Renting BAM's Theaters and Spaces
BAM theaters and public spaces are available for rental by commercial
and non-profit groups, as well as community organizations and
individuals.
We try to make as much space available as possible, however, our
facilities are heavily scheduled due to BAM's performances and
the many rental inquiries we receive. BAM specializes in large-scale
performances, and our facilities and personnel have been organized
to facilitate this, which can make it difficult for us to do smaller
events in a cost efficient manner. People interested in using
our spaces are often surprised to find that the cost of working
here is high. Please know that our rental fee is only a portion,
in some cases only a small portion, of the total cost for producing
an event here. There is a discount offered to Brooklynites and
not-for-profit 501 (C)-(3) organizations. In addition to the rental
fee, the renter is charged for the direct costs of personnel and
equipment. Our spaces do not have a standard lighting design or
standard drapery set-up in place between events so each event
needs to be set up on an individual basis. BAM's theaters hold
2,109 (Howard Gilman Opera House) and 874 (Harvey Theater) people.
In addition to the costs of presenting your artistic work you
may want to also consider the marketing and promotion expenses
involved in filling this many seats.
Like other large performing arts institutions in New York
such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, BAM has collective
bargaining agreements with a variety of labor unions representing
stagehands, box office treasurers, security and maintenance
personnel, projectionists, and house management staff. Our agreements
date back to BAM's beginnings and have enabled BAM to present
the large-scale performances for which it is known. The unions
offer highly professional services but their costs may seem
overwhelming for a small event. There are established minimums
for hours to be worked and number of employees on particular
tasks which are not flexible. We will work with you to determine
how to run your event in the most cost-efficient manner. In
order to use our facilities and resources in this way we need
to have very specific information from you about lighting, sound,
scenery, etc. on a timely basis. This can sometimes feel very
restrictive but it is the only way we can ensure the success
of your event. We understand that these can seem like big obstacles
to working at BAM for some renters, but we hope you will understand
that these conditions are necessary to accommodate the demanding
range of events that take place here.
For more information, please fill out the rental inquiry form and fax it to 718.636.4126 or email it to tdale@BAM.org. If you have any questions please call the Rentals Manager at 718.636.4198.
Catered Functions
BAM offers a collection of spaces guaranteed to impress your guests. From the soaring theatrically-lit ceiling arches in the Lepercq Space, to the exposed brick lobby of the Harvey Theater, and our private Diker and Natman Gallery spaces, BAM is a hidden treasure for hosting corporate, non-profit, or social events.
Private functions at BAM are catered exclusively by Great Performances, which supports local farms and purveyors of sustainable agriculture, bringing the best of the season to your event. The culinary team at Great Performances will create the perfect menu for your event—from international specialties to seasonal splendors from Great Performances' own organic Katchkie Farm in upstate New York.
BAM and Great Performances understand that your event depends on exemplary service. The impeccably trained staff promises to make your event a truly great performance.
For more information, email shaun.roberts@greatperformances.com.