Davies Symphony Hall

Davies Symphony Hall

Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1980 as the home of the San Francisco Symphony.

Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1980 as the home of the San Francisco Symphony. Collaboratively designed by architects and acousticians to create an auditorium that allows sound to rise to its very top, this modern but warm space captures and diffuses music throughout the audience, creating an intimate setting that belies the stature of the building itself.  The Davies Symphony Hall Organ is one of the largest concert hall organs in North America.  It is designed to play all organ literature from pre-baroque through contemporary periods.

With sweeping views of San Francisco City Hall and the War Memorial Opera House, the curved glass-enclosed lobby offers an unmatched view of San Francisco’s Civic Center. The 2739-seat auditorium is ideal for concerts, speakers, readings and presentations. Named for the most generous benefactor of its construction, Louise M. Davies, Symphony Hall is dedicated to the joy of music.

LOCATION & RENTAL CONTACT

Booking Manager: Davies, Opera House & Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall

Email: rob.levin@sfgov.org
Phone: 415.554.6317

San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center
401 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94102

Main Phone: 415.621.6600

0
PERFORMANCE AUDIENCE
INCLUDING TERRACE SEATING BEHIND THE STAGE
0
MAIN LOBBY STANDING RECEPTIONS
WITHOUT ENTERTAINMENT OR DANCE FLOOR
Floor PLANS
Davies Hall Floorplan

AUDITORIUM CAPACITY

0
    SEATS
0
    STANDING
Floor PLANS

AUDITORIUM CAPACITY

0
SEATS
0
STANDING
Seating CHART

AUDITORIUM CAPACITY

0
SEATS
0
STANDING
Seating CHART
Davies Symphony Hall

AUDITORIUM CAPACITY

0
    SEATS
0
    STANDING
Rental RATES

Rental rates include same day set up and rehearsal, but do not include labor, equipment, insurance, box office services, lobby event space or additional rehearsal or set up days. Merchandise sales, commercial displays and audio/video recording require separate agreements and fees.

Rates for lobby event rentals in conjunction with stage performances vary based on guest count and type of use.

Rental rates are subject to increase every year on July 1.

Please see Fees & Expenses for more information.

STANDARD

Rent for performances with paid admission equals 10% of gross receipts per performance:

Minimum rent
$3060
Maximum rent
$8730
Rent for stage performances with no paid admission
$8730
Additional full day for set up or rehearsal
$3400

501(c)(3) / GOVERNMENT

Rent for performances with paid admission equals 10% of gross receipts per performance:

Minimum rent
$3060
Maximum rent
$6100
Rent for stage performances with no paid admission
$6100
Additional full day for set up or rehearsal
$2550
Rental RATES

Rental rates include same day set up and rehearsal, but do not include labor, equipment, insurance, box office services, lobby event space or additional rehearsal or set up days. Merchandise sales, commercial displays and audio/video recording require separate agreements and fees.

Rates for lobby event rentals in conjunction with stage performances vary based on guest count and type of use.

Rental rates are subject to increase every year on July 1.

Please see Fees & Expenses for more information.

STANDARD

Rent for performances with paid admission equals 10% of gross receipts per performance:

Minimum rent
$3060
Maximum rent
$8730
Rent for stage performances with no paid admission
$8730
Additional full day for set up or rehearsal
$3400

501(c)(3) / GOVERNMENT

Rent for performances with paid admission equals 10% of gross receipts per performance:

Minimum rent
$3060
Maximum rent
$6100
Rent for stage performances with no paid admission
$6100
Additional full day for set up or rehearsal
$2550

Fees &
EXPENSES

RENT

All fees and expenses are in addition to rent. See Rental Rates for more information.

BOX OFFICE

Licensees are required to enter into a separate contract and fee agreement with City Box Office for ticket sales services. Other ticketing services may be approved on a case by case basis.

LABOR

Performances and events require union stage labor, front-of-house staff, event management, security, and custodial and engineering services. Creating an estimate requires knowing the exact nature of the performance or event, including its timeline, complete technical needs, expected guest count and desired audience services.

