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NORTH GARDEN THEATER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to the North Garden Theater FAQ. Whether you are joining us for a live performance, attending a special event, or planning your own "Minne-Wedding" in our historic space, we want your experience to be seamless and enjoyable. From details on our technical capabilities and seating to information regarding our new luxury vinyl plank flooring and venue policies, we have gathered answers to the most common inquiries below. If you don't find what you’re looking for, please feel free to reach out to us directly.
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There is about 2160 square feet of usable floor space (60 feet door to stage and 36 feet side to side). The stage would add another 192 square feet (8 feet deep and 24 feet side to side). We use an online space planning site and provide a PDF floor plan to help our clients visualize the setup of the space. It is very handy. We never put anything in the space in front of the bar or in the bathroom hallway. Another important thing to note is that there must be a 5 foot path for emergency exits somewhere from the entrance side of the space to the emergency exit. There are also two spacious dressing rooms and a catering kitchen.
The lighting at the North Garden Theater is very flexible. We feature dimable overhead can lights, wall sconces, a beautiful central chandelier, programable theater lights, cafe string lights, 12 intelligent moving lights and up-lighting. We use these lights to help establish a mood for the room. A brighter combination of lighting would be ideal for a workshop or expo, where a more dim set up would lend the right feel for a party or reception. Then, of course, it gets nice and dark to showcase a film or our stunning dance floor array. Your NGT manager will help you set up the perfect look.
Yes. Following an extensive remodel in 2017, the North Garden Theater was updated to meet modern accessibility standards. Our public spaces are fully accessible for guests using wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
Key Accessibility Features:
Entrance: Our front entrance is at street level with no steps for easy entry.
Doorways: All public doorways are wide and designed for clearance.
Seating: Because our theater seating is flexible and not fixed to the floor, we can easily accommodate wheelchairs in various locations throughout the space to ensure a great view.
Restrooms: All of our restrooms are ADA compliant.
Bar Service: Our bar features a lowered section designed for accessible service.
If you have specific questions or would like to discuss accommodations for your event, please reach out to us—we are happy to help.
What are the floors made of?
Our theater features Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) with a rigid stone-polymer composite core. This specific flooring was chosen for its durability and its environmentally friendly profile, as it is free from many of the harsh chemicals found in traditional vinyl. It also features a built-in acoustic underlayment that helps dampen the sound of footsteps and equipment during performances.
Can you dance on them?
Yes! The floor provides a stable, slip-resistant surface that is suitable for most styles of dance and theater movement.
The "Feel": Because it is a "floating" floor with an integrated cushion, it offers a bit more impact absorption than bare concrete, making it more comfortable for performers.
Footwear: We recommend clean, non-marking dance shoes or sneakers.
Note for Pros: While excellent for general use, this is a "fixed" floor rather than a specialized "sprung" dance floor.
The North Garden Theater is a "lively" acoustic environment, making it an exceptional venue for live vocal performances and acoustic instruments. The space features a natural resonance that provides warmth and clarity to the human voice.
To ensure the best experience for amplified events, we recommend the following:
Acoustic Balancing: Because the room is naturally resonant, amplified sound should be balanced to favor the mid and high frequencies. We suggest a "low-end roll-off" (reducing heavy bass) to maintain clarity and prevent the sound from becoming muddy.
Bass Management: Very loud bass is discouraged. To maintain the integrity of the sound and the comfort of our guests, external bass amplifiers are not permitted without prior written consent.
Sound Levels: To provide a safe environment for our patrons and remain a respectful neighbor in our historic district, we maintain a maximum sound limit of 100 dB.
Our goal is to ensure your performance sounds its best. If you have specific questions about your audio setup or our technical capabilities, please reach out to us.
To preserve our historic finishes and the integrity of the space, we do not permit the use of tape, tacks, pins, or adhesives on any wall surfaces.
However, the theater’s unique architecture offers many creative ways to personalize the room! You are welcome to hang, tie, or drape decorations using the following:
Architectural Features: The railings, rafters, and catwalks in the Main Hall are excellent for hanging garlands, lights, or fabric.
Magnetic Surfaces: Many of our structural elements are metal, allowing for the use of magnets to secure lightweight decor.
Easels: We provide easels on-site which are perfect for displaying signage, photos, or seating charts.
Freestanding Decor: We encourage the use of freestanding floral arrangements, backdrops, or floor displays.
If you have a specific vision or a unique installation in mind, please let us know! We are happy to help you figure out the best way to safely secure your decorations.
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