Small Theater

An intimate, versatile theater and studio space designed for movement classes, acoustic performances, rehearsals, and workshops.

Occupancy: 162 Guests
1,441 sq. ft.
155 S. River St., Santa Cruz
Wheelchair Accessible · All-Gender Restrooms

Features & Amenities

Small Theater Features & Amenities
Max Occupancy

162 Guests

Ideal for movement classes, rehearsals & intimate acoustic shows

Studio Area

1,441 Sq. Ft.

Open movement studio with sprung wood underfoot

Specialized Flooring

Sprung Hardwood Floor

Shock-absorbing sprung wood engineered for movement & dance

Studio Staging

Dance Mirrors & Blackout Curtains

Floor-to-ceiling dance mirrors with optional full blackout curtain coverage for private rehearsals or theater performances

Audio System

Hi-Fi PA & Bluetooth

Direct phone/tablet Bluetooth pairing & microphone inputs with audio clarity

Lighting Setup

Theatrical Stage Wash

Dimmable overhead stage lighting & ambient room presets

Load-In Access

Street-Level Load-In

Direct ground-floor entrance on South River Street for quick gear setup

Climate Control

Quiet Heating & Ventilation

Dedicated temperature control and fresh air circulation throughout

Accessibility

All-Gender ADA Restrooms

Wheelchair accessible facility with all-gender ADA restrooms

Community Equity

50% Mission Forward Rate

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

Reservations

Check Availability & Rates

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

Explore

Community-Centered Pricing

Rental Rates

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

$200 / Hour - $1300 / Day

Minimum 3 hours

Day Rate covers up to 8 hours

Beyond 8 hours standard hourly rates apply
Space Rental

Weekend

Friday - Sunday

$275 / Hour - $1900 / Day

Minimum 3 hours

Day Rate covers up to 8 hours

Beyond 8 hours standard hourly rates apply
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 PAs, 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 included

*Event Max: 3hrs

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 included

*Event Max: 3hrs

Custom Production Enhancements

Add-On Equipment & Staffing

Disco Ball: $50 / event
Spotlight: $100 / event (renter supplies 418-approved operator)
Additional Tech Staff: $75 / hour beyond package inclusion

Live Availability & Events

What's On in the Small Theater

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

Small Theater Schedule
Small Theater Private Rental
Small Theater Rental

Visual Tour

Inside the Small Theater

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

Small Theater interior view from top angle
Small Theater interior view from bottom angle

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.