Herbst Theatre

Herbst Theatre

The Herbst Theatre is a cornerstone of San Francisco performing arts, with more than 200 shows presented on its stage every year.

Adorned by a series of stunning Frank Brangwyn murals originally painted for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the Herbst is also distinguished as the site of the United Nations Charter signing in 1945.

Housed in the Veterans Building, which echoes the Beaux-Arts design of the War Memorial Opera House, the 892-seat auditorium is the venue for many Bay Area cultural and community organizations, including San Francisco Performances, African American Shakespeare Company the Prism Foundation, and the San Francisco Philharmonic.

LOCATION & RENTAL CONTACT

Booking Manager: Herbst Theatre

Email: wmpac.booking@sfgov.org

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

Main Phone: 415.621.6600

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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

One performance and same day rehearsal
$2900
Second performance on same day
$2000
Additional set up or rehearsal day
$2300

501(c)(3) / GOVERNMENT

One performance and same day rehearsal
$1450
Second performance on same day
$1000
Additional full day of set up or rehearsal (longer than four hours or after 5:00 pm)
$1150
Additional half day of set up or rehearsal (shorter than four hours and ending before 5:00 pm)
$685

NONPROFIT MINI EVENT

Weekday events running less than two hours, ending before 5:00 pm, and with ticket prices under $20.

One performance
$820
Second performance on same day
$630
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

One performance and same day rehearsal
$2900
Second performance on same day
$2000
Additional set up or rehearsal day
$2300

501(c)(3) / GOVERNMENT

One performance and same day rehearsal
$1450
Second performance on same day
$1000
Additional full day of set up or rehearsal (longer than four hours or after 5:00 pm)
$1150
Additional half day of set up or rehearsal (shorter than four hours and ending before 5:00 pm)
$685

501(c)(3) / GOVERNMENT MINI EVENT

Weekday events running less than two hours, ending before 5:00 pm, and with ticket prices under $20.

One performance
$820
Second performance on same day
$630

Fees &
EXPENSES

RENT

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

BOX OFFICE

Use of City Box Office by separate agreement is required. The basic fee is $450 to $675 plus 3.5% of credit card sales, which includes set-up, ticket printing and one night-of-show ticket seller. For more information, contact City Box Office at 415.392.4400 or sales@cityboxoffice.com.

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 performances and events. 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. See Equipment for an inventory.

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.

PERFORMANCE CONCESSIONS

Global Gourmet will operate pre-show and intermission food and beverage concession services in lobby areas by request. A minimum guarantee of $500 will be required for concession services.

Fees &
EXPENSES

RENT

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

BOX OFFICE

Use of City Box Office by separate agreement is required. The basic fee is $450 to $675 plus 3.5% of credit card sales, which includes set-up, ticket printing and one night-of-show ticket seller. For more information, contact City Box Office at 415.392.4400 or sales@cityboxoffice.com.

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 SFWMPAC. 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. See Equipment for an inventory.

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

Global Gourmet will operate pre-show and intermission food and beverage concession services in lobby areas by request. A minimum guarantee of $500 will be required for concession services.

Technical SPECIFICATIONS

STAGE SYSTEMS

  • Proscenium stage with orchestra pit lift
  • Fly rail with 41 pipes on 6” centers
  • Fly system with 41 pipes on 6″ centers
  • Installed front and rear-projection systems and screens
  • Complete set of black velour legs and borders
  • Custom made acoustic orchestra shell with ceiling panels available
  • Audio and video feed and paging from the stage to dressing rooms, performers lounge, and rehearsal room
  • Headset communication between all operating positions

AUXILIARY SPACES

  • Fully accessible backstage dressing rooms with mirrors, toilets, sinks and showers
  • Multi-purpose rehearsal room with Marley-covered sprung floor, mirrors along one wall
  • Performers lounge


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

MEASUREMENTS AND CAPACITIES

  • The stage is 33′ in depth (29′ upstage of the proscenium) + a 9’10” extended apron on orchestra pit lift.
  • The proscenium is 33’11” wide by 23′ high.
  • Grid Height is 58’10”
  • Stage Capacity:
  •     172 People seated*
  •     80 Musicians seated, with instruments and stands*
  •     244 People standing, without chairs or stands
  •     *90 chairs available on-site

STAGE LABOR

Stage crew at Herbst Theatre 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.

LOADING

Herbst Theatre loading is via the southwest doors of the Veterans Building from the Memorial Court and Horseshoe Driveway, near the corner of Fulton and Franklin Streets. As there is no loading dock, trucks should have a lift gate or ramp. Short-term parking is allowed only for loading and unloading with advance approval. The War Memorial does not provide long-term parking.

