Babs Asper Theatre

Capacity 897 guests

The Babs Asper Theatre is the NAC’s second largest performance space, and the main venue for the NAC’s premier theatrical productions and contemporary dance performances.  The stage is adaptable – it can configure to a proscenium or thrust stage. The design of the Theatre’s technical system makes it an ideal setting for all types of music concerts – from intimate chamber ensembles to jazz, rock and pop. In addition to performances and concerts, this venue is used for conferences, seminars and film screenings.

View of the second level of the Babs Asper Theatre, looking down at the stage. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle, facing the stage.
View from the second level of the Babs Asper Theatre, mainly showing rows of red seats and red carpets.
View of the second level of the Babs Asper Theatre, looking down at the stage. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle, facing the stage.
View of the second level of the Babs Asper Theatre, looking down at the stage. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle, facing the stage.
View of the Babs Asper Theatre, showing the seating arrangements. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle.
View of the Babs Asper Theatre, looking to the right side of the stage. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle, facing the stage.
View of the second level of the Babs Asper Theatre, looking down at the stage. Rows of red seats and red carpet are positioned in a semicircle, facing the stage.
View of the Babs Asper Theatre from the stage. Rows of seats, stairs, and the second level of seats are visible.

Seating

Seating chart
  • Front Orchestra 87
  • Orchestra 618
  • Balcony 192

Technical Overview

  • Max. stage width: 17.7 m (58’-0”)
  • Max. proscenium height: 7.3 m (24’-0”)
  • Stage depth: 13.1 m (43’-1”)
  • Double purchase fly system with 60 linesets
  • Maximum trim: 17.2 m (56’-6”)
  • Red velour main curtain
  • Seats in Front Orchestra are removable to create thrust.
  • 40 traps on stage
  • d&b V12 Series line array loudspeakers and amplication
  • 2 Robert Juliat Victor 1.8kW followspots

Ticketing Information

Rental clients must use the services of the NAC’s Box Office and online ticketing system for all performances.  Ticketmaster is the exclusive online ticketing provider. The NAC acts as a liaison between the client and Ticketmaster. 

Rental Rates And Insurance

The base rental fee includes use of the venue for one day, use of technical equipment, box office and ushers services.

Other applicable charges include, but are not exclusive of:

  • Stage technical labour
  • SOCAN and Re:Sound tariffs for use of music
  • Credit card commissions

Rental:

1 day / 1 performance: $3,500 + 4% of box office receipts (minimum $1,050)

1 day / 2 performances: $6,300 + 4% of box office receipts (minimum $2,100)

Rental client must have a third party bodily injury and property damage legal liability insurance for an amount of no less than two (2) million dollars.

Labour Overview

All technical work on stage must be done by NAC employees under the jurisdiction of the collective agreement with IATSE Local 471.  Workers are separated in multiple departments: Carpentry, Props, Electrics, Sound, Projection, Wardrobe, and Hair & Makeup. Labour costs often surpass the rental fee. 

Contact the rentals team for more information about renting the performance venues

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