; however, unless Renter has “exclusive access” to the performance space, Renter’s may be asked to completely move props/set off the performance space stage.

General Rules & Regulations
Renter and/or their agent found in violation of the rules and regulations or any policies outlined in the rental agreement and this addendum may be subject to cancellation without refund and/or be prohibited from future use of the facility.

A NH @ WC staff member must be present at the facility when it is open to Renter and/or the public. Any changes in Renter’s schedule must be pre-approved by NH @ WC.
Renter may not assign the rented space to any other person or organization.
This agreement does not relinquish NH @ WC’s right to manage the facility and enforce all rules.

Insurance Requirements
Renter must hold appropriate Commercial General Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence (including personal injury). Such insurance shall be issued by an insurance company authorized and licensed in the state of Minnesota. Proof of said coverage must be presented to NH @ WC prior to load-in. At the sole discretion of NH @ WC, a refundable damage deposit may be substituted for insurance coverage.

Copyrights
Renter agrees to obtain and pay any applicable fees for the rights to use any trademarked, copyrighted, patented, or otherwise protected materials used or incorporated in their event. NH @ WC is in no way liable for any infringements on these protections.

Multi-Purpose Space
The Performance Space at NH @ WC is designed to be multi-purpose. NH @ WC reserves the right to rent the Performance Space to other groups or individuals when Renter is not occupying space. Renters wishing to have exclusive access to the space for the duration of their event/performance will be subject to additional charges.

Sets & Props
Because the Performance Space at NH @ WC is designed to be a multi-purpose space, all sets and props in front of the mid-stage traveling curtain are required to be behind said curtain to facilitate the use of the space when Renter is not occupying space. Renters are required to have written permission from NH @ WC for sets and props not complying with these policies.

Food and Beverages
Under no circumstances are food and/or beverages of any kind allowed in the house area of the Performance Space or the control booth. Food and beverage are allowed on stage as props or for the usage of those appearing on stage.

Merchandise and Concession Sales
All users may sell related materials (i.e. programs, T-shirts, etc.), as well as food and beverage (to be consumed outside of the Performance Space) in the area directly outside the Performance Space entrance. NH @ WC will provide tables (up to three) for said merchandise and concession upon request.

Lift
NH @ WC owns a powered lift (“cherry-picker”) that is available for Renter’s use providing that Renter has proper insurance coverage and that the user is covered by said insurance and is of at least 18 years of age. NH @ WC is not liable for any damages or injuries caused by or due to the usage of the lift.

Ticketing
Ticketing for all events is at the sole discretion and responsibility of Renter. NH @ WC does not sell or hold tickets for any event.

Marketing and Advertisements
Marketing and advertisements are the sole discretion and responsibility of Renter. NH @ WC will make reasonable efforts to provide space for posters and flyers advertising Renter’s event no sooner than four (4) weeks prior to the first event date.

Damage
Any damage beyond normal wear and tear caused by any user that is not an agent of NH @ WC and that is not covered under Renter’s insurance is the sole responsibility of the Renter. NH @ WC will invoice Renter for any costs associated with said damage.

Use of Lobby & Rotunda
Renter is allowed usage of up to three (3) rectangular tables with chairs to be placed in the area directly outside the Performance Space without additional charge. Renters wishing to use the whole lobby and/or rotunda will be subject to additional charges unless use is explicitly provided within Renter’s Performance Space rental package.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited throughout the facility and is not allowed in any fashion, on-stage or off.

Stage Floor

In order to prevent any damage to the stage floor, only gaffing tape and tape specifically made for stage spiking is allowed and must be removed upon striking.

Renter shall not use nails, tacks, screws, or any similar items in the stage flooring or any other part of the facility under any circumstances.

Renter agrees not to allow the dragging of any items across the stage floor.

Protective covering must be used on the performance space/stage floor to protect the flooring when building sets on stage (or use the prop room, provided with all performance space packages).

Protective covering must be used on the performance space/stage floor to protect the flooring when painting sets on the stage (or use the prop room, provided with all performance space packages).

Nothing can be affixed to the dead-hung bars for supporting the weight of a human (i.e. swing).

The use or fictional use of any real weapon is strictly prohibited.

Flames, pyrotechnics, and other special effects

NH @ WC only allows candle-sized flames on stage if they are fully contained within a glass container. Under no circumstances are larger or uncontained flames, or pyrotechnics (including flash pots) of any kind to be used.

Due to the sensitive nature of the smoke detection system, dry ice must be used for fog effects. Fog/haze machines are prohibited.

Storage and Personal Property
NH @ WC is not responsible for Renter’s property or other valuables left on the premises. For Renter’s convenience, NH @ WC provides a set of storage lockers in the green/dressing room (room 98), as well as access to the lockers in the nearby men’s and women’s locker rooms. Renter is responsible for providing locks.

NH @ WC is not liable for any sets, props, or other items left on stage. When not occupying the space, Renter shall move all items behind the mid-stage traveling curtain to facilitate use of the rest of the stage.

If Renter requires secure storage for items too large to fit within a locker, the prop shop (room 96) shall be the designated storage area.