ENTRYWAY DIMENSIONS

  • Narrowest point in corridor: 4’8″ wide by 7’7″ high
  • Loading door to exterior: 4’9″ wide by 7’11” high
  • Stage Right loading doors: 4’10” wide by 7’1″ high
  • Narrowest point in south corridor: 4’8″ wide by 7’8″ high
  • Upstage Center loading door: 6’11” wide by 7’11” high

INTERNET SERVICE

The City of San Francisco’s open public network is the only available WiFi service throughout Herbst Theatre and the backstage suite. The War Memorial does not have control over this network and it can be slow or unreliable at times.

A hard line internet connection for stage use can usually be arranged with advance notice.

A secure WiFi network for box office and merchandise sales is available in certain front of house spaces. This network is not for general use.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For additional stage or technical information:
Masae Aitoku: Herbst Theatre Technical Coordinator
masae.aitoku@sfgov.org
415.554.6345

For booking and availability or other general information:
Logan Hehn: Booking Manager: Herbst Theatre, Wilsey Center
logan.hehn@sfgov.org
415.554.6315

Equipment

Available equipment and rental rates may change. Equipment needs should be confirmed with the Technical Coordinator during show advance.

RENTAL INFORMATION

  • Equipment prices are listed per item.
  • Necessary expendables, including tie line, gaffers tape and lighting gels, can be made available to you at cost.
  • Equipment is rented on a per-day basis. Weekly rental rates are the equivalent of 3 days. Necessary expendables, including tie line, gaffers tape and lighting gels, can be made available to you at cost.
  • The Herbst Theatre Technical Coordinator can arrange for rental of other necessary equipment through outside vendors.

STAGE EQUIPMENT

  • Acoustic orchestra shell with ceiling panels: No charge (additional labor expense for installation)
  • Van San adjustable lectern with light and microphone (2 available): $45 each
  • Clear acrylic lectern: $45
  • Wenger adjustable height staging platforms: $25/platform
    4′ x 8′ (6 available), 4′ x 6′ (4 available), 4′ x 4′ (2 available)
    Legs: 8″ (60 available), 16″ (66 available), 24″ (62 available)
  • Tables: $5 each
    6′ x 30″ with black tablecloth (6 available)
    6′ x 18″ (4 available)
    6′ x 36″ (2 available)
    4′ x 24″ x 29″ high (4 available)
    1′ x 1′ x 25″ high with black cover (4 available)
  • Black Marley dance floor: $300 (Includes gaffer’s tape. Additional labor expense for installation.)

LIGHTING

  • A complete stage plot consisting of ETC Source 4 lamps, 9 Martin MAC Quantum Wash LED moving lights, and an ETC GIO lighting console: No charge.
  • Phoebus Titan 2 follow spots (two available): $75 each.
  • A variety of theatrical gobos are available: No charge.


Lighting plot and further documentation is available by request in either PDF or VectorWorks.

SOUND

  • L/Acoustics Kudo Line Array System (6 per side) with under box seats speakers and Innovox HLA-UB1 front fill speakers (6). Yamaha CL5 digital console, and 2 dynamic microphones: $100 per day.
  • Clear-Com system (16 wired, 4 wireless belt packs and headsets): No charge.
  • Shure FP 16A: No charge
  • JVC SR-HD1350 DVD recorder: $25.
  • Tascam SS-CDR200 SD/USB/CD recorder: $25.
  • Yamaha M7 digital console: $50.
  • Meyer Sound MJF-210 Monitor Speakers (8 available): $50 each.
  • Denon Dual CD player: $25.
  • Shure wireless microphones/combo kit (12 channels available): $25 each.
  • Condenser microphones: $20 each.
  • Dynamic microphones: $5 each.


Please See Equipment List and Sound Detail for more info on microphones and sound equipment.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS & ACCESSORIES

  •  9′ Baldwin grand piano: $100 (Piano tuning: $225) (Please contact our Technical Coordinator to determine if our in-house piano will meet your event needs.)
  • Black upholstered, straight-back orchestra chairs (96 available): $1 each.
  • Black Manhasset style music stand with light (50 available): $1 each.

PROJECTION EQUIPMENT

  • Panasonic PT-RZ970 10K HD projector: $350.
  • 15′ x 20′ Fast-Fold® rear projection screen: $75.
  • 19.5′ x 25′ Fast-Fold® front projection screen: $100.
  • Barco PDS-902 3G switcher: $100.
  • Pioneer DVD Player (V8000): $25.
  •  Perfect Cue Mini (Slide advancer): $10.
  •  MacBook Pro with Playback Pro: $50.
  • PC laptop: $25.

ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT PENDING AVAILABILITY FROM OUR OTHER VENUES

  • Portable 8′ x 6′ Screen: $50.
  • Sanyo XGA portable projector (PC-XW250): $100.
  • 42″ adjustable ADA lectern: $45.
  • 55″ TV: $175.
  • 75″ TV monitor on rolling stand (2 available): $250 each.
  • 80″ TV monitor on rolling stand: $800.
  • Chauvet Freedom Par wireless LED uplights (27 available): 9 for $200 / 18 for $360 / 27 for $500.
  • Speaker timer: $75.
  • Meyer UPJ 1P speaker (4 available): $25 each.
Booking INFORMATION

Please note: A minimum of 6 weeks is required to plan, contract, staff, and execute your event in the Herbst Theatre. 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. APPLICATION

Once your date is confirmed, submit a completed application together with the $500 rental deposit.

3. 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.

4. LICENSE AGREEMENT

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

  • Sign and return the STLA and related documents.
  • Pay the balance of the Rent.
  • For ticketed events, execute a separate agreement with City Box Office.
  • For performances and events requiring catering services, execute a separate agreement with Global Gourmet Catering.

5. PAY PERFORMANCE BOND & 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 and may begin no earlier than 90 minutes prior to performance or event start time unless prior arrangements have been made.

  • Lobby set ups requiring more than two tables must be arranged in advance and may require additional rental fees.
  • The large marble-floored entrance lobby to the Veterans Building is a public space not included with Herbst Theatre rentals.
  • 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. 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 the Herbst Theatre 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, bubble/snow/soap machines, silly string, color powder cannons, spray paints, dry ice machines, sand, glassware, or stickers are not permitted.   Photography drones or other self-propelled flying devices are not allowed in the venue.  Floor damaging activities must use crew-approved floor protection. With exception of water, no food or drink is allowed in the Herbst Theatre auditorium or its carpeted lobby.

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 Veterans Building is a public space with multiple venues and offices. All space to be used must be approved in advance, and all building users are asked to respect each other’s presence and needs.

Global Gourmet Catering

The Herbst Theatre is proud to have Global Gourmet Catering as its exclusive in-house food and beverage services provider. Global Gourmet Catering is known for specializing in highly customized, large-scale catering, high-end weddings and receptions, intimate fine dining experiences, and for providing the highest caliber concession food and beverage services in the Bay Area.

PERFORMANCE CONCESSIONS
Global Gourmet will operate pre-show and intermission food and beverage service in lobby areas at the request of the presenter.

CATERING
Global Gourmet Catering creates incomparable experiences through customized food, beverage and event services, using sustainable practices and a customer service-driven team to exceed their clients’ expectations. Global Gourmet has emerged as the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading full-service catering company on the strength of its commitment to delivering exquisite cuisine, highly customized menus, trend-setting design, impeccable service and expert on-site execution with attention to every detail.

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 must use City Box Office for ticket sales services.

The Veterans Building lobby is not included with Herbst Theatre rentals. Lobby receptions are subject to rent and labor costs. Conveniently located on the second floor of the Veterans Building, The Green Room is an ideal venue for receptions held in conjunction with Herbst Theatre performances. Its use is subject to availability and a separate agreement.

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 of load in, presentation and load out. While all performances and events are unique, costs in the Herbst Theatre typically range from $4,000 – $10,000 each.

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

No parking is available on the premises. See Directions & Parking for parking information. See Technical Specifications for loading information.

Yes. See Access and Assistance for more information.

Access hours will be determined at the time of booking.

The Herbst has limited storage for programs. Delivery of programs must be coordinated in advance. We cannot facilitate return shipping of any items.

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 or banks. No food or beverage 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.

Yes. The Herbst Theatre has stage-level backstage suites with dressing rooms, a performers lounge and multi-purpose rehearsal room.

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.

No. The War Memorial is responsible for coordinating all building security, with any additional security outside of the standard charged to the Licensee. Specific performance or event security needs should be presented at the time of booking.

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

The City of San Francisco’s open public network is the only available WiFi service throughout Herbst Theatre and the backstage suite. The War Memorial does not have control over this network.

A hard line internet connection for stage use can usually be arranged with advance notice.

A secure WiFi network for box office and merchandise sales is available. This network is not for general use.

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