Thank you for considering the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre at Virginia Peninsula Community College for your event. Our staff is available to help ensure that your event is memorable for the right reasons.
Facilities
The Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre can seat up to 494 guests and has modern lighting, sound, and projection capabilities. The theater has four dressing rooms, each with their own restroom and sink, and the two larger dressing rooms feature showers. In addition, there is a green room with a practice piano and large mirror wall. The green room also contains a refrigerator and microwave. Additional facilities include: a wardrobe room with sink, washer, dryer, and ironing surface; scene shop connecting loading dock with stage with 8’ wide by 10’ tall roll-down door; stage height loading dock with space for a single vehicle to back in for unloading; catering service area featuring sink and refrigerator.
Stage Area
The proscenium opening is 40′ – 5″ wide and 22′ – 3″ tall. Depth from plasterline to upstage traveler is 22′ -8″ and to the cyc is 23′ – 4″.
Six available scenery battens, these are hand-operated, double-purchase linesets. Batten width is 55′ – 4″. Drops taller than 21′ may be visible in their out position
Orchestra Pit
Curved, dimensions are 26′ – 7″ wide and 9′-7″ at the apex, 5′ – 7″ at the edges. The bottom is 4′ – 3″ below the lip of the stage. It has a professional cover to allow for an apron along the proscenium.
The MTCT owns 25 black music stands and 30 black plastic Wenger orchestra chairs.
The orchestra pit is accessible by two pairs of two permanent stair units, steps are 1’-10” wide by 7 ½” high. There is also a single rider wheelchair lift connecting the main level floor to the orchestra pit.
There is an industrial custom cover for the Orchestra Pit that converts the space into a stage apron. Cover can be removed upon request, additional fees apply.
Stage Rigging System
The MTCT features 21 linesets including 6 available scenery battens rated for 800 LBS. The lockrail is located 13’-7 ½” above the Stage Left wing and is accessible by ladder only. The loading rail is located 32’-8” above the Stage Left wing and is accessible by ladder only from the lockrail. Operation of the stage rigging system including loading, unloading, and rehearsal/performance operation is restricted to VPCC technicians only. Events wishing to utilize the rigging system will be required to contract additional VPCC technicians as part of their use agreement.
| Lineset Schedule | |||||
| # | From PL | Description | Batten | Type | Capacity |
| 1 | 0’-8” | Grand Valance | 53’-0” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 2 | 1’-4” | Grand Drape Traveler | 53’-0” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 3 | 2’-8” | Electric 1 | 55’-4” | Automated | |
| 4 | 4’-8” | Projection Screen | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 5 | 6’-0” | Border 1 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 6 | 6’-8” | Legs 1 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 7 | 7’-4” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 8 | 8’-8” | Electric 2 | 55’-4” | Automated | |
| 9 | 11’-4” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 10 | 12’-0” | Border 2 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 11 | 12’-8” | Legs 2 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 12 | 13’4” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 13 | 14’-8” | Electric 3 | 55’-4” | Automated | |
| 14 | 17’-4” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 15 | 18’-0” | Border 3 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 16 | 18’-8” | Legs 3 | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 17 | 19’-4” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 18 | 20’-8” | Electric 4 | 55’-4” | Automated | |
| 19 | 22’-0” | Scenery Batten | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 20 | 22’-8” | Black Traveler Curtain | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
| 21 | 23’-4” | Cyclorama | 55’-4” | Double Purchase | 800 LBS |
Seating
The main floor of the auditorium has 261 fixed seats and 4 wheelchair spaces with 227 fixed seats and 2 wheelchair spaces in the balcony.
Dressing Rooms
The theater has four dressing rooms, each with their own restroom and sink, and the two larger dressing rooms feature showers. We also have a wardrobe room connected to the green room with sink, washer, dryer, and ironing surface.
We do not provide bath towels, toiletries, detergents, starch, etc. We do outfit the restrooms with hand soap, paper towels, and toilet paper.
Green Room
There is a green room with a practice piano and large mirror wall. The green room also contains a refrigerator and microwave.
Scene Shop/Loading Dock
We do not provide tools or equipment related to fabrication/construction, repair, or painting.
Wardrobe
With sink, washer, dryer, and ironing surface, includes one professional grade steamer and one gravity fed iron. There is a drying rack for delicates. We do not provide sewing machines, repair tools, pins, thread, needles, notions, detergents, starch, etc.
