Special Events at Redwood Raks

Here is all of the info regarding holding a special event at Redwood Raks. Hopefully it isn't too daunting... we really would love to have you join us and can help clarify anything you need. We just want to have everything here in writing so it can be referenced at any time. Thank you for considering Redwood Raks for your event!

Our space is a favorite for one-night or weekend shows, workshops, CD Release Parties, fundraisers, and more. We work with you to help ensure your event is a success, and are happy to help new event producers find the resources they need, although you need to cultivate a great team to ensure that your set-up, event, take-down and security all work well.
NOT A LATE NIGHT PARTY SPOT.

• $30.00 / hour (for workshops or 1-3 hour events on Friday
  or before 4pm on Saturday or Sunday.
• $150.00 / half day event (the space is yours for: 8am-4pm or 3pm-12am Fri or Sat or 8am-3pm Sunday)
• $200.00 / full day event (8am until 12am) .... SATURDAYS ONLY
• Add $100 / show day if studio is available, (such as Friday evening show or Sunday Matinee)
• Set up time and one rehearsal (max 3 hours) are free if done during available/empty time.
  If you need the whole day, it is $100 (if it is available).
• Take-down must be done quietly and everyone finished and gone by 1am.
  Be prepared to finish cleaning up the next morning if we call you and require it.
  
  
• Add $50 if you need to use our Theatrical Lights. Regular studio lights & super fun remote-control party lights are free (mirrorball, laser lights, christmas lights, more). This is per event, not per night if you have a multi-day event.
  
  
• Add $75 if you'd like to use our sound system (Macke speakers, sound board, mics, etc) or
  Just $10 for our cute little PA with a microphone.
  Studio stereo is free. This is per event, not per night if you have a multi-day event.
  
  
• PLEASE NOTE: We're NOT a late night party spot.
  All parties must be done by midnight, be respectful of the residents who live in other parts of the building, and do a GREAT job cleaning up. Thanks!
  
  
• If you think you'll need more space for a dressing room / prep space, New World Ballet (our neighbor) may be available for $25/hour. Please call them directly at (707) 822-4947.
  
  
• $100 Cleaning/Security Deposit Required to reserve date. $250 for Dance Parties
  
  
• Liability Insurance and appropriate permits (such as dance permit, ABC permit) required.
  
  
• CANCELATION POLICY:
  • Notice given 4+ weeks in advance: no charge
  • Notice given 2+ weeks in advance: $50 charge
  • Notice given 1+ week in advance: $100 charge
  • Less than one week notice given OR no notice given: $150 charge

GET MORE INFORMATION HERE
GET THE SPECIAL EVENT RENTAL APPLICATION FORM: Microsoft Word Doc or PDF

Additional Costs / Options / Requirements:

• For All Events: event must be done and music off by Midnight.
• Care of Space:
  We love the space and, the courtyard and the building. You're responsible for anything that is not looking as good as when you arrived. The space, restrooms, lobby, courtyard, parking lot, around the building, etc. should look great when you leave.
• Use of Theatrical Lights: (see below) $50 per night, plus technician. - see below
• Use of our Sound Equipment (see below): $50 per event, plus technician - see below
• Floor: We love our lovely hardwood floor.
  Shoes, props, stages or sets may NOT endanger the floor.
• Decorations:
  No holes (tacks, nails, screws, staples, etc) on the walls or floors. No duct tape on the floor or walls! Only gaffers or blue painter’s masking tape. Remove all decorations after rental. Flammable decorations are not allowed.
• Garbage/Recycling:
  $10 per big bag from studio & bathrooms left at the studio. (Free if you take your own bags away)
• Security/Cleaning Deposit:
  $100 / $250 for dance parties (required to reserve your date. Returned if the space is clean and nothing is broken)
  For any Dance Party, the security plan must include 1-2 people for courtyard staircase ALL EVENING. No one may go upstairs ever. Also 1-2 people for the back staircase / behind studio and 1-2 people for the courtyard/parking lot to ensure safety, protection of residents property and keeping people from littering and loitering.
• Insurance:
  We require $1,000,000 insurance certificate for your event. This can often be added on to someone’s homeowner/renters policy. Make Redwood Raks, 824 L Street, Arcata, CA 95521 an additional insured. No policy = no rental.
• Alcohol, etc:
  Not to be served at events open to the public without an ABC permit (we need a copy). Do this at least 2 weeks before event. Must request permission for serving at private parties. Appropriate age verification, supervision, and security required. No drugs. NO SMOKING outside doors - you must enforce this! NEVER ALLOW ANYONE UPSTAIRS.
  ALL people must be gone and no further partying happening at building upon leaving.
• FIRE:
  Fire is not allowed inside the building AT ALL.
• Arcata City Dance Permit:
  Must be obtained prior to any event open to the public. Just go to Arcata Police Department, fill it in, and turn it in 1-2 weeks before event. Free.
• Janitorial Services:
  if further cleaning INSIDE or OUTSIDE is needed you will billed at $15/hr, deducted from security deposit or invoiced and due within 7 days of rental.
• RENTER is responsible for any damages or losses incurred during rental time, and the behavior of their guests!!!!! *

Available at no extra cost:

• Use of our mirror ball, spotlight, colorful “dj party” lights, and Christmas lights. We even have a handy remote!
• Use of dressing room is free with someone present to ensure contents are not disturbed/removed. Renter is responsible for any damaged, lost, or missing items.
• We have additional Xmas lights and decorating fabric you can use if you ask ahead of time.
• Use of our 120 folding chairs. We also have several 3'x6' rectangular tables and one 60" round table and some other smaller ones you can use.
• Use of large blue or rusty colored silk Backdrop, 3 black flat curtains (wings, backdrop… very flexible), seven 4’x7’ flats that can be used in many ways, and curtain for mirror.
• Use of studio CD player, receiver, i-pod dock, and Bose 301 speakers. These should be fine for background music, workshops, and performances that don’t need loud music.
• Water – just please refill after your event. We fill it at the tap just outside the back door. It’s good water, don’t worry!

Our Light and Sound Equipment:

Lights:
We currently have about 12 working dimmers, on which we have: 9 Par 64’s with 1000w bulbs, 2 ellipsoidals with 1000w bulbs (one can hold a gobo), and one 6x12 light with a 1000w bulb. We have plenty of colorful gels and can help you focus the lights. Note: Our dimmer pack and light board are very old, but work nicely. You can bring lights up and down and create numerous effects.

Sound:
3 2 powered Macke 350 speakers, 2 speaker stands, medium sized Macke Sound Board, a small Beringer Sound Board, 5 Schur microphones (two #58’s, three #57’s), 5 mic stands, 3 direct input boxes and lots of mic cables. Note: for live music you may want to have the sound board down on the dance floor with the speakers and band equipment. The light booth is rather far away. For theatrical shows it’s usually fine to have the sound board up in the light booth and the speakers on the “loft” by the heater or down near the wings on the sides.

TECHNICIANS FOR LIGHTS & SOUND:
If you provide your own technicians they must be approved by Redwood Raks – or we can recommend one for to run sound and/or lights. We can also recommend other techs such as house or stage managers. Plan on about $15 / hour for technician time.