Space Rental FAQs
Studios
What is the capacity of your studios?
The Ailey Studios can comfortably hold between 50 and 250 people depending on the event and where it is held. Your Ailey rental representative will help you choose an appropriate studio for your event.
May I use your studios for rehearsals that are not dance-related?
The Ailey Studios welcome all types of rehearsals and events: music videos, Broadway productions, educational events, etc.
What kinds of events can be held in the studios?
There have been many different types of events in The Ailey Studios, including post-performance receptions, large sit-down dinners, birthday parties, weddings, community board meetings and fashion shows, as well as film, photo and commercial shoots.
Are pets allowed in the building?
We do not permit dogs, cats or other four-legged or feathered creatures in the facility, with the exception of service animals.
Studio Sizes; Rental Rates; Rules and Policies
The Ailey Citigroup Theater
I'm going to be speaking before my performance in the theater. Do you have a podium I can use?
The Ailey Citigroup Theater does have a podium and can provide a wired microphone.
What is the capacity of The Ailey Citigroup Theater?
The Ailey Citigroup Theater has a capacity of 235 seats on its seating unit. Additional seating is possible by adding a row of chairs before the first row to increase the theater’s capacity to 255, and adding a second row of chairs expands it to 275 seats.
I'm planning a performance but I don't have a stage manager. Do I need one? Can you provide one?
All Theater rentals MUST have a stage manager. Your Ailey rental representative is able to provide recommendations.
Do I have to bring in people to run sound and lighting?
All theater renters are required to hire 2 Ailey Citigroup Theater technicians, a Light Board Operator and a Sound Engineer. You must provide a lighting designer and stage manager. If you need assistance, your Ailey rental representative can provide recommendations or hire at an additional cost either of these 2 positions. Recommendations can also be made for any additional technicians for your Theater rental (riggers, electricians, carpenters, assistant stage managers).
What is a "tech rehearsal?" How long do I need to "tech?"
A "tech rehearsal" is a rehearsal before the opening of a production where all of the technical aspects (lighting, sound, etc) of the production are determined and rehearsed. The Ailey Citigroup Theater strongly recommends that each theater renter allows no fewer than 8 hours for technical rehearsals.
Does the Theater have dressing rooms?
Yes. There are separate men’s and women’s dressing rooms each equipped with restroom, shower, costume racks, dressing tables and mirrors with lights. These dressing rooms are connected to stage right via a hallway with ballet barres and mirrors called the Green Room. There is a steamer available, but no iron, ironing board or laundry facilities on site.
Is there a studio where we can have warmup class?
As a part of your Theater rental, warmup class can take place onstage if you let us know when you would like access to the Theater in advance. The Green Room hallway is also available as a warmup area. It is possible, pending availability, to rent a studio elsewhere in the building at an additional cost.
Is there a box office in the building? Do you provide ushers and box office staff?
The Ailey Citigroup Theater has an area that serves as a box office on the Performance Entry level for use before performances. The Theater does not provide ushers or box office staff. You must supply a minimum of one box office/House Manager and two ushers. Your Ailey rental representative can provide recommendations.
Does Ailey handle ticket reservations?
The Ailey Citigroup Theater will not be involved in advance ticket sales for your performance. We highly recommend that you set up an account with a ticketing service such as Ovationtix or Smartix. Many renters have had great success with this.
Theater Inventory; Rules and Policies
Events and Receptions
I would like to have an Ailey performance for my organization’s event. What types of performances are available?
Within the Ailey Organization, there are a number of student performance groups as well as Ailey II, our critically acclaimed second company. After you submit your rental application form, you will be able to discuss performance options in detail with your Ailey rental representative.
Is there a preferred caterer?
You may use any catering company you wish as long as they carry a valid certificate of insurance. Your Ailey rental representative can provide recommendations. Please note that there is not an on-site kitchen.
Are there any outdoor spaces I can use?
There are 2 seasonal outdoor spaces that are available to rent.
Other Ways to Give
The Music of Revelations
