Click on a Studio photo
for detailed space information and calendar.

Live Show Booking Info

Show window: 7:00–9:30pm (music ends by 9:30pm)

Capacity + Room Basics

• Capacity: 50 seated / 60 standing
• Stage: ~20’ x 20’
• Accessibility: Wheelchair entry + accessible washroom
• Stairs: None

Address, Entry, Load-In, Parking

• Address / audience entry: 634 Humboldt St
• Load-in: Loading zone + taxi zone on Humboldt St in front of the venue
• Parking: GVPL lot on Broughton St (about 250m / 3-minute walk)

Cost / Booking Model

We currently use two models depending on the show:

A) Flat booking (room rental)

Typically $250 (negotiated case-by-case). Includes:

• Room fee
• Volunteer staff support (door/FOH and ambassador support as available)
• General promotion tied to The Open Studios’ regular channels (newsletter, monthly Absolute Underground ad, street-team postering)

Note: This does not include paid postering via Vicposters.com.

B) Door split

• Hard costs can be taken “off the top” first (ex: sound, promo, ticketing fees). We confirm the exact list in writing.
• Ticket price: Set by the artist/promoter (we can collaborate if you want help pricing)

Ticketing + Fees + Settlement

• Online tickets: www.theopenstudios.tickit.ca
• Ticketing fees: Yes — paid by the ticket buyer
• Payout timing: Generally by Friday of the following week (after totals are reconciled)

Promotion Support

• Facebook event co-hosting
• Social media promotion
• Listings / event calendars where possible
• Poster support: we can help design posters if needed, and we require final approval before posting/printing

Door / Front of House

• Volunteer crew can support ticket scanning and cash/card payments
• Promoter responsibility: even with volunteer support, the promoter/renter is ultimately responsible for door/security and patron conduct

Backline, Sound, Monitors

Backline (available if arranged in advance)

• Drum kit: Yes
• Bass cab: Yes
• Guitar amps: Bring your own
• Keys: Basic weighted 88-key
• Guitar stands: Yes
• Mics: Yes – SM58, SM57, Drum Mic Kit
• DI boxes: 2

Sound

• Youth volunteers run sound with mentor guidance
• You can bring your own sound person and mixer
• We use a Behringer X-16 digital mixer (not recommended for anyone who hasn’t used a digital mixer like this before)
• Monitors: 5 stage monitors
• Front of House: Big and Beefy PA system

Staffing, Event Leads, and Conduct

• We’re volunteer-run and grassroots — if you can bring helpers for load-in, set-up, and tear-down, it helps a lot!
• Designated event leads: Promoter + Drew

All-ages expectations

• No vaping, smoking, drugs, or alcohol on site
• No vaping, smoking, drugs, or alcohol on Humboldt St
• Patrons who appear intoxicated will be asked to leave
• Zero tolerance for bullying or harassment
• This is a safe space for all humans — be respectful

Insurance

• Event insurance is required (general liability) Approx $25
• We’ll send a template with the required wording/details

Tech Advance + Timeline Requirements

• Stage plot + input list due: 2 weeks before show date
• If a band arrives late, soundcheck may be reduced or skipped to protect doors/showtime

Recording + Photo Policy

• Bands are welcome to record audio/video
• We may film/photograph for socials, and we share video clips with the band
• If you post content, please tag @theopenstudiosvictoria and include our logo (provided) when possible

Notes on Space Usage

• Green room available
• No food unless explicitly approved in advance
• Our venue is NOT a bar: patrons are expected to dispose/recycle their own garbage
• No access to Nootka Court
• No access to studios/supplies/gear not explicitly listed in the agreement
• Spills: clean immediately and report to Drew
• Coat check is free, non-secure, and used at your own risk

Typical Show-Day Schedule

• 4:30 Drew arrives / venue opens
• 5:00 Sound volunteers arrive + bands load in
• 5:45 1st band soundcheck
• 6:15 2nd band soundcheck
• 6:30 Front of House volunteers arrive
• 6:40 Soundcheck ends
• 7:00 Doors
• ~7:15–9:30 Bands perform (set times confirmed in advance)
• 9:30 Music ends (latest)
• 9:35 Tear-down begins
• 10:00 Lockup (latest)

Artist Payments + Merch

• Payments do not happen on show night. We e-transfer the following week after totals are reconciled (generally by Friday).
• Bands can sell their own merch at the merch area. We don’t sell merch on behalf of bands at this time.

Info Required for Payouts

• Legal name
• Mailing address
• Phone number
• Email for e-transfer

Cancellation / Reschedule

Two weeks notice is required to allow for re-booking.