EVENT RENTAL GUIDE
ABOUT THE PUBLIC
PITTSBURGH PUBLIC THEATER LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The ground on which we stand, at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio Rivers, is home to the Seneca People. They called this area Jaödeogë’ (Jaonh day ō gent’), Between Two Rivers, the crossroads of the Seneca, Lenni Lenape, Shawnee, and numerous nations who lived before, with and after them.
These Peoples, along with other nations in the Haudenosaunee (Hoe-dee-no-SHOW-nee) Confederacy stewarded the land of this greater region; and like other First Nations across North America, their spiritual roots are buried deep within Mother Earth. We acknowledge this land and their continued spiritual connection to it as sacred.
We must also recognize the painful destruction of this connection and the injustices perpetrated on Native Communities through broken treaties and colonial occupation, resulting in enslavement, cultural genocide, forced assimilation, and dissolution of their right to independent self-governance.
Through awareness and action, we can write a new history that honors First Peoples’ spiritual connection to the land and combats Indigenous erasure, systemic racism and continued marginalization. We invite you to join us in action. A link of resources can be found by at PPT.org/ Mission.
*This statement was crafted in collaboration with Dr. Joe Stahlman (Ska:ru:re), Ja:no’s Bowen (Onöndowa’ga:’), and Jamie Jacobs (Onöndowa’ga:’).
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Pittsburgh Public Theater is to provide artistically diverse theatrical experiences of the highest quality.
Pittsburgh Public Theater also strives to serve, challenge, stimulate and entertain while operating in a fiscally responsible manner. The Public shares its resources with the community through education and engagement initiatives intended for a wide range of people with the goal of expanding and diversifying the audience while enriching the community.
GENERAL INFORMATION
ADDRESS DETAILS
Physical Address: Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O’Reilly Theater A project of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 621 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Stage Door Address: Barker’s Place, alleyway between the O’Reilly Theater and the Theater Square complex (home to the Theater Square Box Office)
Mailing Address: Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O’Reilly Theater 621 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
Rental Booking: Events@PPT.org
Production: Monica Bowin, Director of Production MBowin@PPT.org
Box Office: Ali Mohammed Srour, Patron Services Data Associate ASrour@PPT.org
Marketing & Aja Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications Communications: AJones@PPT.org
HOUSE POLICIES
STAGEHAND LABOR
The Pittsburgh Public Theater maintains a collective bargaining agreement with I.A.T.S.E. Local 3. All stage labor within the Theater and event spaces must be provided by Union stagehands and is assigned at the sole discretion of the Theater. Stage labor and equipment is subject to additional invoicing in addition to any facility rental and administration fees paid to the venue.
NON-SMOKING FACILITY
The O’Reilly Theater is a non-smoking facility. Smoking, including vaping and use of e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere inside of the building, on the loading docks, or within 15 feet of any entrance.
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CODES
Pittsburgh Public Theater abides by all federal, state and local laws pertaining to life safety codes; renters are required to follow these same guidelines.
The City of Pittsburgh requires theaters to make a preshow announcement, no more than ten minutes prior to curtain, acknowledging emergency exit locations. A generic recording will be played unless a custom message is requested in advance. Custom announcements may be made live through the house public address system or be pre-recorded and provided to venue staff as an .mp3 or .wav file. Custom announcements are subject to review and approval by the venue’s production representative.
The City of Pittsburgh requires a minimum (4’) four-foot path of egress be maintained to all fire protection equipment such as fire hoses, extinguishers and pull stations, as well as posted emergency exits.
Scenery brought into the venue must be fire retardant or be inherently flame retardant to meet Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Protection regulations. Flame retardant certification must be submitted to the production representative no less than one-week prior to load-in.
USE OF PYROTECHNIC AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
All use of open or live flame on stage (including lighters, candles, and incense), smoke/fog/haze machines, e-cigarettes, pyrotechnic displays, dry ice generators, bubble/foam machines, strobing light effects, and other sensory effects such as scent generators are subject to inspection, review, and approval by the venue production representative and/or the City of Pittsburgh Fire Bureau. Pyrotechnic permits must be obtained from the City of Pittsburgh at the expense of the renter. Please discuss these needs with the production department before applying for permits.
The City of Pittsburgh may require a Fire Marshall to be present when open flame and/or pyrotechnic effects are used. The cost of this service varies based on the precise nature and scope of effects used. Pittsburgh Public Theater management will arrange and obtain such necessary services, and the cost will be billed to the Renter on the final event settlement invoice.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY USAGE RESTRICTIONS
Due to recent changes in Federal Communications Commission guidelines, Pittsburgh Public Theater is required to adhere to a strict policy of radio-frequency distribution. Use of two-way radios, wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, intercoms, and any other wireless devices are subject to inspection and approval by the production representative. A detailed explanation of this policy may be obtained from the production representative.
PREFERRED VENDORS
The Pittsburgh Public Theater maintains a corps of preferred vendors who provide catering, craft services, beverages, additional A/V, video recording, and other services to our producing partners at affordable rates. We maintain these strong partnerships to ensure that events hosted by our producing partners are managed and serviced by teams who know the Theater and are familiar with the guidelines thereof. Please note that use of service providers not included on this list may be subject to an additional service buy-out fee and/or management staffing fee at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Public Theater management.
