Rental Frequently Asked Questions 

How much does a rental cost? Our proposals are determined by several factors including the event date, space requirements, and infrastructure and A/V needs. Our rental process is designed to be completely customizable, a la carte style.All events require a deposit of $1,000.00, due with a signed contract.  Pre-event installments may apply.

What is the capacity of the Wilson Center? Capacity depends on the rental space and event layout, if applicable. Please refer to this link for specific details on each space: https://www.wilson-center.com/our-spaces

What amenities do you provide on-site?

  • Free public Wi-Fi access

  • An elevator to the second floor’s public Ploch Art Gallery and theater balcony seating

  • Onsite catering prep kitchen with refrigerator access

  • Free parking in the adjacent Mitchell Park surface lot

  • A self-serve coat room

  • Two full chorus-style dressing rooms, each complete with restrooms and a shower

  • One VIP solo dressing room with a private restroom across the hall.

What services can you provide on-site?

  • Optional Event Ticketing: The Wilson Center Box Office can handle, facilitate and sell digital or printed tickets for your event at the Center, as well as provide day-of patron support from Box Office staff.

  • Staffing:

    • A House Manager or Events Assistant is required to be onsite for public and private events. Additional Front of House staffing would be determined by the SLWC Events and Rentals department. 

    • At least one Production team representative must be on site for your occupancy. We require two representatives for any event that requires technical equipment. Additional production staff are available for hire for lighting design and operation and stage management on a case-by-case basis. Additional labor would be determined by the SLWCA Production department.

    • Bartenders are available for hire with 14 days’ notice. No one is permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises or distribute it except for applicable SLWCA staff and contracted bartenders.

What are your rental policies? Our policies include but are not limited to…

  • Occupancy: No one may be onsite before 9:00 AM without written permission. Rentals (including teardown) should end by 11:00 PM. The building must be clear of all guests by midnight. Overage Charges of $150 per hour per space will apply for an overage of time on site.

  • Alcohol: No one is permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises or distribute it except for SLWCA staff and contracted bartenders. A fee of $500 will apply for this policy violation, which puts the Center’s liquor license in jeopardy. We can accommodate many special requests with 14 days’ notice.

  • Décor: No faux floral petals are allowed outdoors to protect the wildlife and gardens of Mitchell Park. No confetti or glitter is allowed anywhere on the premises. A fee of $500 will apply for this policy violation.

  • Cleaning: There shall be no excessive mess left on the premises after an event that results in additional cleaning, including removing catering trash. A fee of $500 will apply for this policy violation.

  • Flame/Heat: No open flames, heaters, or use of propane is allowed on the premises without prior written permission. No grilling is allowed on the grass, and no glassware is allowed on patio spaces. Votive and tealight candles are allowed in all spaces except the Harris Theater.  A $500 fee will apply for this policy violation and possibly delaying food service for resetting food stations to stay within policy guidelines.

Do you have Catering services available? The Wilson Center does not have an in-house caterer. Our onsite kitchen is for food prep only, and we do not provide servers/bussing, China, or flatware. For headcounts of 75 or up, we require that you select full-service catering from our list of recommended vendors. Your service should include servers and/or staff to manage catering trash to ensure a seamless dining experience. Here's a page of recommendations for you to consider.

Do you have any bar services available? The Wilson Center has a full bar available for hire with 14 days’ notice and has multiple bar packages to choose from. No one is permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises or distribute it except for applicable SLWCA staff and contracted bartenders. A fee of $500 will apply for this policy violation, which puts the Center’s liquor license in jeopardy. We can accommodate most special requests with 14 days’ notice.

Is there Parking at the Wilson Center? Yes, there is free parking at the Wilson Center in the adjacent Mitchell Park surface lot.

Can tickets be reprinted or exchanged? Upon request, lost tickets will be reprinted and placed at Will Call for pick up on the performance day for a fee of $1.00 per ticket.

Where are my seats located? Click here to view the Wilson Center’s seating maps. If you have any questions about seating or ticketing, please contact the Box Office at 262-781-9520 or boxoffice@wilson-center.com.

When is the Box office open? The box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 11am- 6pm. For events ticketed through the Wilson Center, our Box Office will open two hours before each performance and be available through the first 30 minutes of the show. If you have any questions about seating or ticketing, please contact the Box Office at 262-781-9520 or boxoffice@wilson-center.com.

What time does the Wilson Center open for a performance? The Wilson Center is open one hour before all performances. The doors to the Harris Theater and the Dawes Studio Theater open about 30 minutes before each performance starts.

Can I take my beverage into the theater during a performance? Yes, you can! You may take any beverage into either of our theaters. However, no one is permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises or distribute it except for applicable SLWCA staff and contracted bartenders. While you may enjoy food in the Grand Hall (Harris Theater lobby), food is not permitted to enter the Harris Theater.

Are concessions sold at intermission? Yes! Bar service is available before most performances and during at least the first intermission.

Will the Wilson Center cancel a performance due to weather? Events presented by the Wilson Center are only canceled if performers cannot attend. No refunds will be issued to audience members who cannot attend a performance.

What assistance is provided for patrons with special needs? Patrons with special requests should notify the Box Office when tickets are purchased and before a performance. There are accessible parking spots and limited wheelchair seating with companion seats available. Our staff will do their best to accommodate other special services, but they cannot be guaranteed.