PARTNERSHIP & RENTALS
CO-PRODUCTION & PARTNERSHIPYou bring the creative vision. We provide the stage, systems, and audience.
Our active co-production model eliminates upfront venue fees and shares both risk and reward, so local artists, performers, and instructors can thrive.
Have questions first? Contact our Programming Coordinator directly
A Collaborative Foundation for Local Creators
In alignment with our mission to cultivate safe, creative spaces where artists and communities come together to learn, grow, and create belonging through the arts, The 418 Project operates under an active co-production model. This policy is designed to reduce the financial and logistical barriers to entry for local creators, allowing events to prosper by leveraging the full breadth of resources provided by The 418 Project. By establishing an equitable, collaborative foundation, we aim to build sustainable, recurring relationships with artistic partners.
No Upfront Rent
Eliminate prohibitive hall fees. We share ticket revenue, directly aligning our mutual success from the moment tickets go on sale.
Turnkey Production
House sound, theatrical lighting, 10k-lumen laser projector, venue staffing, and box-office operations are all included.
Promotional Reach
Gain exposure through 418’s official channels, including social media spotlights, dedicated newsletter placements, and on-site signage.
Merchandise to Artist
Partners keep 100% of merchandise sales with zero commission. Revenue share payouts are distributed within 7 days.
Gross Ticket Revenue Splits
Revenue splits are calculated strictly from Gross Ticket Revenues and serve as starting points for conversation. Every agreement is tailored to event scope.
Applies to standard educational classes or short-form events under 1.5 hours in duration that utilize one designated space.
- Under 1.5 hours duration
- Single space (e.g. Small Theater or Lobby)
- Recurring weekly classes & series
Applies to standard events, evening productions, showcases, or performances exceeding 1.5 hours or occupying multiple spaces/stages.
- Exceeds 1.5 hours duration
- Multiple spaces or full building access
- Full evening performances, concerts & recitals
For events with larger crowds and expectations, we offer a generous 70% partner split. The venue sets a minimum guarantee (house nut) to cover baseline operating costs. Guarantees and house nuts in partnership agreements are usually based on our Mission Forward rental rate (50% off standard rates) with an additional partnership discount of approximately 10%.
- Partner retains generous 70% of gross ticket sales
- Subsidized house nut based on 50% Mission Forward rate + ~10% discount
- Large crowd expectations, headliners & multi-day productions
Ticketing Fees Absorbed
418 absorbs all box-office platform fees and credit card processing costs.
100% Merch to Artists
Partners retain 100% of their merchandise sales with 0% venue cut.
10% Comp Ticket Cap
Partners may issue comps up to 10% of projected ticket sales or capacity.
7-Day Payout
Revenue settlement is finalized and paid out within 7 calendar days.
Roles & Responsibilities
A successful co-production draws on the strengths of both sides: 418 manages facilities, operations, and box office; partners drive creative programming.
The 418 Project Provides
Operational & Technical Infrastructure
- Venue & Facilities: Full access to the designated event space, including standard utilities.
- Technical Infrastructure: Provision of house sound system, house lighting, and standard technical equipment.
- Operational Support: Event operations staff to manage the venue during the production.
- Ticketing Services: Setup, management, and execution of digital and gate ticketing platforms (fees absorbed by 418).
- Concessions Management: Staffing and operation of the venue's concession bar.
- Institutional Leverage: Strategic access to relevant organizational grantmaking opportunities where applicable.
The Partner Provides
Artistic Leadership & Curation
- Programming: Curating and managing event content, classes, schedules, and timelines.
- Talent & Vibe: Securing artists, performers, or instructors, and establishing creative energy.
- Copyright & Licensing: Securing all necessary copyrights and performance licensing (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC).
Areas of Joint Collaboration
To maintain a unified, unforgettable presentation, both parties work closely together on the event aesthetic.
Decorations
The thematic design and aesthetic transformation of the space.
Concession Curation
Selection and inclusion of specialized or event-themed items at the concession bar.
Licensing Guidance
Active collaboration and assistance from 418 to help ensure proper licensing is finalized.
The Spaces We Stage Together
From intimate workshops on sprung hardwood dance floors to full-scale concert productions with cinema projection, explore the spaces ready for your work.
Occupancy: 340 | 3,591 sq. ft.
Large Theater
Dragonsgate Mainstage
Our flagship performance space equipped with a comprehensive theater sound rig, DMX stage lighting, and a 10,000-lumen laser projector.
Occupancy: 162 | 1,441 sq. ft.
Small Theater
Intimate Studio & Showcase
An intimate studio featuring a sprung hardwood dance floor, warm theatrical lighting, and dedicated PA sound. Ideal for movement and acoustic work.
Occupancy: 100 | 1,000 sq. ft.
Lobby & Gathering Space
Social Hub & Reception Area
A lively reception and community hub complete with concession bar, lounge seating, Bluetooth audio, and art exhibition walls.
Turnkey Tech & Equipment
You don’t have to rent expensive outside production gear. The 418 Project provides the technical backbone.
