Built in 1927, the 691 seat Baldwin Auditorium anchors East Campus and gives the historic campus its most unique architectural element. With its distinctive white dome and Georgian design, Baldwin Auditorium is the primary rehearsal and performance venue for numerous ensembles, including the Duke Symphony Orchestra, the Duke Jazz Ensemble, the Duke Chorale, and the Duke Wind Symphony.
The building reopened in 2014 after an extensive renovation; it was a striking makeover for one of the university's landmark buildings. The building's interior has been upgraded with improved acoustics, new seating configuration, and improved access, along with much-needed improvements to the infrastructure.
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 request dates in April for Fall dates, and in October for spring dates. Baldwin Auditorium is exclusively used for music events and all reservations must be approved by the Baldwin Steering Committee.
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
Please email venues@duke.edu to request a Baldwin Auditorium rider and technical documents.
STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
This facility requires a minimum of two Duke production technicians to be onsite at all times for most events. For events with an audience present additional Audience Services staff will 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 Baldwin Auditorium is $400 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. Baldwin Auditorium is charged at a daily rate of $750 - $1,500 for depending on type of event. 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
There are no dressing rooms in Baldwin.
The backstage area has a lounge area and two private bathrooms.
PARKING
Parking is limited on East Campus.
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 week notice to Duke Parking and Transportation Services.
ACCESSIBILITY
Baldwin Auditorium is fully accessible, including the stage, backstage area, lobby, and the restrooms.
Accessible seating in the orchestra level is located in Center Row P, and Row A on the left and right sections. The right section seating may require the use of a chair lift in the lobby depending on location.
Accessible seating, in the balcony level is located in the house right upper box only. The balcony seating location is accessible via the elevator.
The stage is accessible from backstage right via a chair lift.
If you anticipate needing further accommodations, please consult with Venue and Production Management staff in advance of your event.
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