INSURANCE

A Certificate of Insurance with an Additional Insured Endorsement is required for all rental activities. Insurance must include Workers Compensation coverage, Public Liability coverage of $1 million, and Property Damage coverage of $1 million. Insurance is also available through the War Memorial. Rates are available on request.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment rentals are dependent on the needs of each performance or event. Estimates will be developed at the time of booking.

MERCHANDISE SALES

Merchandise sales must be approved in advance. The War Memorial retains 10% of net sales plus applicable sales tax. Licensee must provide seller(s).

AUDIO & VIDEO RECORDING

Arrangements for recording must be made in advance and require a separate agreement. Recording(s) may require additional equipment rentals, union labor and origination fees.

COMMERCIAL DISPLAYS

Third-party commercial displays in the venue (such as corporate sponsor banners or giveaways) must be approved in advance and may be subject to a commercial display fee of $1500 per day.

RECEPTION

A variety of lobby spaces are available for receptions. Rent and other fees may apply. All catering requires a separate agreement with our exclusive provider of food and beverage, Global Gourmet Catering.

Fees &
EXPENSES

RENT

All fees and expenses are in addition to rent. See Rental Rates for more information.

BOX OFFICE

Licensees are required to enter into a separate contract and fee agreement with City Box Office for ticket sales services. Other ticketing services may be approved on a case by case basis.

LABOR

Performances and events require union stage labor, front-of-house staff, event management, security, and custodial and engineering services. Creating an estimate requires knowing the exact nature of the performance or event, including its timeline, complete technical needs, expected guest count and desired audience services.

INSURANCE

A Certificate of Insurance with an Additional Insured Endorsement is required for all rental activities. Insurance must include Workers Compensation coverage, Public Liability coverage of $1 million, and Property Damage coverage of $1 million. Insurance is also available through the War Memorial. Rates are available on request.

EQUIPMENT

Equipment rentals are dependent on the needs of each performance or event. Estimates will be developed at the time of booking.

MERCHANDISE SALES

Merchandise sales must be approved in advance. The War Memorial retains 10% of net sales plus applicable sales tax. Licensee must provide seller(s).

AUDIO & VIDEO RECORDING

Arrangements for recording must be made in advance and require a separate agreement. Recording(s) may require additional equipment rentals, union labor and origination fees.

COMMERCIAL DISPLAYS

Third-party commercial displays in the venue (such as corporate sponsor banners or giveaways) must be approved in advance and may be subject to a commercial display fee of $1500 per day.

RECEPTION

A variety of lobby spaces are available for receptions. Rent and other fees may apply. All catering requires a separate agreement with our exclusive provider of food and beverage, Global Gourmet Catering.

Technical SPECIFICATIONS

Equipment needs should be confirmed in advance with the Technical Coordinator.

STAGE SYSTEMS

  • Road Board hook-up is downstage right and consists of 600 Amp 3-phase “Wye” 120/208 VAC.
  • Conventional stage lights are in place. Lighting positions and circuit layouts are available on request.
  • Permanent Meyer Leopard PA; additional equipment rental charges apply when used.
  • Closed-circuit television stage monitors.
  • Call and show monitor to dressing rooms.
  • Headset communication between all operating positions.
  • Front projection space is available by conversion of Boxes M, N and O. There are no projectors fitted and no house screen.

MEASUREMENTS

  • Downstage sidewall to sidewall: 64’3″
  • Upstage sidewall to sidewall: 48’6″
  • Overall depth of stage at centerline: 34’2″
  • Stage height above auditorium floor: 3’3″
  • Stage floor to ceiling: 67’9″
  • Stage sidewall height: 11’9″
  • Upstage enclosed crossover nominal width: 7’6″
  • Follow spot booth to center stage: 142′
  • Pit elevator center platform width: 14′

LOADING ACCESS DIMENSIONS

  • Truck dock is located at 270 Hayes Street. Dock height is 3’4″
  • Inner fire door at dock: 20′ wide by 10’6″ high
  • Doors to stage: 6’9″ wide by 6’9″ high

STAGE INFORMATION

  • Hardwood, tongue, and groove, sprung.
  • Upstage 12’3″ of stage has permanent 36″ high orchestra riser.
  • Stage width is 50’10” at downstage line of this permanent riser.
  • Full 5 tier orchestra risers in a half circle configuration are typically in place.

