Concert  / performance / literary  Rentals

8Heliconian Hall's vaulted ceilings provide wonderful, natural acoustics in an intimate setting, making it a popular location for musical and dramatic performances, and literary readings. All artistic events in the Hall are discounted (compared to non-artistic events) as providing space for the performing arts is part of the mandate of the Heliconian Club. That being said, there are not additional discounts available for students and charitable organizations. The rates vary by day of the week, the month of the year, and time of day (morning vs. matinee vs. evening on weekends only). Our basic arts event booking ranges from $325 plus HST to $600 plus HST based on those factors. We keep that range on those timing factors to allow for flexibility with the rate by varying the time of the booking. Otherwise the rates are generally non-negotiable. The two exceptions are serial bookings of four or more events (ie. a concert series) and successful applicants to our rental sponsorship outreach program (click here for details). All artistic bookings are subject to a $10 Capital Improvement Fee per event, that the Club puts in reserve for repairs that benefit Hall users, audiences and renters, like the recently purchased bench cushions.

The basic arts event rental package includes four hours on the day of the event, from access to exit. It also includes two complimentary hours of weekday, daytime rehearsal (Monday-Friday 09:00-17:00) within two weeks of the event, subject to hall availability, and usually booked no more than two weeks in advance of the rehearsal time. Additional hours for the event time are available for $100 per hour. Additional rehearsal time is available at the rates below. The rental includes use of the piano, tuned monthly. Tunings specifically for your event are available at cost ($180 plus HST), but must be booked in advance. Rental also includes use of the lighting system, though if any cues other than on and off are wanted, someone from the event will need to operate the board, as staff is not provided for that. 

The rental also includes use of the board room and kitchen which can either be used as a green room, or for a reception after the event or at intermission. For information on what kitchen amenities are included, please see the Space Details page, and for information on what is involved in serving alcohol at a reception, please see the Rental Policies page. Please also note that reception time must be included in the rental period, including the clean-up time needed after the reception, which can make the event require longer than four hours, for which the extra hourly rate will apply.   

Artistic fundraiser rentals

Fundraisers and Award Ceremonies for arts organizations can often take forms that are less like a performance and more like a party. For these events, all of the rules for Non-Artistic Events apply, but as long as the funds are going to an artistic non-profit, or the awards are for artistic endeavours, the discounted artistic event rates still apply. 
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Art Exhibit rentals

We do not rent the walls for exhibitions. The only way to have an exhibition of art hanging on the walls is to join the Heliconian Club, and follow the policies for exhibiting members. Renters may bring art into the space, and display it on easels during their rental period, but they may not add it to the wall display (even if there is room). Furthermore, we do not remove the art that is on the walls, so the concurrent exhibit will still be on display. 
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Filming rentals

We do not own the rights to the art work in the main hall, so we cannot grant filming rights of the art. We also do not remove art for rentals (including film projects) nor do we allow it to be covered with the exception of full pipe and drape. We do allow filming specifically of the stage area and other rooms of the building. But the art complicates most filming projects that are more than just a performance on the stage. To film on the stage area, the rates are the same as the recording rentals. For information on larger filming projects, please inquire. 

We do occasionally rent for craft services, holding, make-up, and wardrobe rooms for film projects in the Yorkville area. The rates depend on the day of the week, and the hours of the day. Please inquire for a quote for your project. 
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rehearsal rentals

50Hourly rehearsal time is available in the hall, including the Steinway piano, within two weeks of the date of the rehearsal. If you would like to rent further in advance, the full concert rental rate applies. The rehearsal rate is $50 per hour, plus HST, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 (restricted to hall availability). After hours, weekends and holiday rehearsal time is $75 per hour, plus HST, with a minimum of three hours, subject to hall and staff availability). The charge is from access to the building to exit from the building, so if set-up or warm-up time is needed, it must be booked. We do not rent ongoing rehearsal times (ie. every Friday from noon to 2 pm). 
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recording rentals

Hourly recording time is available in the hall, including the Steinway piano, within two weeks of the date of the recording. If you would like to rent further in advance, the full concert rental rate applies. The recording rate is $50 per hour, plus HST, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 (restricted to hall availability). After hours, weekends and holiday rehearsal time is $75 per hour, plus HST, with a minimum of three hours, subject to hall and staff availability). The charge is from access to the building to exit from the building, so if set-up or warm-up time is needed, it must be booked. We do not provide the recording equipment or technician, just the hall. The piano is tuned at least monthly, but if you need it freshly tuned for the recording project, you will need to book an extra tuning in advance (fee applies). 
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