It may not be top of mind when planning your next birthday, private event, or corporate function, but there are many types of events you should host at a theater. If you think about it, theaters come already equipped with awesome AV perks, large seating capacity, and a unique ambiance. Theaters can make a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a fun and memorable party for either small or large groups of guests. We’ve highlighted a handful of events that would be perfect to plan at a theater near you.
1. Sweet 16 Bash
Whether your teen is embracing a casual birthday or opting for a more formal get-together, a theater may be the perfect venue. A theater is designed to make everything come together with less effort and can usually accommodate a small group or up to hundreds of close friends and family if need be. One of the most important elements will likely be the music, so make sure that the AV offerings are top-notch and the lighting is primed for Instagrammable moments galore. In addition to a sweet 16, consider a theater for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or a Quinceañera.
2. Retirement Party
When you are planning a monumental retirement, you’ll want to both commemorate and celebrate the guest of honor. Theaters help create this momentous occasion with a stage for toasts and tributes, plus room for dinner, dancing, and more. Book a unique theater venue to host colleagues and family and cue the slideshow of photos throughout the years!
Venue pick: Choosing a venue like Kansas City’s Uptown Theater lets you create as much dazzle as you wish in a beautiful historic setting. Choose from four event spaces within the venue, create customizable LED lighting plans, and choose from a creative cuisine menu in this perfectly personalized locale. The impressive, restored space holds up to 460 guests!
3. Charity Gala
Fundraising can sometimes be challenging to plan and generate enthusiasm for your nonprofit organization. That’s where a creative and well-planned gala can be so beneficial. With the opportunity to mix and mingle for charity while enjoying delicious food in a stunning space, a theater is designed to help you present your charity’s cause. With theater event spaces for every budget, you can choose one that lets you spend less on location and give more back to those in need.
4. Shareholder Event
Whether you’re planning a corporate event for a small start-up company with a few angel investors to impress or you have an entire group of stockholders to get a good view of the annual reports, theaters make it easy to speak to the crowd and have a little fun afterward. You can go big with music, guest speakers, drinks, and dinner, or keep it light with a few finger foods and a quick presentation. Either way, you can find a theater venue ready to help you bring your message to the people while getting you and your hardworking team out of the office.
Venue pick: The Capitol Theatre in a suburban village in New York offers flexible event spaces and can accommodate up to 2000 guests. This legendary concert venue has a customizable stage, state-of-the-art AV, and in-house video recording and streaming equipment.
5. Family Reunion
Theaters make for an amazing family reunion venue. Can you envision showing a highlight reel of homemade movies with a full theater experience? You’ll have the benefit of surround sound, a huge screen, and comfy seats, amongst other amenities. There are various-sized theater venues that can accommodate many generations of guests. Theater stages also provide a great backdrop and lighting for a large family photo!
6. Wedding Event
What is more dramatic than a theater wedding? Starting your life together on the big stage makes for an unforgettable moment for you and your attendees. Theaters have become a more popular place to share vows, and they can easily transition from the ceremony to the after-party. With seating for so many, plenty of lighting, and space for everything else you want and need, everyone can share in the magical moment.
Venue pick: The Grenada in Dallas, Texas, has been serving up an innovative wedding atmosphere for decades, taking cues from the Golden Age of Hollywood when it first opened in 1946. This locally owned and operated theater has an excellent catering and beverage service, three 20-foot screens, and a multi-level floor plan to accommodate everyone.
If you need lots of seating, a screen or stage, and amenities to accommodate dozens or even hundreds of guests, a theater venue is sure to make everyone you invite feel welcome. Consider one of these venues the next time you want amazing service in a unique atmosphere for your memorable occasion.
Check out EventUp, the leading global venue marketplace, for your venue search. EventUp makes finding an event space of any type or size easy. From theater venues to bowling alleys and everything in between, EventUp has what every event planner is looking for.