STAGE LABOR

Stage crew at Davies Symphony Hall are members of IATSE Local 16. Our union crew is required for the installation and operation of all theatrical, audio, and visual equipment. This includes audio and video recording.

AUDIO AND VIDEO RECORDING

Only archival video recording with one camera or single track archival audio are permitted without a separate agreement. Added labor expenses will apply for any other recording projects.

We do not provide towels, wardrobe equipment or other backstage hospitality items. Licensees must provide those items for their artists. There are no laundry facilities onsite.

Booking INFORMATION

Please note: A minimum of 6 weeks is required to plan, contract, staff, and execute your event in Davies Symphony Hall. Shorter booking timeframes may not be possible.

1. INITIAL INQUIRY

Contact us to check availability of your desired date(s). Availability is limited, so be prepared with alternate dates and a clear sense of your event and its timeline. If your desired date(s) appear open and your performance or event is compatible with the venue, you may place a hold while we confirm availability.

2. DATE CONFIRMATION

Once your date is confirmed, submit a completed application together with the base rental fee.

3. LICENSE AGREEMENT

We will issue a Short Term License Agreement (STLA). Next steps:

  • Sign and return the STLA and related documents.
  • For ticketed events, execute a separate agreement with an approved box office.
  • For performances and events requiring catering services, execute a separate agreement with Global Gourmet Catering.

4. FINALIZE DETAILS

Prior to issuing your Short Term License Agreement: Confirm the timeline, technical elements and needed equipment with our Stage Electrician. Additionally, confirm desired audience services, food and beverage requirements, and any additional needs.

5. PAY PERFORMANCE DEPOSIT & INSURANCE

No less than three weeks prior to your event, furnish proof of insurance and pay your Performance Deposit, which is a deposit paid to cover the total estimated cost of labor and equipment. See Fees & Expenses for more information.

No less than three weeks prior to your event, furnish proof of insurance and pay your Performance Deposit, which is a deposit paid to cover the total estimated cost of labor and equipment. See Fees & Expenses for more information.

6. SETTLEMENT

A settlement of rental fees and labor and equipment expenses will be completed following your performance or event. This process will take up to three weeks.

7. CHALLENGE PROCEDURE

If another party has a hold on your desired date, you may challenge their hold by submitting a completed application and a check for the full rental fee. The challenged party will then have two working days to pay the rental fee or release the challenged date. Only one held date can be challenged at a time. If your challenge is successful, the rental deposit is not refundable or transferable.

Rules & REGULATIONS

BUILDING ACCESS

War Memorial staff must be present at all times Licensee and their staff, performers, volunteers and audience are in the building, including lobbies, stage areas and dressing rooms.

LOBBY ACCESS

Lobby set ups require front-of-house staff to be present.

  • Lobby set ups must be arranged in advance and may require additional rental fees.
  • IATSE stagehands must handle all set ups that include lighting, audio/visual and décor.

DELIVERIES

Delivery and pick up of all items must be approved and scheduled in advance. Deliveries can be made only on the day of the event. Rental equipment and all other materials must be removed by Licensee immediately following their performance or event, unless otherwise prearranged.

STAGE ACCESS

Hours specified in the Short Term License Agreement are the only hours Licensee or their vendors may access Davies or its dressing rooms and support spaces.

  • Stage crew begins work at the start of your access hours. No work may be done prior to the start of your access hours, including set up or rehearsal.
  • IATSE stagehands must perform all work on stage. No “casual help” is permitted.

ITEMS NOT PERMITTED ON PREMISES

Bottled gas in any form, helium and mylar balloons, confetti or glitter.  Photography drones or other self-propelled flying devices are also not allowed in the venue.  

POSTING OF DISPLAY MATERIALS

All material to be posted must be approved in advance. Licensee will not post, or allow to be posted, any signs, cards or posters that have not been approved.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

While a printed program is not required, any printed program must include the emergency exit diagram and a list of the War Memorial Board of Trustees provided in Appendix D of your Short Term License Agreement.

