RESERVATIONS: RUBENSTEIN ARTS CENTER
Including the von der Heyden Studio Theater, Ruby Lounge, Ruby Film Theater, Studios and The Gallery

 

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

The Duke Venue and Production Management Team oversees the scheduling of theater venues. Priority is given to university departments, programming, and student organizations. Scheduling for Duke-affiliated groups starts one year in advance, beginning in October. Theaters are scheduled following a policy sensitive to the unique needs the spaces offer to major users in arts focused productions. Non-Duke organizations interested in residency opportunities at the Arts Center can submit a proposal for consideration. Visit our Arts Project website.

RESERVATIONS

Requests for dates can be requested via email or by phone.
Phone: 919-660-1701
Email: [email protected]

TICKETING

All ticketing is handled exclusively by the Duke University Box Office.
Phone: 919-684-4444
Email: [email protected]

SPECIFICATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

• von der Heyden Studio Theater: The von der Heyden Studio Theater (Room 105) supports a wide variety of performance configurations from traditional proscenium, thrust, or in-the-round. The space includes a moveable tiered platform with 108 seats that can be pulled from the west wall with the option of additional seating on the main floor and across the mezzanine allowing a total capacity up to 150. A versatile tension wire grid for lighting and technical equipment plus a built-in projection supports highly visual or technical performances. For an interest in incorporating natural light, blackout shades on the theater’s north-facing windows can be opened as needed.
• Film Theater: The Ruby film theater (Room 123) has 100-seats and features five built-in projectors, including 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. These historical projectors were refurbished exclusively for the Ruby and paired with a modern digital Dolby surround-sound system. The space also has the capability to adjust the screen size to accommodate the various formats and aspect ratios utilized from the earliest days through modern cinema
• 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 [email protected].

STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

To ensure the highest quality experience, this facility requires one to three Duke production technicians to be onsite during most events. For events with an audience, additional Audience Services staff may be provided to support the experience. The number of event and production staff is tailored to the specific needs of each event and determined by venue management.

Please note that events longer than four hours may incur additional fees. If your event requires security or extra staff, these services are available through our trusted vendors at market rates. All staffing must be approved by and is at the discretion of venue management.

SPACE USE FEES

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 includes 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 through consultation with our team. 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.