Rehearsal Spaces
- Large warm-up/rehearsal/utility room down the hall from the space that can be added to the rental agreement depending on the size and needs of your company. Equipped with portable mirrors
- I can share other information during our phone conversation, or send them by email
Theatre-Specific Use Policies
Reservation Priority
- Please note that use of any Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) facility is subject to the VPCC Facility Use Policies outlined in policy number PFO-101. Reservation and use of the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre (MTCT) is also subject to additional policies and procedures as outlined in this document.
- Reservation and use of the MTCT is available to all levels of internal and external sponsorship as outlined in the VPCC Facility Use Policy PFO-101. A copy of this policy will be forwarded along with the facility and equipment information. Reservation of the MTCT is not promised until the non-refundable deposit has been paid in full and the signed agreement is on file with the Associate Vice President for Development or their designee.
- Priority for facility use is given to activities directly related to VPCC’s academic, workforce development, student services, cultural, recreational, and employee support programs and functions. Preference in said priority is outlined below.
- VPCC extends its facilities, as a community service, to state agencies, local governments, community groups, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and individuals. When available, these entities may request the use of college facilities for professional meetings or events.
- Requests for reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis along the timelines listed below. Preference in scheduling events will be given as follows:
- Office of the President, President’s Cabinet, Educational Foundation (VPCC-Internal)
- No more than twelve (12) months in advance and no less than fourteen (14) days before the requested date
- Non-Sponsored, Non-Affiliated Entities (External)
- No more than twelve (12) months in advance and no less than fourteen (14) days before the requested date.
- Academic Divisions, Public Safety & Security, Workforce Development, Enrollment Management & Student Success, Finance & Administration, and Institutional Effectives & Transformation (VPCC-Internal)
- No more than nine (9) months in advance and no less than thirty (30) days before the requested date
- Officially Recognized VPCC Student Organizations (VPCC-Internal)
- No more than six (6) months in advance and no less than thirty (30) days before the requested date
- Generally, VPCC-internal events that do not require the specialized technology of the theatre and that are expecting less than 75 guests in attendance will be encouraged to pursue an alternate space
- Upon receipt of the reservation application, a temporary hold will be placed on the requested date. The Theatre Manager (or their designee) will then produce and supply the applicant with an estimated cost of fees based on the applicant’s requested dates and equipment. The applicant will then have ten (10) business days from receipt of the estimate to approve or amend the estimate provided and submit the required 50% deposit. A date will be considered secure and binding only upon receipt of the fully executed MTCT use application, approved event estimate, required deposit, and completed VPCC facilities use agreement signed by the appropriate representatives for each party.
Requirements for Use
- The Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre is offered in “as is” condition. Modifications, upgrades, or renovations to accommodate your event are not permitted. Unless otherwise negotiated in advance, VPCC will provide the MTCT in a neutral condition. The space must be returned in the same condition in which it was found. Clients who rent the MTCT are liable for any damage to the rented site. No decoration or additions to the Theater may be installed utilizing methods of drilling, screwing, boring, gluing, or taping into or onto any portion of the MTCT.
- All events taking place in the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre will require a technical and logistic consultation with the theater manager or their designee.
- VPCC staff are required during load-in, rehearsal, performance, and strike of all events at the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre. The number of staff required will be determined by the scale and scope of the event and will be negotiated as part of the facility use contract.
- VPCC staff are required so that the contracted needs of the event are met within the terms of the agreement between the client and the VPCC. This staff oversees the general operation of the specialized equipment in the facility including the counterweight system, projection, lighting, and sound equipment, as well as being the authority on theater safety and operational protocols in the MTCT. VPCC staff may request adjustments on placement of materials, decor, and hanging backdrops: locating furniture, music stands, and extension cords in line with safety concerns and in anticipation of resolving potential problems which accompany theater use for any event.
- Activities included with the event that require permits, licenses, and/or inspections must be disclosed during contract negotiation. The applicant shall be solely responsible for all requirements of the event, including but not limited to acquiring necessary permits, inspections, and licenses.
- Events with an expected attendance of greater than 300 people are required to contract additional security, either through VPCC Campus Police, Hampton Police, or an accredited company approved by VPCC. Depending on the nature of the event, Hampton Fire or EMS may also be required. Any fees related to these services are the responsibility of the client.
- The applicant is required to disclose to the Theater Manager any third party contracted services and is responsible for all personnel associated with the event.
