Large Theater Bottom Up View

Large Theater

Our flagship performance venue with a sprung hardwood dance floor, professional theater lighting grid, top-tier audio system, and spacious stage.

Occupancy: 340 Guests
3,591 sq. ft.
155 S. River St., Santa Cruz
Wheelchair Accessible · All-Gender Restrooms

Features & Amenities

Large Theater Features & Amenities
Max Occupancy

340 Guests

Standing concert & seated theater configurations

Theater Area

3,591 Sq. Ft.

High-clearance versatile performance space

Specialized Flooring

Sprung Hardwood Floor

Professional shock-absorbing wood for dance & performance

Lighting & Video

Overhead Grid & Laser Projection

Full overhead theatrical lighting grid with multi-zone LED wash, 10,000-lumen laser projector & live board operator support

Concert Audio

Theater Sound System

High-output surround audio, 1–3 wireless mics & multi-channel PA

Load-In Access

Backstage Roll-Up Bay

Direct street-level loading door on South River St. for production gear

Artist Amenities

Green Room & Dressing Suites

Dedicated backstage artist lounge, dressing areas & tech booth

Climate Control

High-Output HVAC

Full climate control heating, cooling & fresh air ventilation

Accessibility

All-Gender ADA Restrooms

Street-level wheelchair accessibility with ADA-compliant facilities

Community Equity

50% Mission Forward Rate

Automatic 50% discount for registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and mission-aligned arts organizations

Reservations

Check Availability & Rates

View our live calendar schedule below or submit an inquiry to reserve your dates

Explore

Community-Centered Pricing

Rental Details

Transparent rates with no hidden fees. Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits and mission-aligned community projects automatically qualify for our 50% Mission Forward rate.

Space Rental

Weekday

Monday - Thursday

$300 / Hour - $2000 / Day

Day Rate covers up to 8 Hours
Beyond 8 hours standard hourly rates apply
Minimum 3 hrs including set-up/break-down
Space Rental

Weekend

Friday - Sunday

$400 / Hour - $2800 / Day

Day Rate covers up to 8 Hours
Beyond 8 hours standard hourly rates apply
Minimum 3 hrs including set-up/break-down
Space Rental

Discounts Available

Only the highest possible discount applies - Impacts Rent only

Mission Forward | 50% off
Available based on program

Rehearsals | 25% off
Assuming no ticketing

Bulk Day Discount | 2+ Days: 5% - 4+ Days: 10% - 8+ Days: 20%

Sound, Lights & Projection

Tech & Production Packages

From plug-and-play acoustic sound to full theatrical lighting design and dedicated technicians, we support your production from rehearsal to curtain call.

Plug In

$200

Included Equipment

  • PA, 2 Mics, 2 Mic Stands

  • House Lights

  • Tech Time: 1 hr Sound/Lighting/Setup

Level Up

$600

Included Equipment

  • Projector, Theater sound system

  • 1-3 Mics tied into theater sound system, Mic Stands

  • House Lights + LED Lights (one preset)

  • Tech Time: 

    • 1 hr Tech logistics meeting

    • 1 hr Sound/Lighting/File Check

    • 1 hr pre-event sound check

    • 3 hr Projectionist

3 Hours Max

Max Out

$800

Included Equipment

  • Projector, Theater sound system

  • 1-3 Mics tied into theater sound system, Mic Stands

  • House Lights + LED Lights (multiple presets + operator)

  • Tech Time: 

    • 1 hr Tech logistics meeting

    • 1 hr lighting design

    • 1 hr Sound/Lighting/File Check 

    • 1 hr additional tech staff

    • 1 hr pre-event sound check

    • 3 hr Projectionist

3 Hours Max

Custom Production Enhancements

Add-On Equipment & Staffing

  • Disco Ball: $50/Event*

  • Projector: $250/Event*

  • Spotlight: $100/Event*

    • Renter supplies operator, must be approved by 418 staff

*Applies up to 3 Hours

Live Availability & Events

What's On in the Large Theater

Browse public classes, performances, or open space blocks for your rental booking.

Large Theater Schedule
Large Theater Private Rental
Large Theater Rental

Visual Tour

Inside the Large Theater

A look at the space set up for dance rehearsals, audience seating, theatrical lighting, and community events.

More Venues at The 418 Project

Explore Our Other Spaces

Book Your Performance, Class or Gathering

Ready to Bring Your Event to Life?

We welcome artists, dancers, non-profits, independent producers, and community organizations. Dive in with our rental team to reserve dates, customize tech packages, or apply for our 50% Mission Forward rate.