Your vision comes to life in
The DC Arts Center’s
Black Box Theater
A fully equipped, adaptable black box theater, one of the only remaining in D.C., protecting access for local artists and producers, and available for rentals of all kinds.
Theatre
Comedy
Poetry
Music
Performance Art
Film Screenings
Rehearsals
Workshops
Readings
Panels & Events
Weddings
Conferences
Meetings
& More!
At the heart of The DC Arts Center is a fully equipped, highly adaptable black box theater; one of the only spaces of its kind still operating in Washington, D.C.
Our black box regularly hosts theatrical productions, comedy, poetry, live music, film screenings, experimental performance, and events of all kinds that blur disciplines and challenge form. The space is designed to transform, shaped by the artists who step into it and the audiences who gather there.
The Black Box Theater is open for public and private rentals by artists, producers, individuals, companies, and organizations looking for a professional, affordable, and artist-centered venue. Whether you’re mounting a full production, hosting a one-night performance, rehearsing a new piece, screening a film, recording content, or producing a special event, the space is built to support your craft.
Black Box Theater Quick Facts
Intimate 41-seat venue with the ability to add seating onstage for select events and configurations.
Flexible playing space measuring approximately 14' deep by 23' wide, adaptable for theatre, music, film screenings, readings, workshops, and special events.
Professional front-of-house support included with every rental, along with access to the venue's technical equipment.
State-of-the-art sound system featuring two premium speakers, a dedicated subwoofer, and an Allen & Heath CQ-18T digital mixing console.
Projection capabilities with a projector and projection screen available for film screenings, presentations, and multimedia performances.
Microphone options include two wireless handheld microphones and two hanging microphones for presentations, discussions, and amplified events.
Professional theatrical lighting system featuring:
1 ETC ColorSource 20 Lighting Console
9 ETC Source Four Jr CE 36° fixtures
6 ETC ColorSource PAR Wide fixtures
3 ETC ColorSource Spot V 36° fixtures
High-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the venue.
Furniture and event support equipment, including chairs, tables, a podium, and microphone stand (additional fees may apply).
Two dedicated dressing rooms, backstage storage, and recently upgraded theatre amenities.
A Simple, Collaborative Booking Process
Getting started is easy. Reach out to us by email and tell us a little about your project. We'll discuss your goals, preferred dates, technical needs, and whether The DC Arts Center is the right fit for your event or production.
If you've never worked in the space before, we'll schedule a site visit so you can explore the venue and envision what's possible. Once your dates are confirmed, you can focus on creating while we support you along the way. In addition to providing the space and equipment, we'll do everything we can to help increase visibility for your event through our marketing channels and community networks.
Pricing
For Rehearsals
Non-Member: $50/hour
Artist Members: $0/hour*
For Performances
$300/per performance slot
$500/day
For Event Rentals
Non-Member: $175/hour
Artist Members: $150/hour
*Artist Members receive up to two hours per week in free rehearsal space! Learn more about all the benefits of an Artist Membership here.
Booking Quick Facts
The theatre can be booked by the hour, day, or performance slot. There are two performance slots available:
Evening: 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
LateNight: 9:30 PM - 11:59 PM
DCAC does not take a percentage of ticket sales.
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve dates. The remaining balance is due 30 days prior to your event or production. Reservations made within 30 days of the event date require full payment at the time of booking.
A signed rental agreement is required for all bookings.
Contracts, invoices, and payments are handled electronically for a streamlined booking experience.
Because of the high demand for our space, we encourage inquiries from individuals, artists, and organizations that are prepared to move forward with planning and production.
Rental dates are not guaranteed until both the required deposit and signed agreement have been received.