Rental FAQ

How do I book the space?

Submit a Rental Request Form. Once you have heard back from the Rentals team regarding availability, set up a tour of our space. Once you have toured the building, you can place a hold on your date and the BFT Rentals team will provide you with a cost estimate. When you are ready to move forward with booking your event, the Rentals team will send a full contract for signature and ask for a 50% deposit. This will confirm your event at BFT!

How many seats does the theatre hold?

There are 100 seats around Birmingham Festival Theatre’s stage.

Are there any events you will not rent to?

We do not have restrictions on the type of events we will rent to. The BFT Rentals team will work with you to determine if our space is the best fit for your event based on our packages and building availability. We do, however, reserve the right to decline your event should we find that the content contrasts significantly with Birmingham Festival Theatre’s core mission and values.

When is your space most commonly available?

This varies depending on what your event would entail. Please contact us for more information on our availability!

What hours are available for rental? or what time can events start and end?

Birmingham Festival Theatre is available for rental between the hours of 6 a.m.-12 a.m. Event start and end times are based on building availability and your event package.

How much does it cost?

Overall cost will vary based on the time frame of the space you are renting and additional event needs.

Do you have discounts available for non-profits?

We do! We offer a 20% discount on all of our rental packages for qualifying non-profit groups. There is a spot on the rental form to mark down if you are.

Are there any additional hidden fees?

At BFT we try to be as transparent about the costs of your event as possible. All event packages are designed to encompass the basic needs of your event and include the amenities, staffing, and hours needed to do so. Should your event require more amenities than our package provides, your Event Lead will communicate those costs upfront.

What if I need to cancel my event?

Please notify your Event Lead as soon as possible if you need to cancel your event. Cancellations must be received in written form, prior to 14 business days in advance of your event. If a cancellation is made within 14 business days of your event, it will result in 100% of the rental charges. All deposits are non-refundable. All requests to cancel an event and reschedule to a later time will be handled on a case by case basis and subject to a rescheduling fee.

Do you have photos of the space?

Absolutely! We are trying to get the website updated with photos. For the time being, contact rentals@bftonline.org for more details.

Do your packages include WiFi?

Yes, they do!

Is your facility ADA accessible?

Absolutely! All spaces available for rental are wheelchair & walker accessible.

Are there any restrictions on decor?

Yes. No items may be hung, taped, or tacked onto the exterior brick walls. Using decor items such as balloons, glitter, or confetti that may leave permanent or harmful residue is subject to BFT approval. Use of such items without BFT approval may be subject to an additional $250 cleaning fee. All candles used within the building must be contained in a votive that is one inch taller than the flame. No tape or adhesives may be used on the floor without BFT approval.

What are the dimensions of your stage?

Do you require insurance?

BFT reserves the right to require our clients to furnish liability insurance, based on the needs of their event. Your BFT Event Lead will notify you if liability insurance is required for your event.

Does Birmingham Festival Theatre provide marketing for my event?

No, all marketing for external event rentals must be handled by the client unless a marketing package has been purchased.

Does Birmingham Festival Theatre provide box office staff?

No, all box office and event ticket sales must be handled by the client.

Can I bring in my own catering?

Absolutely!

Can I bring in my own alcohol?

No.

Can I ship items to you in advance of my event?

All shipping in advance of your scheduled event is subject to approval. Should there be availability to store your packages, we will provide you with shipping details and the time frame in which packages can arrive. Please contact rentals@bftonline.org for additional information!

Can I leave my items overnight?

As a facility with high turnover for events, we ask that all equipment, decor, rentals, etc. brought in for an event be removed by the end of your rented time. If you have an exceptional circumstance and believe this will not be possible for your event, please contact rentals@bftonline.org. Under no circumstance will food spoiled rentals be allowed overnight.

Can I rent props or costumes from Birmingham Festival Theatre?

Yes! Please contact rentals@bftonline.org for any and all inquiries.