PROTECTION & CARE

Protection and care are required on floors and walls. Carts and dollies with rubber wheels should be used to prevent scratching floors. Avoid dragging or rolling metal items, or items with metal edges, bases or glides. There is no use of staples, tacks, or nails to affix material(s) to facility or equipment.

SPACE USE

The space in Davies Symphony Hall is shared with resident company staff. All building users are asked to respect each other’s presence and needs.

Dining

For performances with an intermission, Global Gourmet Catering will operate pre-show and intermission food and beverage services, offering a delicious variety of wine, beer, cocktails, snacks, and gourmet salads and sandwiches.   Relax in the Loge Lounge or revel in the energy and dramatic vista of the Orchestra Lobby from the Tuning Fork Café.  Service begins 1 hour before performances and ends after the final intermission.  Sample menu items shown here are seasonal and subject to change.  All sample menus are in PDF format.  To install the latest version of Adobe Reader click here.

Maximize the enjoyment of your intermission by pre-ordering over the phone at 415.252.1937 (leave a message on the reservation line with your contact information and a manager will return your call and confirm your pre-order) or by email or with a food and beverage server upon your arrival.  Online pre-orders will only be honored if they are made no more than 5 hours prior to showtime.  Due to the volume of calls received on a daily basis, Global Gourmet will only return your call if there is an issue with your pre-order.

For performances with no intermission, pre-show service may be offered if the presenter has made special arrangements.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS

No. The War Memorial is the department of the City and County of San Francisco responsible for managing the rental and maintenance of the Performing Arts Center facilities. Production and promotion of all events and performances is the responsibility of Licensees.

No. Licensees are required to enter into a separate contract and fee agreement with City Box Office for ticket sales services. Other ticketing services may be approved on a case by case basis.

Yes. Receptions may take place as stand-alone events or in conjunction with performances. Lobby receptions are subject to rent and labor costs.

No. Global Gourmet Catering is the exclusive provider of all concessions and catering services. Licensees must enter into a separate agreement with Global Gourmet Catering for food and beverage service. For more information, please contact Global Gourmet Catering’s Sales Manager at 415.252.1933.

Cost depends on technical needs, as well as the timeline for load in, presentation and load out. While all performances and events are unique, costs typically range from $25,000 – $50,000 for a simple performance.

A Performance deposit is a deposit paid in advance to cover your estimated labor and equipment expenses. Any unused portion is refunded at the time of settlement.

Arrangements may be made in advance to park staff vehicles in the lot at Franklin and Grove, when available. Street parking for large trucks and vehicles must be arranged in advance. See Technical Specifications for loading information.

Yes.  See Access and Assistance for more information.

Access hours will be determined at the time of booking.

While a printed program is not required, any printed program must include the emergency exit diagram, a list of the War Memorial Board of Trustees, and a Land Acknowledgement, provided in Appendix D of your Short Term License Agreement.

Delivery of programs must be coordinated in advance. Davies Symphony Hall has limited storage for programs and cannot facilitate return shipping of any items.

Please address delivery to:

Davies Symphony Hall
Attn: Jeff Coyne, House Manager
270 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102

Davies Symphony Hall has a limited number of poster cases available for Licensee use. Posters are rotated as space becomes available. Posters should measure 70″ tall by 40″ wide.

Yes. Merchandise sales must be approved in advance. The War Memorial retains 10% of gross sales plus applicable sales tax. The War Memorial does not provide sellers, banks, or WiFi. No food sales are permitted.

Arrangements for recording must be made in advance and require a separate agreement. Recording(s) require additional equipment rentals and union labor.

A limited number of dressing rooms are available. To provide space for large groups, Zellerbach Rehearsal Hall may also be rented, when available.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada (IA or IATSE) is a labor union for entertainment and related industries. The War Memorial requires the use of IATSE Local 16 stagehands to perform all theatrical work in our venues.

Yes. War Memorial staff is pleased to conduct site visits, available by appointment only and dependent upon the schedule of the building.

We cannot offer WiFi at this time.

San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center

401 Van Ness Avenue, Room 110 | San Francisco CA 94102
P: 415.621.6600 F: 415.621.5091