The Theatre is an air-conditioned studio ('black-box') theatre with several seating configurations available, accommodating a maximum of 150 people. Standard configuration seats approx. 80. Seating is tiered upwards, commencing from floor/stage level and can be set in four configurations. Additional seating is possible to increase capacity to 200 depending on the configuration and event.

The courtyard has movable staging and can comfortably 'contain' 400 people.
The courtyard room provides a space for workshops, rehearsals and can be used for intimate performances and exhibition/installation space.

Next door is Civic Park and across Smith Street, the Old Town Hall Ruins. These areas can provide other performance spaces with permission from respective controllers Darwin City Council and Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.

Cost

Hire Rates for community activity are on the rate sheet (below). Rates for commercial or private events are available on request.

Theatre: Standard theatre hire rates apply as per the attached rate sheet. Rates for workshops, meetings and season hires are negotiable.

Air-conditioning: Is charged at cost of electricity only - $6.60/hour incl. GST. Applies when hiring the theatre space. This is a non-negotiable charge and is applicable even if no other charge applies.

Courtyard: Rates for courtyard hire are on the rate sheet. Book launches, meetings, press events etc can be negotiated individually. Staging is available at no cost to the hirer.

Courtyard Room: Can be hired for rehearsals, workshops, classes, exhibitions, work space and performance. It is not air-conditioned but has fans and windows. Upgrade to this room is occurring during 2007.

The Bar: The Bar is licensed and managed by Brown’s Mart Community Arts and can be open for your participants and guests at your event/s. Please discuss your requirements with the Venue Manager. Stock can be tailored to suit your requirements. Hirers wishing to operate their own bar under their own liquor license may only do so in exceptional cases and only with the approval in writing of the Executive Officer of Brown’s Mart Community Arts.

Equipment: Theatre hire includes a standard lighting rig and lighting control board. This rig must always be returned to the standard rig at the conclusion of a hirer’s booking. Additional lights are available for a extra hire fee. Lighting for other areas of the venue is available for hire.

A standard sound rig is also included with theatre hire. Other equipment is sometimes available for hire. The Trustees hold a range of equipment - it is always worth asking if they have something. Charges apply.

Promotion: Brown’s Mart offer free assistance with marketing and promotion for events held at the venue. This includes listing of your event on Brown’s Mart website and in newsletters and other promotional material. Information on your performance including prices, bookings phone number, times, dates and text / photographs about your event/s should be supplied on the venue booking form.

Policy Statement

The Trustees aim to provide the widest possible arts community use and support of the buildings with acknowledgment to the special role of Brown's Mart as a venue primarily for performances; and also for workshops, displays, exhibitions and activities in any art form.

Priorities for Usage

In setting priorities the Trustees will have regard for the following:
1. the need to serve wide community needs;
2. patterns of past usage and anticipated usage;
3. alternative venues available to groups, and their cost;
4. the role Brown's Mart and the Trustees can play in the development of the arts in the NT;
5. special needs of artists and arts groups, eg. for rehearsal and meetings; book launches; etc
6. the need to generate income and so hold subsidy within reasonable limits.

If you're interested in hiring the Brown's Mart venue and/or equipment download an Enquiry form (below), fill it out & email it to us, or call the Venue Manager on 8981 5522.