Isabel Bader Theatre

During the academic year, the Isabel Bader Theatre is used as a course lecture hall. From Labour Day to April 30, it is available for rent after 4 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays and from 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Availability from September to mid-April:

• Monday to Friday: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., or 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 6 to 2 a.m.

From mid-April to August: 

• Monday to Sunday: 6 to 2 a.m.

Rental Rates

The base rate includes use of the theatre along with our in-house base technical gear. Any additional requirements should be noted in your application form. Your rental request should include ample set up and tear down time, as the space will not be set up until the start of your rental time.

View Rental Rates

Staffing Rates

There are additional staffing charges that are determined by the scope of your event.

• IATSE technicians

$55/hour plus HST, for up to eight hours (premium charge for above eight hours), three techs minimum.

For every five hours of work per technician, you will be charged a $30 plus HST charge to cover a meal break. If your schedule allows for a complete shutdown of the facility for a meal break, you will not be charged this fee.

• Audio and Video Recording Policy

If you are recording for archival purposes, you are permitted to set up one camera in a fixed position with no operator. You will be provided with a direct audio feed from the house sound system. No additional setup is permitted. Any requirements beyond this configuration will be classified as a broadcast event and will necessitate additional technicians and the application of the broadcast premium.

If it is determined that an archival recording has been used for purposes beyond archival documentation, a broadcast premium of 0.5 times the prevailing rate per technician will be applied for the actual time worked during the recording.

If you are recording, taping or live streaming your event for distribution, a broadcast premium of 0.5 times the prevailing rate per technician will be applied for the actual time worked during the broadcast or recording.

• This includes activities such as lobby roaming cameras, publicly shared event rehearsals, backstage or "guerilla" filming, balcony or audience filming, B-roll footage and recording of the event inside the theatre. Any camera used for distribution or commercial purposes, regardless of connection to the house board or video feed, will incur the broadcast premium.
  
  
• If you engage an external media or production company for these purposes, a minimum of two technicians is required. Additional technicians may be necessary based on the event's scale, technological requirements and crew specialities, as determined by the Isabel Bader Theatre Coordinator and Head Technician.
  
  
• Archival recording is defined as content intended solely for the client's use. It cannot be distributed online, used for any broadcast, sold or utilized for commercial purposes, including but not limited to commercials, social media posts, and YouTube or website advertising for monetary gain.
  
  
• Front of house

$35.00 per hour plus HST for shift captain (mandatory), plus $30.00 per hour plus HST for shift crew (on a needs basis).

All staff are booked for a four-hour minimum, with a minimum of five staff for any event using both the orchestra and balcony levels of the theatre. If you only require the orchestra level, you may require less staff. 

• Catering

All receptions must be handled through our food services department. Please include your reception request in your rental application for a more accurate quote. Our main lobby can hold up to 150 people for a standing reception on the orchestra level. If your group is larger, we can offer alternative spaces on campus (additional rental charges apply).

• Insurance

All clients must provide proof of at least $2 million limited liability insurance, listing the Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W.) as an additional insured on your event day. This requirement is standard for rental events and venues. You may use your preferred insurance provider or we can give recommendations.

To see a general FAQ, click here.

For technical questions, click here.