Performance Inquiries
Interested in Performing at The Cooperage?
Thank you for your interest in performing at The Cooperage! The vision of our stage is to bring a variety of musical, cultural, educational, and idiosyncratic entertainment to Northeast PA and surrounding regions. Each year we book a limited number of performers and events that align with our mission “to invite people of all ages to embrace diversity and shared experiences to build a deeper sense of community.” Some of our successful past events have included musical performances of all genres, stand up comedy, film screenings, author readings, theatrical performances… and even a presentation about Bigfoot!
We hope the following will give you a better idea of what we are able to provide. If you like what you see, please fill out the Inquiry Form at the bottom of the page!
What does the performance space look like?
Performances take place on our stage, which is approximately 24 ft x 20 ft.
The open ended main space is able to seat up to 130 people. We have chairs for auditorium style seating, high top tables, cafe tables, and 6- and 8-foot folding tables for merch, etc. Our facility has three single patron bathrooms. Wheelchair and strollers may enter most easily from the side entrance.
What sound and lighting is available for performances?
For music performances and theater events, we can offer professional sound and lighting. For other/all events, we can provide microphones, basic stage lights, and projector. We are open to discussion if you wish to provide and manage your own sound system.
We have a sound policy: cannot exceed 85 decibels, with peaks of 90 to 95.
Do you have instruments available?
No.
Event Logistics
Arrival/Load in Time: This is negotiable based on band size, but generally, load in is 1.5-2 hours ahead, sound check is 1 hour ahead of doors.
Because we are located in a mixed use area that includes residences, bands must be off the stage by no later than 11pm on Friday/Saturday and 10:30pm Sunday-Thursday. For the same reason, we ask all performers and attendees to be considerate neighbors when arriving, leaving, or hanging out in the outside areas of the venue!
We will have 1-2 staff people and/or volunteers on site for your event.
Backstage/green room: We close off the end of the hallway to the backstage door so that performers have a large private bathroom for preparation and can enter from off stage. There is a small amount of room for taking a break, but not a full green room.
Can you offer a guarantee? Lodging? Food?
We are a non-profit organization operating in a rural community. We run on grants and public support. While we dearly wish that we were able to offer a guarantee to all of the amazing performers that grace our stage, we generally operate on a door split: 70/30% (performer/TCP). We find that tickets in the $15-25 range do best here.
We work hard to market performances and ensure high attendance, and expect our performers to do their part to help publicize the event. We generally get 20-60 audience members. Occasionally we are able to obtain grant funding to hire bigger acts and offer a guarantee.
For the same reasons, we are rarely able to provide hospitality and lodging but are happy to help you plan your visit and will do our best to make it an easy and welcoming experience!