Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What are the different types of rental categories?
A:
a. Private (birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette, engagement, other)
b. Non-profit organization (community based, college/university, faith group, etc.*) *must provide proof of non-profit status
c. For profit business (companies, corporate functions, staff appreciation, seminars)
d. Educational Groups (elementary/middle/high schools, youth groups, childcare)
e. Weddings (weddings/receptions need to occur during normal rental hours)
f. Private Promoters (those who wish to present a live show in the Main Theatre).
Is the Grandin an option for a wedding reception/venue?
A: It depends on whether they can hold the wedding during non-first run programming time slots. Most weddings occur on weekends, so we have done a few morning rentals in the past.
Is there a way to hide a photographer during a proposal?
A: Yes!
How far out can we schedule a rental event?
A: It all depends on the calendar, but we are very flexible and can help with dates and times. Depending on your estimated group size and the complexity of your event, it may require substantial lead and promotional time, or could also be a quick and easy pop-up rental.
What is the general time frame for a rental/how long do we have the space?
A: Average time for a rental is between 2.5-3 hours. Average movie length is 1.5-2 hours, so this builds 1-1.5 hours for social time in addition to movie time.
What space specifically does it include?
A: It depends on the nature of their event, and what spaces you are wanting. The Grandin has multiple screening rooms, a main floor lobby, and an upstairs gallery. Click here for information on our rental spaces.
What is the best time to come in and view theatre/rental spaces prior to event being scheduled?
A: We are flexible, but during regular business hours during the week, or non-movie times on weekends.
Days of the week for rentals?
A: M-TH, anytime, F-Sun, mornings before 12 noon or night time after 9 pm.
Who do I contact regarding my idea for a rental event?
A: Contact our Manager of Patron Services at marketing@grandintheatre.com to begin your rental inquiry, and as it progresses, more team members will jump in to help you hammer out details, shape your event, get you your contract and handle your technical needs.
What’s included with the price?
A: The first fee is your fixed, flat rental rate. This is determined based on the nature of your event and what type of renter you are.
The second set of costs is variable and is based on whether there is a concessions package involved in the event (ex: kids packs, small/small, running a full tab, etc.), technical needs, labor, cleaning, and add-ons such as red carpet or marquee rental. Working with our management team, we easily delve down into the details of your event and then create a custom quote for your rental early in the process.
Click here for RENTAL RATES ADDENDUM.
When is money due for rental? Deposit upfront?
A: Each contract has a payment due date which is usually between 3-5 days prior, or sometimes as much as a month depending on the length of time between the contract issuance and the actual event. There is NO DEPOSIT, but the rental fee is due IN FULL by the due date. The Grandin always understands extenuating circumstances and is willing to negotiate refunds in the event of a unforeseen event or issues that may prevent your event in any way.
Is the Screening Room a cheaper price than the larger theatres?
A: Yes, we do offer a 10% discount of the cost of renting only the Screening Room from our normally allotted rental prices.
Can we play video games on the big screen for rental?
A: It depends, but with a console that has HMDI port and having it checked before day of rental, as laptop isn’t a backup option. Technical Director and Manager of Patron Services should schedule a testing to ensure the console works on our projectors and screen prior to video game-based event.
What media can I show for my rental event?
A: Please contact the Grandin Theatre regarding your thoughts for media presentation at marketing@grandintheatre.com
Is there an extra cost for a double feature rental?
A: Yes. It is an additional $100-$150 per hour on top of the initial rental cost but can be flexible based on the nature of the event.
What rental equipment does the Theatre provide?
A: We provide an a la carte style list of rental options that you can check off that you would like to rent to support their event. We can provide custom marquee messages, red carpet, tables, tablecloths, and sound and audio equipment on top of the flat rental fee. Click here for RENTAL RATES ADDENDUM.
Our speaker will be speaking virtually. I was wondering if you all usually do a test run to make sure everything is up and running prior to the event or is that something that is usually taken care of a few hours before?
A: Yes, this something we normally like to do a few days before the event to trouble shoot any issues that might affect optimal delivery of their content.
Do you allow outside food/catering/alcohol?
A: We do not allow outside alcohol per our ABC license. We do allow events to be catered externally though we like to talk about the choice of caterer. Sometimes, depending on the budget of the renter, we will allow external food for the rental (pizza for birthdays, small snacks for lower budget renters who can’t afford a concessions package, renters who want healthier options).
What does concessions and bar consist of?
A: Concessions includes popcorn, candy, fountain Coke products, specialty teas, hot tea/coffee, bottled water. Bar includes a variety of draft beer, six different wines and prosecco, canned beer, cider, and hard seltzer.
Is this a separate charge for rentals with open concessions? Concessions deals for rentals specifically?
A: Yes. If you do not wish for your guests to pay out of pocket, then you can arrange for a number of concessions deals including kid’s packs, sized popcorn and fountain drink combination, a custom/hybrid concessions package, or a full tab.
We use headphones for audio when watching movies due to hearing issues. Are you able to get audio through headphones when bringing a DVD to play for a theatre rental?
A: We are only able to provide HI-VI support for first run movies, not DVD/Blu-ray, or any other programming.
Do you accommodate rentals on major holidays? Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc?
A: No. These days are strictly dedicated to first-run programming.
For Private Party rentals, if there is a discrepancy between the number of invites and who can make it, how that price is determined for group size?
A: We currently base the rental rate on the renters best conservative guess to the range their group size will be. It is usually very accurate. If it tends out to blow up, or be much more, we will add the overage charge on top of your flat rental rate. This is very rare.
Who do I speak to regarding marquee message availability and pricing? Do you prorate it by the hour?
A: We do not prorate marquee messages. The minimum rental is one day for $125 ($100 for nonprofits). If someone wishes to rent multiple days, it is an additional $75 per day to keep it up. Payment by check, or price to be included in a rental contract if the message accompanies a rental. Maximum character limit with spaces is 24 on the top row, and 20 on the bottom. Contact marketing@grandintheatre.com for marquee rental availability.
What is the mask policy for children and adults? Vaccination required?
A: There is no current mandate for masks in the Commonwealth, though the Grandin Theatre Foundation “recommends and requests” you wear a mask in all common areas if you do not feel comfortable being unmasked. We do not have vaccination requirements or proof of vaccinations for GTF based programming, though a presenting renter may have such.
How do I purchase slide advertisements before movie showings?
A: Click Here
What events do passes work for? Passes honored from COVID?
A: Passes and Star Cards are only available for usage on Grandin Theatre presents offerings, but not rental offerings. They may be some restrictions on big Hollywood releases, and this information is communicated on our website if there are restrictions. If your unused pass expired during COVID we welcome your request to honor the pass on a case by case basis.
What days are you open for First RUN current movies?
A: We are currently open FRI, SAT, and SUN for first run programming, with the occasional Thursday premiere.
Is there accessibility for disabled patrons?
A: The Grandin Theatre is only partially ADA compliant due to its historic nature and status. We only have accessibility for patrons with disabilities in the Main Theatre and partially for the Screening Room (no wheelchair access in this Theatre).
How do I contact the Grandin Theatre regarding my rental inquiries?
A: marketing@grandintheatre.com
Should we give a heads up if bringing a larger group on weekend showings? (20+)
A: It is appreciated.
Group discount for large number of tickets purchased?
A: We do not currently offer group rates for larger parties.