Interested in renting space at Live Arts?
Please fill out this rental form and a member of our team will get back to you about available space and rental packages.
If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to Production & Volunteer Manager Aldrian Argante at aldrian@livearts.org.
An Artful Space for Any Gathering
At our core, Live Arts is a place to convene and connect. When not in use for theater productions and classes, our four-story* building in downtown Charlottesville is the perfect venue for a wide range of special events, meetings, and performances.
Looking for an intimate space for an anniversary party? Try Conover Studio, which connects to a wrap-around rooftop terrace with sunset views, and a kitchen that you can bring in your own food or caterer of your choice. Need a larger space with lighting and sound? Our 165-seat Gibson Theater or 65-seat Founders Theater might fit the bill. Want to host multiple breakouts at one time? Renting all of the Live Arts spaces for your event allows for individualized options.
*Live Arts is the anchor tenant of this striking building owned by Charlottesville Contemporary Arts, Inc. Contrary to popular belief, we do not own the building!
About the Building
Located one block off the Downtown Mall in the heart of Charlottesville, our building features two theaters, a large multipurpose room with adjoining kitchen, a large outdoor terrace, and a third-floor lobby with built-in bar and comfortable seating.
We share a street-level lobby with our neighbors, Second Street Gallery and Light House Studio.
Live Arts Rental Spaces & Rates
Your rental rate covers the use of the specific space you reserved, plus access to common space in the building. Staffing (including a required house manager and optional technical support), equipment use, and amenities are an additional charge. Rental hours begin when you start setting up and end when you finish cleaning up. All spaces are rented “as is” at the time of your rental event.
Please be aware that there may be multiple events happening in the building at one time.
We are happy to offer nonprofits a 15% discount on rental rates (staff fees and amenities excluded).
Conover Studio
Description: Versatile space with adjacent kitchen on fourth floor
Dimensions: 24′ x 41′
Capacity: Standing 65 / Seated 50
Configuration: Open, multi-purpose space for standing reception, classroom seating, or theater seating
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Rooftop Terrace*
*Terrace cannot be rented without Conover Studio because they are adjoined.
Description: L-shaped open air terrace
Capacity: 150
Configuration: Open space for standing reception with patio chairs included
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Founders Theater
Description: Black box theater on third floor
Dimensions: 27′ x 44′
Seating Capacity: 65
Configuration: Theater risers (as is)
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Gibson Theater
Description: Versatile theater on second floor with permanent stage and balcony
Dimensions: 43′ x 45 ‘ (stage size/shape varies)
Seating Capacity: 165
Configuration: Theater risers and stage, as is
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Third Floor Lobby
Description: Light-filled lobby with built-in bar and couches
Configuration: Open space with seating around windows
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Second Floor Lobby
Description: Light-filled lobby on second floor
Configuration: Open space for standing reception with optional curtain divider
For rental rates please contact aldrian@livearts.org
Amenities
Amenities include high-speed internet through our friends at Ting, theatrical lighting (of course), and an updated sound system. We can even provide trained staff to run your lights and sound for a small fee.
We typically host the bar but welcome outside caterers at no extra charge. If needed, we can handle event reservations or online ticketing through our Box Office, for a modest fee.
Paid parking is conveniently available across the street in the Water Street Garage or surface lot
Required Staffing*
House Manager (required for all events)
Responsible for the care, safety, and security of all guests and the facility.
Bartender (required for cash or open bar service)
Responsible for stocking the bar, serving drinks and concessions, and closing down the bar.
*Staffing hours begin when set-up begins and end when clean-up is complete.
Optional Services
Technical Director (may be required for events that use tech)
Theatrical Lighting Designer & Light Board Operator
Sound System Operator in Gibson Theater
Sound System Operator in Non-Gibson Spaces
Stage Manager for Theatrical Productions
Kitchen Access
Folding Chairs (50 available)
6’ and 8’ banquet tables (11 available)
Tents on Terrace (2 available)
Box Office Services
Payment
50% of the total fee is due 30 days before the event to reserve the date. The remainder is due on the day of the event, payable by check to Live Arts, Inc.
Cancellations within 90 days of the event are eligible for a partial refund; cancellations within 30 days of the event are not eligible for a refund.
Use Guidelines
Ticketing: If you are presenting a ticketed event with pre-sale tickets, tickets can be sold through the Live Arts Box Office. See above for fees.
Music: Live or amplified music requires advance permission of the Volunteer & Production Manager to avoid disrupting other events in the building.
Decorations: You agree to 1) not nail, tape, staple, or screw anything to the floor or walls of the building, 2) leave the premises in the same condition you found them, 3) remove all trash, decorations, furniture and equipment, beverages, food, utensils, etc. at the end of your event, and 4) not use confetti, glitter, or confetti balloons.
Smoking: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises except on the terrace.
Equipment: You are responsible for and liable if any Live Arts equipment or property is lost, stolen, damaged or misplaced by you or your guests. We assume no responsibility for equipment supplied by you or another party.
Publicity: We reserve the right to pre-approve all forms of advertising or publicity in which our name or logo is used.
Signage: You agree to refrain from posting any signs, ads, posters, or cards on any part of the building without advance permission. Nothing can be adhered to windows due to protective UV coating.
Cooking: You or your caterer are encouraged to prepare hot items prior to your event. Hot plates, open flames, and candles are not permitted without advance permission.
Serving Utensils: You or your caterer need to provide your own plates, glasses, cutlery, utensils, napkins, and table cloths.
Bar Service: We offer three options for bar service:
Cash Bar
We stock and staff one or more beverage and concessions bars under our ABC liquor license and keep the proceeds.
Open Bar
We stock and staff one or more beverage and concessions bars under our ABC liquor license and charge you for what your guests consumed.
Hosted Bar
You or your caterer stock and staff one or more beverage and concessions bars and secure your own ABC license. Your guests eat and drink for free.
Storage: Storage of event materials is not available outside of rented times due to limited space.
End Time: As a consideration to the staff working at your event, it must end at the time specified in your rental agreement.
Disruptive Behavior: We reserve the right to ask any person who is acting in a threatening or disruptive manner to leave the building.
COVID Protocols: Live Arts no longer requires proof of vaccinations or masks for people in our building. However, feel free to set your own safety requirements for the guests and staff at your event.
Legal Compliance: You agree to comply with all local, state, and federal laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, orders regulations, and requirements. You also agree to comply with all Live Arts rules in order to maintain the safety, care, order, and cleanliness of our space, equipment, and property.
Liability Protection: As a renter, you agree to indemnify and hold Live Arts harmless from all claims, damages, expenses, losses, suits, or causes of action resulting from your use of the facility. For performances or high-risk events, we may require you to provide us with a $1 million insurance rider covering liability and property damage and naming Live Arts as the beneficiary.
