How do I rent the Gladstone?

The Gladstone can be rented by anyone who would like to produce a show in Ottawa. With more than 200 seats and a convenient central location, along with shared services including box office and marketing and promotions, it is the theatre of choice for many local production companies.

The Gladstone is rented out as an “empty space,” giving production companies the freedom to use the space as desired. Production companies are responsible for all creative and technical aspects of their show. You are responsible for hiring your own crew but can choose to hire from among the tech people most frequently employed at (and therefore most familiar with) the Gladstone.

Rental includes:

  • Use of the theatre, booth, and backstage dressing room spaces
  • Bar service
  • Box Office services and Front of House volunteers
  • Programme layout and printing
  • Use of the marquee
  • Integration of your show listing on the Gladstone website and inclusion in our patron newsletter and social media presence
  • Use of the stock lighting and sound equipment
  • Tech support hours

Rental fees are negotiated based on the specifics of your show. Producers are also responsible for paying applicable ticketing fees and credit card processing fees. A sample rental contract can be found here. Bookings are confirmed when a company signs a contract and pays a $500 deposit for each show they plan to produce.

Interested in producing? Please email Robin Guy for more information and availability.

How do I audition for a show at the Gladstone?

Shows that happen at the Gladstone are cast and produced by each individual production company renting the space. These companies have their own way of casting shows. However, notices for auditions will nearly always appear on the Ottawa Theatre Network Facebook group as well as on the Ottawa Arts Database.

On occasion, several companies that produce at the Gladstone will gather to hold general auditions. These general auditions will always be posted on the Ottawa Theatre Network Facebook group.

We recommend that you follow the following theatre companies who produce regularly at the Gladstone. This list includes an array of professional, amateur, and scholastic entities.

How do I find out about technical work at the Gladstone?

Most lighting, sound, video, stage management, and other backstage design and technical workers are engaged directly by the producing companies. However, we do occasionally hire on behalf of renters or make recommendations to renters.

If you would like to be on our list of available backstage or design professionals, please email Robin Guy with your resume and your area of interest.

What are the Resident Companies?

Our resident companies are a group of producers who work collaboratively to elevate one another. This collaboration can include shared audition processes, resource and knowledge sharing, participation in cross-promotion initiatives, and occasional co-production. Resident companies also commit to providing volunteer support for the Gladstone to advance its mission.

As of 2024, our resident companies are Bear & Co., Phoenix Players, Plosive Productions, and Three Sisters Theatre Co.

What are the eligibility criteria for Resident Company status?

As laid out in the Gladstone’s bylaws, a theatre company interested in becoming a resident company must be local, have produced at least three shows at the Gladstone, and commit to producing at least one theatrical production per season.

What are the benefits of Resident Company status?

When the Theatre Manager begins to build the upcoming season calendar, resident companies are the first to submit their show date requests. By long standing practice, each Resident Company can book up to four weeks per year (most often as two two-week blocks) as early as October for the following year. They can (and do!) book additional weeks, but these additional requests are considered after other companies have had an opportunity plan their seasons.

Resident Companies also have access to opportunities such as professional development sessions, tailored resources, and collective marketing campaigns including advertising.

What are the responsibilities of Resident Company status?

First, you must produce at least one show every year. All artistic choices are yours, but so are all financial risks and returns. Resident companies are expected to firmly commit to their bookings, cancelling only in extreme circumstances. The Gladstone relies on rental income from resident companies and cancelling violates the collaborative spirit we have all agreed to help foster.

Second, resident companies commit to working collaboratively. What this means in practical terms is still evolving. Some recent examples include agreement to share their publicity and VIP lists, a willingness to compare individual comp policies with an eye to alignment, and agreement to market their shows as “X Company @ The Gladstone.”

Third, resident company members are expected to attend dedicated meetings (4-12 per year) and contribute volunteer time to fulfilling common goals. Resident companies must also be willing to offer additional volunteer hours to ensure the wellbeing of the theatre. For example, at a time when the Gladstone’s finances were especially vulnerable, resident companies committed to taking on work historically handled by outside contractors.

Finally, resident companies support the Gladstone and act as champions for the venue and organization within the industry and general community.

What does the Gladstone gain by having Resident Companies?

Without the financial commitment of a core group of producing companies, the Gladstone would be unable to sign long-term leases or employment contracts. Commitments made by resident companies account for 25-55% of the Gladstone’s rental revenue. This gives the Gladstone a baseline of financial security without which the theatre could not operate.

Ultimately, the resident companies are a group of people deeply invested in ensuring that the theatre survives and thrives.

Is there a limit on the number of Resident Companies?

There is no formal limit on the number of resident companies but there is a practical one. As a hub for Ottawa’s independent theatre scene, it is important that the Gladstone balance bookings between resident companies, other local companies, and commercial companies.

How do Resident Companies get approved?

Applications to become a resident company at the Gladstone are approved by the Board of Directors and, separately, by the existing resident companies.

How do I apply to become a Resident Company?

First, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria and have reviewed all of the responsibilities outlined above. Should you wish to proceed, the most direct route is to make the Theatre Manager aware of your interest. At this point, your request will be shepherded to the Board of Directors and the current resident companies.

Additionally, you may wish to mention your interest to a current Board Director or resident company member. A little nudge never hurts!

Can I volunteer with the Gladstone?

Absolutely! Our work is only possible with support from our front-of-house volunteers. These dedicated community members help advance the Gladstone mission by greeting patrons, scanning tickets, managing coat check, helping patrons find their seats, keeping the theatre tidy, and aiding patrons as needed during a show.

Check out our volunteer training video to learn more. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Elfrieda Bock, Volunteer Coordinator.