Broadway Playhouse Rental FAQs

What is the Broadway Playhouse?

The Broadway Playhouse is an intimate 62 seat black box theater in Santa Cruz, California. It is ADA compliant and has ramp access to the stage and a designated space for wheelchair seating. The Broadway Playhouse is housed inside the Santa Cruz Art League.

What is the relationship between the Broadway Playhouse and WEST Creative Performing Arts?

WEST Creative Performing Arts holds the Master Lease on the Broadway Playhouse, and manages its use. WEST is the in-house theater company in the Playhouse, and it is one of several locations where WEST classes, rehearsals and performances take place. 

Do I provide my own insurance during my rental?

Renters must provide their own insurance (event insurance or general liability) for their events, with WEST and SCAL  listed as additionally insured. 

When is the Broadway Playhouse available to rent?

The Playhouse’s availability depends on the schedule of its in-house renters, mainly that of WEST Creative Performing Arts. Each season, WEST schedules programming at the Playhouse, and after this schedule is set, prospective renters may inquire about available dates. 

How much does it cost to rent the Broadway Playhouse?

Rental fees vary based on type of rental (class, rehearsal, special event, performance) and number of hours rented. Performance and public event (non-class) rentals are offered for a flat rate based on time block - a 4 hour rental block or a 5 hour rental block. Your rental hours include time of entry, setup, rehearsal, audience arrival, performance, strike, and exit of the theatre. 

What is the audience seating capacity of the Broadway Playhouse?

The Broadway Playhouse seats 62 audience members, plus one wheelchair accessible spot.

Can I store my set / props / costumes at the Playhouse during my rental?

If your show requires storage of any set/prop/costume items, please inquire with our team to see if storage space (backstage or otherwise) will be available onsite at the time of your rental. Storage space is NOT guaranteed as a part of rental contracts, and the Broadway Playhouse is not liable in the event of damage/loss of such items.

Will there be a theater technician available to run lights/sound/tech for my show?

A rental does not include board ops staffing. If you bring in your own board operator, they must be trained by a WEST staff member prior to use of the Broadway Playhouse equipment. If you do not have a board operator, you may inquire with the WEST team to hire a pre-trained board operator for your event.

When I rent the Playhouse, do I have full control of and access to the building?

No - the Broadway Playhouse rents hourly, meaning that your access to the facility will begin at the specified hour of your rental, and you must restore and exit the facility by the ending time of your rental. Unless approved by theater management, you must restore the Broadway Playhouse to its original condition at the end of your rental hours each day. See contract or inquire for further details.

Does the Broadway Playhouse have a green room?

No - the Broadway Playhouse does not have a guaranteed green room. The Art League facilities (lobby, gallery, kitchen area and classroom) are not guaranteed as part of a rental, but can occasionally be used as per availability.