General Rules
- VPCC shall not be held responsible for failure to provide the basic facilities and services due to emergencies, catastrophes or interruptions of public utilities. If a force majeure occurs preventing the event from taking place as scheduled, VPCC will allow for the event to be rescheduled pending availability, with no penalty. There is no back up location on any VPCC campus for events at the Theater. Applicants are encouraged to research and consider purchasing event insurance coverage in case of inclement weather, illness, or cancellation.
- Campus Safety Protocols & the VPCC Fire Code are to be observed at all times. This includes load-in, rehearsal, performance, and strike/load-out. Failure to comply with general and fire specific safety requests will result in cancellation of the event and forfeiture of all deposits and fees.
- Events are not allowed to exceed the published room capacities. The addition of temporary chairs or guests seated/standing in the aisles and other public egress is strictly prohibited. Fire equipment (including extinguishers, exit lights, etc.) must be free and clear of obstacles at all times.
- Candles, lanterns, chafing fuel (Sterno), matches, lighters, and any other form of open flame is strictly prohibited in the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre, scene shop, dressing rooms, green room, and rehearsal space.
- Consumption of tobacco is prohibited in all campus buildings. This includes smoking, vaping, and dipping. Smoking outside the facility is permissible within the VPCC policies outlined in the student handbook.
- Smoking is permitted on state property grounds, plazas, sidewalks, malls, and similar open pedestrian-ways provided smokers are 25 feet or more in distance away from an entrance or exit of any facility, including parking garages
- Smokers shall use ash urns to dispose of their smoking material waste and shall not litter state-owned property with smoking material waste
- There is a gazebo in front of the building that is designated for smokers and that contains the aforementioned ash urns
- Use of theatrical smoking devices within the context of a performance requires the approval of the theater manager. Devices must contain zero nicotine and cannot require an open flame ignition.
- The unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited throughout VPCC’s campus including buildings, the grounds, sidewalks, and parking lots.
- All ropes, wires, and cables must be taped down and may not cross exits or stair treads.
- All materials used on the stage must be made flame retardant.
- The use of canopies, tents, yard signs or other similar equipment is prohibited on the parking lot and lawn surrounding Templin Hall, Hastings, and grounds immediately adjacent the Theatre.
- Digging or staking for any reason is strictly prohibited at VPCC.
2025-2026 Space and Equipment Rental Rates
Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre
The rates listed are per reservation block of eight hours. Arrival and departure limits, peak/non-peak status[i], and the rate for additional rental time is listed below. A non-refundable deposit of 50% of the estimated facility and equipment total is due along with the signed use agreement in order to reserve the space. All changes to the facility and equipment use agreement must be finalized no later than seven business days at which time the remaining balance is due. Any changes made after or additional incurred costs will be assessed at the event load-out and due within five business days of the event conclusion.
| Day | Earliest Arrival | Latest Departure | Each Additional Hour |
| Monday | 7am | 10pm | +10% of base rental |
| Tuesday | 7am | 10pm | +10% of base rental |
| Wednesday | 7am | 10pm | +10% of base rental |
| Thursday | 7am | 11pm | +20% of base rental |
| Friday | 7am | 12 Midnight | +20% of base rental |
| Saturday | 8am | 12 Midnight | +20% of base rental |
| Sunday | 10am | 11pm | +20% of base rental |
| Peak Status: 3pm Thursday through 11pm Sunday and select holidays per VPCC Schedule | |||
Corporate & For-Profit Entities
- $1,500, Performance Conditions[ii]: Eight hours total from load-in to load-out. Total seating capacity with balcony: 488 chairs and six dedicated wheelchair spaces. Includes downstairs and upstairs lobbies, adjacent restrooms, dressing rooms, green room, wardrobe, loading dock, and scene shop space access. Includes 1 VPCC theatre manager or their designee.
- $2,000, Performance Conditions: All the above plus use of the studio rehearsal room, Templin 830.
- Rate does not include the required technicians, security staff, and/or additional cleaning services. Additional equipment rental and other fees may apply. The rates listed are for performance conditions during peak periods (4pm Thursday through 10pm Sunday and select holidays)
- $900, Rehearsal Conditions[iii]: Available Monday through Thursday only. Includes use of stage and main level seating, dressing rooms, green room, wardrobe, loading dock, and scene shop space access. Includes 1 VPCC theatre manager or their designee.
- $1,300: Available Monday through Thursday only. All the above plus use of the studio rehearsal room, Templin 830.