Any items left at the facility after striking are subject to a $25.00/day storage fee and will be donated or disposed of after thirty (30) days unless prior arrangements have been made with NH @ WC.

Strike
Renter is required to build strike time into their rental schedule. Renter shall abide by the following strike policies.

All materials, props, sets, costumes, equipment, and other items or property brought into the facility must be removed. All items left behind without prior arrangements being made will be subject to a $25.00 per day storage fee. After thirty (30) days, items will be donated or disposed of.

All property belonging to NH @ WC must be returned to its proper location and be in good working order.

Stage floor must be clear, with tape removed and swept clean.

Control booth must be restored to pre-show condition.

Lighting instruments must be reset to original plot (Appendix A).

Alterations
Renter is not permitted to change or alter the facility in any way.

Load-In
Loading and unloading of equipment/materials (when using flat bed carts or similar items) should be handled at door C at the north entrance of the building near the receiving area and dumpsters. Unloading should not take place through the parking ramp or main entrances. A freight elevator is close to that entrance for your convenience.

Public Safety
Renter agrees to keep all entrances, stairs, aisles, and exits clear of any and all obstructions.

Animals
With the exception of service animals, NH @ WC does not permit animals within the facility. If Renter requires the use of an animal on stage as part of their event, written permission from NH @ WC is required.

Curtains
Attaching items of any kind to NH @ WC curtains, borders, legs, cyclorama, or any other soft good is strictly prohibited. All items should be at least one (1) foot away from all curtains and legs to avoid tears or other damage.

STAGE SPECS
The Stage width & depth wall to wall is 56’ x 27’
Stage opening: 30’ x 27’
Right stage wing space: 9’ x 20’
Left stage wing space: 15’ x 20’

SEATING
265 seats and 2 handicapped accessible seating in front (row C).
Row seating is as follows:
    A: 18 seats
    B: 19 seats
    C: 13 seats and 2 handicap
    D: 22 seats
    E: 21 seats
    F: 22 seats
    G: 21 seats
    H: 22 seats
(There is not a row “I”)
    J: 21 seats
    K: 22 seats
    L: 21 seats --- Aisle for media ---
    M: 22 seats
    N: 21 seats

LIGHTING
The performance space has standard stage lighting with manual adjustable lighting. We have about 60 light fixtures in the performance space, including a mix of ellipsoidals (most are 26-36, but we have a few 50’s), fresnel, and some cyc lights, which are all colored. Colored gels are available. The AV booth has a full light board that controls the house lights and the stage lights. House lights can also be controlled at the top of the theater along the wall by both entrances, and from the stage. If Renter requires a Neighborhood House staff person to operate the lights/sound/visual from the AV booth, the cost will be $50/hour.

All lighting instruments have been set to the included specifications. Please feel free to reset lights per your needs (except those listed below) however, please note that you are responsible for resetting any changed instruments when you are done in our space. This includes moving instruments back to their original locations, refocusing any adjusted instruments, and replacing gels/instrument accessories per our specifications. If this is not completed, a lighting reset fee will be assessed at $50/hour with a minimum of $100.

Please do not adjust these instruments:

House Electric, Unit 10 (special lectern)

House Right Ladder, Unit 1 (curtain warmer)

House Left Ladder, Unit 1 (curtain warmer)

If needed, please also make use of all sub-masters with the exception of 19 (red cyc), 20 (green cyc), 21 (blue cyc), 22 (special lectern), 23 (curtain warmers), and 24 (house lights). All cues are yours to program as you see fit.

SOUND
Audio: The stage inputs include 3 XLR inputs and 1 AUX input.
Mixer sound board: Mackie 140Z-VL23 with 6 mic plugs and slider bars that go to 14.
There is an XLR output from the AV rack that can be used for recording.

Translation
The performance space has 25 headsets that carry four channels, on which up to 4 different languages can be simultaneously broadcast. The Renter would need to provide the translator(s).

Media/Recording
Neighborhood House has a closed sound system, therefore Renters cannot plug into our system without the use of a mixer. Neighborhood House owns a Mackie mixer for Renters at an additional fee (Mackie 140Z-VL23 with 6 mic plugs and slider bars that go to 14). The mixer allows the Renter to plug into our sound system to record an event, add microphones, etc.

The stage inputs include 3 XLR inputs and 1 AUX input. There is an XLR output from the AV rack that can be used for recording

Microphones
The performance space is equipped with two cordless handheld, two lapel mics, and three corded microphones. Only two cordless mics (either lapel or handheld) can be used simultaneously. The corded mics can be used with the cordless, for a total of 5 mics. Microphone rental fees are listed on the price list, and include up to one hour of training on equipment usage/lighting adjustment.

¨ Microphones cannot be in close proximity to one another (to prevent feedback).
¨ The lapel mic must be worn on clothing; it cannot be set on a table and used.
¨ Anything with frequency affects the quality of the mics. Such things include cell phones, watches, and pace makers. To alleviate feedback please ask speakers to turn off cell phones and keep mic away from watch, pace maker, etc.

Projector
Sanyo, model number PLC-XF31N. 5200 Lumens, 800:1 contrast, 50.5 lbs., 1.8” PolySi LCD projector. More information can be found online (Google the model number).