Rental Information

Carlisle Theatre > Rental Information

The Carlisle Theatre is an Art Deco, 960 seat theatre, located in the middle of historic downtown and is accessible via car or foot.  We are within walking distance of popular Pomfret Street, pubs, galleries, Dickinson College and more. While our 83-year-old stage is the home to in-house live theatre productions, concerts, and films, it is also a beautiful setting for:

  • Business Meetings & Functions
  • Weddings
  • Anniversary, Birthday, & Special Celebrations
  • Private Film Showings
  • Conferences
  • Performances
  • Memorial Services
  • Rehearsal Dinners

Our Rental Agreements Can Include:

  • House seating of 964 theatre style chairs
  • 2 Lobbies
  • Custom Floor Plan Set Up of Stage
  • Support Staff
  • Professional Technical Support
  • Set Up & Tear Down
  • 18,000 Lumen, State of the Art Projector
  • Digital Film Projector
  • Wireless & Handheld Microphones
  • In House Sound System
  • In House Lighting
  • Event Planning Professional
  • Bathroom & Dressing Rooms
  • Full Concession
  • Bartending services with Certified RAMP Bartender

Rental FAQs

How many guests may attend my rental event?

There is currently no cap on attendance. Number of attendance or size of event will dictate the number of staff members required to work for a safe and efficient experience. 

Do we have to wear masks?

No, masks are no longer required inside of the theatre. Guests may choose to wear one, but the theatre will not provide masks to the general public. If you are ill, we ask that you make a thoughtful choice of attending or masking in the best interest of the public, our staff, and theatre professionals.

Will you be selling concessions, or can I bring some of my own?

Yes, we can be open for concessions by request. Your concessions purchases are a great way to support our non-profit organization. Some event hosts like to run a tab for their guests’ purchases or simply have guests pay their own tab. We don’t allow outside food and drink, unless your event has catering or designated outside food and drink within your rental.

If I’m renting the theatre, do I need insurance?

Yes, insurance is required for all events not produced by the Carlisle Theatre. Required coverage is listed in the agreement and is a simple process that can be completed with your insurance provider. The theatre must have a copy of the paper showing coverage for our historical property.

Where can I park for a rental event?

Our theatre is situated in the heart of downtown Carlisle, PA.  Metered street parking is available on High Street, and behind the theatre, there is metered/private parking that is free after 5pm during the week, all day Saturday & Sunday. This is located in the Pomfret Parking lot between Pomfret Street & Church Avenue, directly behind the theatre. There are also parking garages and additional lots within walking distance. Please visit the Borough of Carlisle online or by phone for full downtown parking details. Should your party need parking or drop off spots for those with disabilities, our friendly staff will accommodate a spot for you to drop off or park, as well as entering the theatre quickly and comfortably. Please contact the office to schedule.

Do I have to use the theatre’s tech equipment?

No, you do not have to use our in-house equipment, but if outside tech is being brought in, a theatre appointed technical professional must be present, as they are the expert in our space. No technical elements that need permanent installation may be utilized, and anything hung from our trusses must be pre-approved, planned, and noted within our agreement. We do offer exceptional technical staff who are professionals in their field, should you wish to stay in-house.

Do you offer emergency technical services if my event is facing issues?

Our technical & office staff will do our best to accommodate your event issues so that your event will be successful, but if outside services are being used, we cannot guarantee their specific services. We can guarantee knowledgeable, skilled, theatre professionals to guide and problem solve.

Do you offer security for events?

Security can be booked through our theatre for the event, at the cost of the renter, or the renter can bring in their own.

Do I have to pay for cleaning services after my event?

No, the theatre contracts with a professional cleaning company & staff to reset our theatre after events.

Am I guaranteed the date I want for my event?

As a courtesy, we do hold requested dates for 3 business days while paperwork and payments are processing. Dates are not finalized until the agreement is signed and required deposits are received.

I want to rent just the marquee to share a message. How do I do that?

Marquee rentals are offered at a donation of $200 for (1) week. Messages may be up to 3 lines. Should you wish to have the marquee flashing for special pictures, this is included. Please request time and date of live marquee when booking marquee rental.

Can I have alcohol served at my private event?

Bartending services are available for your private event. Alcohol, sales, service, and consumption on the premises are governed by Pennsylvania Law and the theatre reserve the right to request photo identification, limit or restrict sales as needed, and to cease the sale of alcoholic beverages at any time should these regulations be violated. All bartenders must be RAMP certified. Please visit www.lcb.pa.gov for more information. Insurance is required for this service.

Can I decorate the theatre for my event?

Absolutely, as long as it doesn’t compromise the historical integrity of our 83-year-old theatre! This means no permanent fixtures, anything that would cause damage to walls, floors, seats, or other theatre property. Because we are a historical building, no open flames are permitted in the theatre house.
For more rental information, please contact our artistic director at 717-259-0666 or [email protected] for pricing, agreement details, technical/theatrical specs, & floorplan.