CAPACITY

von der Heyden Studio Theater: flexible seating, most often at 150 capacity
Film Theater: 100 seats
Ruby Lounge: flexible configuration, between 60 - 150 capacity

SCHEDULING POLICY

Theater venues are scheduled by the Duke Venue and Production Management Team. Scheduling priority is given to University departments, programming, and student organizations. The process for Duke organizations begins one year in advance in October. Theaters are scheduled following a policy sensitive to the unique needs the spaces offers to major users in arts focused productions. Non-Duke organizations may submit a proposal for residency at the Arts Center for consideration, for more information visit our Arts Project website.

RESERVATIONS

Requests for dates can be requested via email or by phone.
Phone: 919-660-1701
Email: venues@duke.edu

TICKETING

All ticketing is handled exclusively by the Duke University Box Office.
Phone: 919-684-4444
Email: tickets@duke.edu

SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

von der Heyden: The von der Heyden Studio Theater supports a wide variety of performances unlike any other venue on Duke’s campus. A moveable platform with 108 seats can be pulled out from the west wall and an additional 40+ seats can be added on the main floor or along the mezzanine level, allowing for end-stage (proscenium), thrust, or in-the-round configurations. The theater features a tension wire lighting grid that allows lights to be easily set and focused over any spot. Built-in projection supports highly visual or technical performances, or the blackout shades on the theater’s north-facing windows can open to let in a flood of natural light.

Film Theater: With the opening of the Ruby, a new era in film screening is possible at Duke. The 100-seat, soundproof film theater features five built-in projectors: a Digital Cinema Projector (the modern standard), two 35mm archival film projectors, a 35mm half-frame, a 16mm archival film projector, and a digital presentation projector. The 16mm projector has variable speed settings to show early films shot at a lower frame rate. These historical projectors were refurbished exclusively for the Ruby, and are paired with a modern digital Dolby surround-sound system.

Ruby Lounge: Hang-out space and study room by day, performance venue and practice studio by night, the Ruby Lounge was designed for Duke’s creative student community. Its features include: a theater-style lighting grid, audio and projection capabilities, a sprung hardwood floor ready for dance, soundproofing, floor-to-ceiling windows that can be blacked-out as needed, and moveable barn doors that can be open or closed to the main lobby depending on the needs of the performance. The Ruby Lounge is adjacent to WXDU’s radio studios, and performers can plug into direct on-air connections for radio events.

For a technical riders, please email us at venues@duke.edu.

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

This facility requires a minimum of one to three Duke production technicians to be onsite at all times for most events. For events with an audience present additional Audience Services staff may be provided.

The minimum number of event and production staff is dependent upon the scope of each event and is determined by the venue management.

Production staff is charged at an hourly rate of $33.50, subject to overtime.
Audience Services staff for the Arts Center starts at $175 per event and includes house management, ushers, and box office staff as appropriate.

Please note, events lasting more than four hours are subject to additional fees. Event security or additional event staff is required for your event, it is charged at market rate from our vendors. All staffing must be approved by and is at the discretion of venue management.

SPACE USE FEES

Events sponsored by Duke Departments or officially-recognized Duke Student Organizations incur charges based on time and materials utilized to facilitate the event. Typical charges include Production staff labor, equipment, and Ticketing and Audience services Fees (if applicable). Duke entities do not incur charges for use of the venue.

External organizations incur charges based on time and materials utilized to facilitate the event, plus a Venue Use Fee. Typical charges include Production staff labor, equipment, and Ticketing and Audience services Fees (if applicable). A daily rental charge for the venue is also charged to non-Duke organizations. Non-Duke organizations are required to provide proof of insurance, as well as a deposit of up to 75% of the Event Estimate to secure the space.

Itemized estimates of costs can be provided. Cancellation fees may also apply.

DRESSING ROOMS

Dressing rooms are located backstage to the von der Heyden Studio Theater and include a Green Room and two chorus dressing rooms.

PARKING

Parking for events is typically located in the Campus Drive lot.

Parking arrangements for your event can be made with consultation with Duke Parking and Transportation Services. It is advisable to discuss parking for performers in addition to your audience. Event parking may be arranged in advance for a flat fee with at least three weeks' notice to Duke Parking and Transportation Services.

ACCESSIBILITY

The buidling is fully accessible.

Accessible restrooms are located both levels of the building near the elevator.

Please contact us for assistance in making arrangements for your accessibility needs or concerns.