The Capitol Theatre is located at 4904 Argyle Street (V9Y 1V7) in Port Alberni, and has fixed seating for 275 people. There is a wheelchair accessible area suitable for 3 or 4 wheelchairs. Our lobby is equipped with a box office kiosk, a handicap-accessible washroom, a cloak room and a full-service concession which includes double-wide cooler, sink, dishwasher and other amenities. For all local and visiting shows, only Portal Players will operate an event concession, at its discretion. A standing liquor license (beer, wine, cider) is not yet in place, but is being put in place; special occasion liquor licenses may be available, depending on the event.
Additional theatre facilities include a members lounge, complete with meeting tables & chairs, kitchen, entertainment centre and a washroom; large public washrooms; a well-equipped technical booth (60 circuit DMX ETC lighting control console; 24 channel Mackie sound mixing board); a green room with two washrooms, shower, changing areas & limited kitchen facilities, above the main stage. We also have a management office, a costume room, various storage areas and a workshop. Load in/load out is through a roll-up, alley-access garage door.
Portal Players Dramatic Society is the main user of The Capitol Theatre, operating an annual season of usually four productions, plus a variety of additional events such as our improv nights, workshops, general membership meetings, board meetings, rehearsals, auditions, etc. We plan our calendar of events approximately one year in advance.
As well, the Capitol Theatre is available to rent for public performances or private functions (sorry, no weddings). Public performances in the past have included touring plays, one-person shows, dance recitals, rock, folk, blues, big band & jazz concerts, film festivals, lectures, readings, student productions, etc. Theatre rentals are subject to date availability.
Portal Players is very interested in the success of any visiting or rented venue event, and to that end will provide as much support as possible. This could include having your event date(s) printed in our show programs and mentioned in our pre-show announcements; your event date and description included on our website; your posters being placed at the Capitol Theatre, and so on.
At this time, PPDS is not in a position to joint venture, produce or co-produce any visiting productions or touring shows. We are only able to offer the theatre for your use as a rented venue.
Our rental rate structure at this time, is as follows:
Single-use venue rental (usually one day or one evening), $450. This includes two PPDS technicians for four hours each, to prepare and operate lights AND sound. Additional technician hours are currently charged out at $10 per hour or portion thereof. Additionally, a PPDS stage manager is required for all dance recitals and events involving children, and may be required at the discretion of PPDS for your event. Cost of the stage manager is the same as technicians ($10/hour, 4 hour minimum). The rental rate includes one house manager, to ensure the event runs smoothly both for the renter and for Portal Players Dramatic Society. In addition, a janitorial surcharge may be required, subject to the needs of your event. Ushers and other front of house staff are available, again at a 4 hour minimum per person, at $8 per hour – to be arranged in advance of the event. A formal rental contract will be available shortly. Other services are available at an additional cost: use of the upstairs members lounge, use of the projector and screen (for Keynote or powerpoint presentations), etc.
Local performing arts groups, multiple-use renters, schools, non-profit or charitable organizations may be eligible for a discounted rental rate. This reduction is usually $100 off the total cost as calculated based on the rates above. Additionally, PPDS is open to discussing rental rates and theatre use on a case-by-case basis for events that have as their main beneficiary: charities, scholarships/education, unique circumstances (fundraising), etc.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information, the very best way to contact our theatre manager by e-mail. Our website is another valuable resource - soon, you can get theatre technical specifications, equipment lists, contact names and media lists to help with your promotions. The Theatre telephone number is 250-723-1195; Faxes can be sent to 250-723-1990.
For more information on renting The Capitol, please e-mail us.