Richard & Rhoda Goldman Theater
Our beautifully finished theater features natural bamboo walls, plush raised theatrical seating, and carpet made from 100% non-toxic, recycled post-consumer material. The Goldman Theater is ideal for screenings, lectures, author appearances, forums, and awards ceremonies. Key features include a motorized retractable screen, hi-definition digital video, custom designed sound reinforcement by Meyer Sound, and wall-mounted touch-screen audio/video and lighting controls.
Size: 36’ x 63’, 1970 sq. ft.
Richard & Rhoda Goldman Theater
Room Rates
Nonprofit: Quarter Day $650 / Half Day $1080 / Full Day $1615
Colleges & Universities: Quarter Day $665 / Half Day $1110 / Full Day $1635
Corporate & Individuals: Quarter Day $1070 / Half Day $1775 / Full Day $2615
All AV packages are inclusive of PA system, projector, laptop, up to 6 wireless handheld microphones and cables, and 3 hours of AV staff time. AV staff required for duration of programming; additional AV staff hours are $55/hour after the first 3 hours. Hybrid AV services are available. Please inquire for more details.
Rate Policies
- Quarter Day rates include up to 4 hours of occupancy between 7 am and 3 pm, or 4 pm and midnight
- Half Day rates include up to 8 hours of occupancy between 7 am and 3 pm, or 4 pm and midnight
- Full Day rates include up to 12 hours of occupancy between 7 am and midnight
Please inquire via the inquiry form for multiple room packages (discounts available)
Weekend bookings require a $100 per floor facility fee for space preparation and cleanup prior to and after the rental period. Some evening and weekend events may require a security guard and/or janitorial staff during the rental period at the discretion of the Events Director. Security staffing is a $700 flat fee which includes a 5 hour minimum. Janitorial staffing is $55 per hour with a 3 hour minimum.
We require a minimum of 15 business days notice for all booking inquiries. For rush bookings, payment and all required contracts and approvals are due no later than 10 business days before a confirmed event. Failure to do so may result in a cancellation of the booking.
For major changes to contract terms after a contract is signed, a $100 fee per change plus the equivalent rental fee increase may be due. Major changes include addition of an AV package, rental space changes, and occupancy time changes.
In an effort to encourage our event rental clients to plan sustainably for their event, fees may apply if excessive waste is generated after an event. Significant food waste at the end of an event will be subject to an excess food waste fee up to $300. If foamcore signage is left behind, a foamcore disposal fee of $150 will apply.
General Rental Information
Parking
Garage parking is available on an hourly basis at numerous nearby locations. The closest garage is the City of Berkeley's Oxford Garage, located directly underneath the Brower Center - enter at 2161 Kittredge. For more information on parking downtown, please visit the City of Berkeley's off-street parking information and view a map of downtown Berkeley here.
Catering
The Brower Center has relationships with a number of Catering & Event Partners. Caterers not on our list are subject to our prior approval and additional fees may apply.
Food and Beverage Policies
Food Service and Facility Policies sheet (PDF download)
Services Included
Event Planning
From the time of contract to the end of your event, a Brower Center Events Staff member is available to assist with the creation of floor plans and room layouts, Catering Partner recommendations, explanations of our building and food and beverage service policies, and advice on how to make your event as zero-waste and low-impact as possible.
Building Services
Our facility staff will set up and take down tables and chairs in advance of, and after, your event. We provide a House Manager who will let you into the building, ensure a clean facility upon arrival, and provide modest assistance to you and your guests throughout your event alongside you/your team. They will also monitor the building and lock up upon your departure.
Audio/Visual Services
If you need access to our sound, projection, or lighting systems, we require a house technician to set up and break down AV equipment and, for some rentals, the operation of that equipment throughout the event.
Hybrid services are available - please inquire for further details.
Marketing Services
For events that are open to the public, please inquire about being featured in the Brower Center's monthly e-newsletter and/or cross-promotion on social media platforms.
Included Furniture and Supplies
We offer the following sustainably designed equipment and furniture at no additional charge. Items are subject to availability and must be reserved in advance. Please note that the Brower Center does not provide linens.
- (29) 72” rectangular banquet tables
- (3) 72” rectangular tables (standing height)
- (15) 60” round banquet tables
- (5) 32” round cocktail tables (standing height)
- (225) padded chairs
- (2) rolling coat racks
- (2) lecterns
- (2) 8’ x 4’ magnetic dry erase boards
- (2) a-frame flip chart holders/whiteboards
- Projection screens in all event spaces
- Tackboard and whiteboard on walls in Kinzie conference room
Accessibility
We strive to be accessible to all audiences. The main floor, which includes our Lobby, Theater, Hazel Wolf Gallery, Kinzie conference room, and public all gender restrooms is fully compliant with ADA regulations. The second floor Tamalpais room and Terrace are accessible by an ADA compliant elevator. We also offer assisted-listening devices that can be set up for events in the Goldman Theater, Kinzie, and Tamalpais rooms.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
A booking deposit of 50% of the full rental fee is due when a contract is signed. The remaining 50% is due one month prior to the event. In case of cancellation:
- More than 90 days before the first scheduled date: 100% of the booking deposit is refunded
- 30 to 90 days before the first scheduled date: 100% of the booking deposit is retained
- Less than 30 days before the first scheduled date: 100% of the full rental fee is retained