Audio Systems
- House concert PA in Large Theater
- Studio PA system in Small Theater
- Wired & wireless microphones with stands
- Bluetooth audio setup in Lobby
- Multi-channel mixing consoles & stage monitors
Theatrical Lighting
- DMX lighting console & intelligent dimming
- Overhead stage wash & LED color mixing
- Customizable scene presets for live shows
- Accent, floor, and decorative par lights
- Available spotlight & disco ball accents
Laser Cinema Projection
- Panasonic PT-RCQ10BU: 10,000-lumen laser projector
- Movie theater quality resolution & surround sound compatible
- HDMI & digital input connections
- Wide format compatibility (VLC standard formats)
- Large motorized theater screen
Box Office & Gate
- Dedicated online ticketing event page
- Mobile gate check-in & barcode scanning
- Cash & credit card acceptance at the door
- 418 absorbs platform & card processing fees
Concessions & Hospitality
- Full concession bar staffed by 418
- Curated beverages, snacks, and local favorites
- Thematic or specialty drink collaboration
- Dressing room & performer green room access
Building Amenities
- Fully ADA accessible building & restrooms
- Gender-neutral multi-stall facilities
- High-speed fiber Wi-Fi throughout
- Central downtown Santa Cruz location
Production Timeline & Venue Access
Clear milestones ensure your event gets maximum marketing reach, smooth setup, and prompt financial settlement.
Submit promotional copy, high-resolution graphics, artist bios, and media assets at least three (3) months prior to the event date.
Event published and ticket sales live for at least two (2) months prior to the event date for maximum promotional momentum.
Partners are granted access to the space up to two (2) hours prior to scheduled door opening.
Partners must completely clear the space and conclude teardown within one (1) hour post-event.
Settlement of partner ticket share is processed and paid out within seven (7) calendar days following event conclusion.
Extended Venue Time & Rehearsals
Eligibility & Peace of Mind
How we choose partners and protect the artists and community who stage work with us.
Partner Eligibility
Co-production opportunities are evaluated on two primary criteria:
- Artistic Alignment: Must align with the mission, wellness values, and aesthetic direction of The 418 Project.
- Professional Collaboration: Reliable communication, clear timeline respect, and collaborative spirit.
Liability Insurance
The 418 Project provides standard commercial general liability insurance covering baseline venue operations.
Special performers or acts involving inherently high-risk elements (e.g. aerialists, acrobatics, fire performers) provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming The 418 Project as an additional insured.
Emergency Protection
In the unfortunate event of an emergency venue closure or force majeure event (e.g. power outages, severe facility emergencies) forcing cancellation, The 418 Project absorbs all baseline venue operational costs and staffing commitments.
Read full Co-Production & Partnership PolicyNon-Profit Space Rentals: 50% Mission Forward Discount
We proudly offer a 50% Mission Forward Rental Discount to other 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and community-benefit initiatives that wish to rent our spaces for fundraisers, galas, presentations, or community gatherings rather than entering a revenue split. Furthermore, venue guarantees and house nuts in our partnership agreements are typically based on this 50% Mission Forward rate with an additional ~10% partnership discount.
Mission Forward Space Rate
501(c)(3) organizations and mission-aligned groups automatically qualify for a 50% discount off standard venue space rental rates for fundraisers, meetings, or public programs.
Subsidized House Nuts
Venue guarantees and house nuts in our co-production agreements are based on this discounted Mission Forward rate with an additional ~10% partnership discount applied to protect creators.
Full Production Access
Includes access to our sound systems, theatrical lighting, 10,000-lumen laser projector, box office platforms, and ADA-accessible facilities.
Rental Cost Calculator
This calculator can be used to accurately estimate the rental cost of an event. Consider your event one day and space at a time.
You may have rehearsals building up to multiple show nights with a day to setup and teardown.
Or you may be teaching an 8 week course culminating in a showcase performance.
A Day Rate means you have the space reserved for the entire day at a flat rate.
Rehearsals will be asked to have some flexibility with scheduling to ensure our space remains available.
Add Rental Item
Rate
$2,000/day
Automatic Qualification
501(c)(3) or Similar Not For Profit Organizations
These organizations are automatically approved and don't require additional consideration.
For-profit organizations may qualify if their event centers on one of the following community-benefit areas:
- Social Justice & Advocacy: Events supporting marginalized communities, equity initiatives, and systemic change.
- Climate & Environmental Awareness: Activism, education, or community organizing centered on sustainability and climate justice.
- Education & Youth Welfare: Workshops, skill-shares, or child/family welfare events open to the public.
- Community Culture: Neighborhood faires, mutual aid organizing, and accessible community-building gatherings.
Disqualifications
- Private social gatherings (e.g., weddings, birthday parties).
- Corporate retreats.
- Ticketed commercial events where the primary goal is business revenue.
Tech Package Notes
- Facilitator-provided equipment may require additional tech time.
- Package 3 (Max Out) cannot be provided in all 3 spaces at once.
- Extra Tech time beyond the hours listed in each package is $75/hour.
Multi-Day Discounts
- 2+ dates: 5% off
- 4+ dates: 10% off
- 8+ dates: 20% off
Co-Production Deal Calculator
Model a settlement before your show. Estimate ticket tiers, concessions, overhead, house nut guarantee, and revenue splits in downtown Santa Cruz.
Community Ecosystem
Proudly Collaborating Across Santa Cruz & Beyond
We co-produce and host programming alongside respected allies including the Romero Institute, Dance or Die Productions, Ritual Wellness, independent film festivals, and cultural funders.
Ready to Stage Your Vision at The 418 Project?
Whether you have an established series, a brand new movement class, or an ambitious production in development, fill out our program inquiry to start the conversation.
Prefer to discuss directly? Reach our team at programming@the418project.com