Our Venues

Tony Rivenbark Main Stage

The Tony Rivenbark Main Stage auditorium seats 550 guests, split between the Weyerhaeuser Parquet on the first floor and the first balcony called the Dress Circle. For some events, we also open the original 1858 Gallery level for a total of 650 guests. 


Technical features include state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, a digital film projection system, and a hydraulic orchestra pit lift, which when raised to the highest level adds ten feet to the forestage.


The Main Stage may be rented for a wide variety of performances and events.


Rates vary depending on daily vs. weekly use, rehearsal vs. performance use, and private organizations vs. not-for-profit organizations.


Rental does not include Box Office fees, technical labor, piano tuning, or special equipment. THCPA provides ushers, front of the house, and concessionaires.

Rental Inquiries

Ruth & Bucky Stein Studio Theatre

The Stein Theatre is located on the second floor of the new wing and is a multi-use facility. It has recently undergone a major renovation which added new upgraded seating, new lighting and projection equipment.


The Stein Theatre may be rented for a wide variety of performance and event activities. Rates vary depending on daily vs. weekly use, rehearsal vs. performance use and private organizations vs. not-for-profit organizations.


Rental does not include Box Office fee, technical labor, piano tuning, or special equipment.


Thalian Hall provides ushers, front of house, and concessionaires.


SEATING


In keeping with the multi-use concept, seating in the Stein Theatre is flexible. Maximum fire code capacity is 100 seats. In order to fit this many people into the Stein Theatre set pieces must be minimal. Normal capacity for theatrical presentations is between 60 and 100 seats. Thalian Hall Center staff will add chairs after the performance space has been defined.


Ticket sales are capped at 60 until the Technical Director has approved an increase in the capacity.

Rental Inquiries

Ballroom

The City Council Chambers/Ballroom is available for rent for private functions. This elegant assembly room occupies the 2nd floor of historic City Hall/Thalian Hall at the corner of 3rd and Chestnut Streets. The room is carpeted in red, with newly painted red and cream walls, green curtains, and green upholstered chairs. It is two stories high with a small balcony at one end. The tall arched windows are on three sides and provide a lovely view of downtown Wilmington.


The room works well for 50 to 100 guests. There is a dance floor and small warming kitchen. The room is handicapped accessible and there is ample free parking on the weekends.


WEDDING PACKAGES

Level 1: "Basic Package"

Includes: Rental of the Ballroom for up to 8 hours in one day (including set-up time and clean up.) $1,100.00

Level 2: "Rehearsal Package"

Includes: (Dependent on Availability) Rehearsal usage of the Ballroom for up to 4 hours the day before the main event. Rental of the Ballroom for up to 8 hours in one day (including set-up time and clean up.) $1,500.00

Level 3: "Total Package"

Includes: (Dependent on Availability) Rehearsal usage of the Ballroom for up to 4 hours the day before the main event. Rental of the Ballroom for up to 10 hours in one day (including set up time and clean up) and use of the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts lobby for transitions between ceremony and reception. $2,100.00

Level 4: "Bonus Package"

Includes: (Dependent on Availability) Usage of Main Stage for up to 4 hours (does not include Technical support for the Main Stage). Rental of the Ballroom for up to 10 hours in one day (including set up time and clean up.) $3,500.00


Each package requires a $200.00 deposit, which cannot be applied towards the above rental fees. This deposit will be refunded to you within a month after the event has occurred. If canceled prior to the event, the deposit will be forfeit.


Equipment

The room is equipped with a minimum of three 8' foot tables, a minimum of three 6' foot tables, four 5' in diameter round tables, fifteen 30" in diameter cocktail tables (seating 4), fifteen 24" square cocktail tables (seating 4) and up to 200 chairs. Additional furnishings, table linens, and other items can be rented from a number of local suppliers.


Security Deposit

A security deposit of $200 is charged upon reservation and contracting of the room. In the event of cancellation, the deposit is not refunded. The deposit may not be applied toward rental fees. The deposit is refunded within 30 days after your event provided all rules have been followed, all fees have been paid and there has been no damage.


Set-Up/ Attendant Fee

The fee for furniture set-up & THCPA attendant for your event will be included in your contract. This rate is $20/ hr. with a 4-hr. minimum.


Invitations

Invitations to receptions should read, "Council Chambers, City Hall/Thalian Hall, 310 Chestnut Street, Wilmington NC."


Alcoholic Beverages

Wine, champagne, and canned or bottled beer may be served to responsible guests over the age of 21. No kegs may be used to serve beer.


Entertainment

Amplified and or live music is allowed, providing the sound level does not interfere with other performances on the Main Stage or Studio Theatre. Please inform entertainers that Thalian Hall staff reserves the right to determine appropriate levels for everyone's benefit.


Arrangement

Most of the time, though not always, the Chambers will be arranged with 100 chairs facing the dais. You may re-arrange the furnishings in a number of different ways. The Council desks on the dais may not be moved under any circumstances, though the smaller desks on the right side of the room may be moved to create more space.


Cleaning

At the end of your occupancy, you are responsible for removing all trash from the facility and placing it in designated receptacles outside. Any major spills should be wiped up. Furnishings should be shifted toward the walls to facilitate the vacuuming of the carpet.


Legal Capacities:


Seated Dinners 132

Auditorium Seating 175

Cocktail Reception 175

Rental Inquiries

  • What Is A Renter?

    A renter is an organization, promoter, business, etc. that “rents” space at Thalian Hall for a period of time. Just like rent for a house, there is a base rate, as well as additional fees that may apply depending on the type of needs of the event. Thalian Hall staff are not responsible for running your event, we are simply the landlords.

  • Are Discounts Available?

    Thalian Hall offers lower base rental rates to non-profit organizations (with appropriate documentation). Lower rates are also available to any organization that rents for consecutive days in a row.

  • What types of events rent space at Thalian Hall?

    Thalian Hall hosts a wide variety of events via our renters, ranging from theatre, film, concerts, corporate events, fundraising galas, and community events. Space is also available for private events such as weddings and parties.

  • When should I submit rental requests?

    Thalian Hall accepts rental requests year-round, though dates tend to book up 6 months in advance. We host over 700 events every year and availability can be limited.

  • What type of marketing support does Thalian Hall offer?

    Marketing is primarily the responsibility of the renter, though your event will have a banner position on the front of the building, as the space becomes available, and is included in our weekly email blasts to our 35,000+ subscribers. 

  • What time are shows typically held?

    Evening shows typically begin at 7:30pm,  matinee performances are typically at either 2 or 3pm, and film matinees are typically at 4pm. Lobbies open 1 hour prior to showtime, and house opens 45 to 30 minutes prior to showtime.

  • Can I use an outside technician?

    Thalian Hall's Technical Director must approve all outside technicians.

  • Can I sell my own tickets for my event?

    All ticket sales must be handled through the Center Box Office.

View more