Celebrating or convening? We have a space for that.
The perfect venue for weddings, birthdays, or any celebration!
From a private dinner to a big, blowout banquet, The Public has you covered. Rental spaces include: Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall, 2nd Floor Pub, Lobby, Auditorium, and more!
To receive more information about space rental and event policies, contact Events@PPT.org.
HOUSE POLICIES
STAGEHAND LABOR
The Pittsburgh Public Theater maintains a collective bargaining agreement with I.A.T.S.E. Local 3. All stage labor within the Theater and event spaces must be provided by Union stagehands and is assigned at the sole discretion of the Theater. Stage labor and equipment is subject to additional invoicing in addition to any facility rental and administration fees paid to the venue.
NON-SMOKING FACILITY
The O'Reilly Theater is a non-smoking facility. Smoking, including vaping and use of e-cigarettes, are not permitted anywhere inside of the building, on the loading docks, or within 15 feet of any entrance.
FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY CODES
Pittsburgh Public Theater abides by all federal, state and local laws pertaining to life safety codes; renters are required to follow these same guidelines. The City of Pittsburgh requires theaters to make a preshow announcement, no more than ten minutes prior to curtain, acknowledging emergency exit locations. A generic recording will be played unless a custom message is requested in advance. Custom announcements may be made live through the house public address system or be pre-recorded and provided to venue staff as an .mp3 or .wav file. Custom announcements are subject to review and approval by the venue's production representative.
The City of Pittsburgh requires a minimum (4') four-foot path of egress be maintained to all fire protection equipment such as fire hoses, extinguishers and pull stations, as well as posted emergency exits. Scenery brought into the venue must be treated for fire retardant or be inherently flame retardant to meet Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Protection regulations. Flame retardant certification must be submitted to the production representative no less than one-week prior to load-in.
USE OF PYROTECHNIC AND SPECIAL EFFECTS
All use of open or live flame on stage (including lighters, candles, and incense), smoke/fog/haze machines, e-cigarettes, pyrotechnic displays, dry ice generators, bubble/foam machines, strobing light effects, and other sensory effects such as scent generators are subject to inspection, review, and approval by the venue production representative and/or the City of Pittsburgh Fire Bureau. Pyrotechnic permits must be obtained from the City of Pittsburgh at the expense of the renter. Please advance these needs with the production department before applying for permits.
The City of Pittsburgh may require a Fire Marshall to be present when open flame and/or pyrotechnic effects are used. The cost of this service varies based on the precise nature and scope of effects used. Pittsburgh Public Theater management will arrange and obtain such necessary services, and the cost will be billed to the Renter on the final event settlement invoice.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY USAGE RESTRICTIONS
Due to recent changes in Federal Communications Commission guidelines, Pittsburgh Public Theater is required to adhere to a strict policy of radio-frequency distribution. Use of two-way radios, wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, intercoms, and any other wireless devices are subject to inspection and approval by the production representative. A detailed explanation of this policy may be obtained from the production representative.
PREFERRED VENDORS
The Pittsburgh Public Theater maintains a corps of preferred vendors who provide catering, craft services, beverages, additional A/V, video recording, and other services to our producing partners at affordable rates. We maintain these strong partnerships to ensure that events hosted by our producing partners are managed and serviced by teams who know the Theater and are familiar with the guidelines thereof. Please note that use of service providers not included on this list may be subject to an additional service buy-out fee and/or management staffing fee at the discretion of the Pittsburgh Public Theater management.
RENTAL PROCESS
INQUIRY
Once our team receives your online inquiry form, we will schedule a consultation to discuss your event details, including desired date, event space, number of guests, and type of event. During this initial conversation, we will also provide you with a list of our rental items, production costs and services and answer any questions you may have.Depending on the complexity of your event, a follow-up conversation with production team members will be scheduled.
EVENT PROPOSAL
Based on your event requirements and preferences, we will provide you with a detailed proposal that includes a list of rental items, services, and associated costs. This proposal will also outline the payment terms, delivery and pickup options, and other pertinent details.
RESERVATION
Once you have reviewed and approved the proposal, we will require a deposit to secure the rental items and services for your event date.
PLANNING
Our team will work with you to finalize the details of your event rental order, including delivery and pickup times, setup and breakdown instructions, and any additional requirements or changes. We will also provide you with a detailed rental contract that outlines the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.
DELIVERY AND SETUP
On the day of your event, our team will be onsite to assist with set up according to the agreed-upon plan. We will also ensure that everything is in good working condition and ready for use.
EVENT SUPPORT
Throughout your event, our team will be available to provide support and assistance as needed. This includes troubleshooting any issues that may arise and addressing any last-minute requests.
POST EVENT SURVEY
At the conclusion of your event, we’ll send you a brief survey to gather feedback on our rental services. Your insights are crucial for our improvement. We appreciate your time and value your input.
RENTAL SPACES
GRAND LOBBY
Capacity: 200
The Grand Lobby of the O'Reilly Theater is an impressive blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. It functions not only as a prelude to the performances housed within the theater, but as a striking space in its own right. As you step into the lobby, your gaze is immediately drawn to the high ceiling, adorned with intricately molded cornices that hint at the building's historic roots and highlights the rich hues of the woodpaneled walls.
THEATER AND DRESSING ROOMS
Theater Capacity: 600
Dressing Room Capacity: 6 (each)
The O’Reilly Theater, designed by architect Michael Graves and home to Pittsburgh Public Theater, is a state-of-the-art facility with a thrust stage. There are removable seats on the L and R stage-level sides, 366 orchestra seats, 114 seats in the first balcony, and 56 seats in the second balcony. The theater has 18 sets of acoustic curtains, five catwalks, and 10 linesets. Technical specifications are available upon request.
PUB
Capacity: 100
Located on the second floor, the Pub is a delightful fusion of a traditional English pub and a modern, artsy lounge. It’s a place where the vibrancy of theater culture and the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern intersect, making it an ideal spot for patrons to gather before, during, or after performances.
Upon entering, you are greeted by a charming combination of warm wooden accents and ambient lighting. The centerpiece of the room is a polished wooden bar, stretching across one side of the pub.
Large, paned windows along one wall allow guests to take in the lively street scene outside, while also letting in plenty of natural light during the day. In the evening, soft, ambient lighting creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
MULTI-PURPOSE CONFERENCE ROOM
Capacity: 40
Located on the second floor, the Multi-Purpose Conference Room is a model of versatility and thoughtful design. This dynamic room provides an adaptable setting for staff meetings, script read-throughs, small workshops, and post-performance discussions. The room is sizable enough to comfortably accommodate up to 20 individuals. A large, oval-shaped conference table sits at the center, equipped with audio-visual capabilities.
HELEN WAYNE RAUH REHEARSAL HALL
Capacity: 200
Located on the third floor, the Helen Wayne Rauh Rehearsal Hall is a spacious, sunlit space. Its expansive area is perfect for accommodating both intimate events and productions. High ceilings give the room an airy feel, making it easier for actors to project their voices and be heard without straining. Along one side of the room, a series of tall windows allows natural light to stream in, lending the space a warm, inviting glow during the daytime. The room is equipped with modern soundproofing to ensure a quiet environment, free from the distractions of the bustling city outside.
RENTAL RATES
Click here to download a PDF of our rental packet or flip through the interactive guide.
Outside theater groups may also rent professional equipment from The Public. For more information please contact Monica Bowin, Director of Production and Operations, at mbowin@ppt.org.