Hiring a theatre or hall in the Hunter for a show
For dance schools, choirs, schools and community companies putting on a show: what the Cessnock theatre's spaces offer, how a booking works there, and what to ask any venue before you commit.
To hire a venue, contact it directly; we link to each venue's own page.
Who hires a theatre
Most nights a Hunter theatre is not presenting its own show, it is hired: a dance school's end-of-year showcase, a school musical, a choir's concert, a community company's play, an eisteddfod session. Cessnock's Vincent Street theatre lists two dance studio showcases this November and December alone.
The spaces at Cessnock's Vincent Street theatre
The venue lists four spaces for hire:
- The theatre: 438 seats with a proscenium arch stage, described as equipped for professional staging.
- The foyer, home to the Cessnock Hall of Fame.
- The meeting room: on the ground floor, for meetings, training and information sessions, with toilets and a small kitchen.
- The makers space.
Fees are published in the venue's Fees and Charges document (linked below), and floor plans are on each space's page.
How a booking works there
The venue's own process, as it publishes it: contact the venue by phone or email to make a booking. If another hirer wants a date you have pencilled in, the venue tells you, and you have 24 hours to confirm. You give all technical, catering, seating and table requirements well before the event. After the event, Cessnock City Council invoices you, payable within seven days.
Questions to ask any venue before you book
- Which dates are free for bump-in, rehearsal and the performances, and what does each day cost?
- What lighting, sound and staff come with the hire, and what is extra?
- Who sells the tickets, and what booking fees apply?
- What insurance and safety paperwork does the venue need from you?
- How many dressing rooms are there, and how many performers can be backstage?
- What are the access arrangements for audience members and performers?
Common questions
Can you hire the Cessnock theatre?
Yes. The Vincent Street theatre lists its 438-seat theatre, foyer, meeting room and makers space for hire. Contact the venue directly.
How much does it cost to hire a theatre in the Hunter?
It depends on the venue, the space, the day and the services you need. The Cessnock theatre publishes its fees in a Fees and Charges document.
How far ahead should a dance school book a theatre?
As early as you can: end-of-year showcase dates in November and December are the busiest of the year.