Non-Profit Entities (requires proof of status[iv])
- $1,125, Performance Conditions: Eight hours total from load-in to load-out. Total seating capacity with balcony: 488 chairs and six dedicated wheelchair spaces. Includes downstairs and upstairs lobbies, adjacent restrooms, dressing rooms, green room, wardrobe, loading dock, and scene shop space access. Includes 1 VPCC theatre manager or their designee.
- $1,500, Performance Conditions: All the above plus use of the studio rehearsal room, Templin 830.
- The rate does not include required technicians, security staff, and/or additional cleaning services. Additional equipment rental and other fees may apply. The rates listed are for performance conditions during peak periods (4pm Thursday through 10pm Sunday and select holidays)
- $675, Rehearsal Conditions: Available Monday through Thursday only. Includes use of stage and main level seating, dressing rooms, green room, wardrobe, loading dock, and scene shop space access. Includes 1 VPCC theatre manager or their designee.
- $975: Available Monday through Thursday only. All the above plus use of the studio rehearsal room, Templin 830.
MTCT Staff & Equipment
| MTCT Staffing | ||
| Lighting/Sound/Projection Engineer | $50/hour | Minimum of 4 hours |
| Mic Tech/Board Operator | $35/hour | Minimum of 4 hours |
| Follow-spot Operator | $15/hour | Minimum of 4 hours |
| House Manager | $25/hour | Minimum of 4 hours |
| House Keeping | TBD | |
| Security | TBD | |
| EMS | TBD | |
| MTCT Equipment | ||
| Podium (w/ mic) | Included | |
| Additional Wireless Mics | $160 | Per mic in excess of MTCT inventory |
| Keyboard with Amp | $100 | Per event run |
| Upright Piano | $100 | Per event run |
| Steinway Grand Piano | $200 | Per event run |
| 32 Channel Portable Mixing Board | $300 | Per event run |
| Music Stand | TBD | Per stand in excess of MTCT inventory |
| Conductor Platform w/ Stand | Included | |
| Wenger Modular Decking | TBD | Per unit in excess of MTCT inventory |
| Supertitle/Caption Projections | $150 | Per rehearsal/performance |
| Haze Machine | $25 | Per rehearsal/performance |
| Fog Machine | $50 | Per rehearsal/performance |
| Bubble Machine | $30 | Per rehearsal/performance |
| Prometheus SmartBoard | TBD | Per event run |
| Harlequin Portable Sprung Floor | TBD | Per event run |
| Marley | $300 | Per event run, 26’x40’ |
| 6’ Folding Table with Black Drape | $10 | Per table |
Insuring Your Event
Use of the Dr. Mary T. Christian Theatre and related facilities has specific requirements for insuring the event. Event insurance can be obtained as a unique policy or it may be available as a temporary addition to one of your current insurance policies. To see if your current insurance can offer temporary additional coverage for your event, contact your insurance agent. If event coverage is not available through your current provider, there are a plethora of agencies through which you may be able to obtain coverage. A great place to start is the Virginia Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance. In addition, below is a list of potential providers, this list is for informational purposes and does not indicate a preference or endorsement for any of the listed agencies.
- National:
- K&K Insurance Group, Inc.
Kandkinsurance.com/
P.O Box 2338
Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2338
(800) 637-4757
- One Day Event
Onedayevent.com
1494 Hamilton Ave. #103
San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 217-6787
- K&K Insurance Group, Inc.
Please pay close attention to the limits of coverage required: minimum policy limits of $2,000,000 for personal injuries, including death, and $1,000,000 in aggregate for all property damage.
The following parties must be listed as “additionally insured” on the policy: “Virginia Peninsula Community College and its respective officers, employees, agents, and representatives.”
[i] Peak Periods: 3pm Thursday through 11pm Sunday and select holidays per Virginia Peninsula Community College Schedule
[ii] Performance/Show Conditions: Any event that includes an audience. For example, previews, invited dress rehearsals, friends-and-family nights, etc. are considered show conditions regardless of whether or not admission is charged.
[iii] Rehearsal Conditions: Only a limited number of individuals are present, typically those directly involved in the performance or production; limited to performers, technicians, and presenters’ staff as required to run the event. No audience.
[iv] Non-profit Proof of Status: Official IRS determination letter or, for churches, a self-issued exemption certificate (Form ST-13A) and an accompanying statement from a church official confirming operational status