RENTAL PROCESS
INQUIRY
CLICK HERE FOR FORM
Once our team receives your online inquiry form, we will schedule a consultation to discuss your event details, including desired date, event space, number of guests, and type of event. During this initial conversation, will also provide you with a list of our rental items, discuss production costs and services and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the complexity of your event, a follow-up conversation with production team members will be scheduled.
EVENT PROPOSAL
Based on your event requirements and preferences, we will provide you with a detailed proposal that includes a list of rental items, services, and associated costs. This proposal will also outline the payment terms, delivery and pickup options, and other pertinent details.
RESERVATION
Once you have reviewed and approved the proposal, we will require a deposit to secure the rental items and services for your event date.
PLANNING
Our team will work with you to finalize the details of your event rental order, including delivery and pickup times, setup and breakdown instructions, and any additional requirements or changes. We will also provide you with a detailed rental contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.
DELIVERY AND SETUP
On the day of your event, our team will be onsite to assist with set up according to the agreed-upon plan. We will also ensure that everything is in good working condition and ready for use.
EVENT SUPPORT
Throughout your event, our team will be available to provide support and assistance as needed. This includes troubleshooting any issues that may arise and addressing any last-minute requests.
POST EVENT SURVEY
At the conclusion of your event, we’ll send you a brief survey to gather feedback on our rental services. Your insights are crucial for our improvement. We appreciate your time and value your input.
START
Once rental inquiry is received, client will be contacted within 48 hrs by Public Theater Events Staff
Event proposal will be sent two weeks from meeting to client; space will be held for two weeks
Once proposal is accepted by client; Public Theater Event Staff will issue a contract within one week
Deposit and signed contract will be due one week after the receipt of the contract
Public Theater Event Staff will schedule a walk through; review all event logistics
Final balance due two weeks prior to the event
RENTAL SPACES
GRAND LOBBY
Capacity: 200
The Grand Lobby of the O'Reilly Theater is an impressive blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. It functions not only as a prelude to the performances housed within the theater, but as a striking space in its own right. As you step into the lobby, your gaze is immediately drawn to the high ceiling, adorned with intricately molded cornices that hint at the building's historic roots and highlights the rich hues of the woodpaneled walls.
THEATER AND DRESSING ROOMS
Theater Capacity: 600
Dressing Room Capacity: 6 (each)
The O’Reilly Theater, designed by architect Michael Graves and home to Pittsburgh Public Theater, is a state-of-the-art facility with a thrust stage. There are removable seats on the L and R stage-level sides, 366 orchestra seats, 114 seats in the first balcony, and 56 seats in the second balcony. The theater has 18 sets of acoustic curtains, five catwalks, and 10 linesets. Technical specifications are available upon request.
PUB
Capacity: 100
Located on the second floor, the Pub is a delightful fusion of a traditional English pub and a modern, artsy lounge. It’s a place where the vibrancy of theater culture and the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern intersect, making it an ideal spot for patrons to gather before, during, or after performances.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a charming combination of warm wooden accents and ambient lighting. The centerpiece of the room is a polished wooden bar, stretching across one side of the pub.
Large, paned windows along one wall allow guests to take in the lively street scene outside, while also letting in plenty of natural light during the day. In the evening, soft, ambient lighting creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Capacity: 40
Located on the second floor, the Multi-Purpose Conference Room is a model of versatility and thoughtful design. This dynamic room provides an adaptable setting for staff meetings, script read-throughs, small workshops, and post-performance discussions. The room is sizable enough to comfortably accommodate up to 20 individuals. A large, oval-shaped conference table sits at the center, equipped with audio-visual capabilities.
HELEN WAYNE RAUH REHEARSAL HALL
Capacity: 200
Located on the third floor, the Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall is a spacious, sunlit space. Its expansive area is perfect for accommodating both intimate events and productions. High ceilings give the room an airy feel, making it easier for actors to project their voices and be heard without straining. Along one side of the room, a series of tall windows allows natural light to stream in, lending the space a warm, inviting glow during the daytime. The room is equipped with modern soundproofing to ensure a quiet environment, free from the distractions of the bustling city outside.
RENTAL RATES
Rates are listed in accordance with organizational budget size. All rentals are for a 6-hour time frame, which includes set up and break down. Additional hours can be added for $150 per hour.
Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall
Administrative Overhead A 10% overhead will be assessed to cover expenses related to event coordination and preparation.
General Liability* Rental clients may name Pittsburgh Public Theater as an additional insured on their liability insurance or purchase event coverage through our convenient online portal.
Security* Events with over 150 anticipated attendees will incur additional security charges per Cultural District policies.
Coat Check $25 per hour/checker (4-hour minimum)
Bartender $35 per hour/bartender (4-hour minimum)
Bar $130 per bar. Pittsburgh Public Theater will provide the use of the in-house bar(s) for rentals.
Stagehand Labor
Sound, Light, and Events with production needs will be provided a separate labor quote following site visit and planning meetings. Labor is approximately $65/hr with minimum 4-hour calls.
This section covers common insurance fees and requirements, some common permits, ticketing/box office services, fees and costs, and staffing fees and requirements.
Other insurance, permit, box office, and staffing costs may apply.
This document utilizes estimated expenses from neighboring Cultural District organizations.