Will Woolly Mammoth Theatre work as a benefit auction venue?
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company's art is always edgy ... just like its performances.
Last Tuesday, I headed into Washington, D.C. to check out the open house offered by Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. (I’m always game to learn about new potential benefit auction venues.)
I’ve been to Woolly Mammoth before, but under different pretenses.
As recently as six months ago I was in that same space, but I was attending as a patron of the arts. I hadn’t paid attention to critiquing the space as a potential venue for an auction because – like any good theater-lover – I was focused on the production itself that night.
But there I was last Tuesday, thinking about flow, and food stations, and silent auction tables, and all those things good Auction Chairs consider when they are sorting through an auction gala’s festivities in their mind’s eye.
The theater holds 265 people
So what are my overall thoughts of the facility for use as a benefit auction venue?
I think it would work for groups in that 225-or-less range, but bag the silent auction. Instead, opt for a live auction only with one or two revenue activities thrown in for added income. But I wouldn’t opt for any activities which take up floor space because it’s not conducive for that.
The theater has a three tiered lobby which advertises an occupancy of 350. The tiered layout is attractive, but it would be detrimental to a silent auction as guests could easily wander off and never see the items. Better to have your volunteers amidst the crowd, selling tickets to the raffle.
The main area outside of the theater.
For your live auction, it would be easy to move guests into the Main Theatre, which has an occupancy of 265.
I liked that some of the chairs alongside the stage are not nailed to the floor, allowing guests to move chairs as they’d like. Some seats are actually barstools and have the added benefit of a ledge to rest on.
These chairs are secured to the floor. But not all chairs are. And look at the different heights to ensure good visibility of the stage.
I especially liked that wine is allowed in the theatre.
Alcohol can be sold and served on premises. As many charity auctions serve alcohol, having that added benefit of bringing the refreshments into the theater itself is an added plus.
These barstools were in the back. Guests will want to sit back here and will appreciate the ledge, too.
About 6-steps down from the main / mid-level is the Rehearsal Hall (35′ x 43′) and the Meyere Foundation Classroom (30′ x 22′). Either would work for a secured check-out area, if needed. Note that there is an additional cost to rent those rooms, and those classrooms are located 6-steps down from that main /mid-section.
Generally speaking, I’d put registration on the top level where guests could see it immediately upon entering the facility. Then direct guests down to the main floor (where the Main Theatre is) for drinks and savories during cocktail hour. For the live auction and program, you’ll move guests into the Main Theatre.
When it’s time for check-out, either direct guests back up the stairs (where you had the registration tables), or set up a separate check-out in one of the secured rooms. (But remember, that’s an additional cost and about 6-steps down.)
The facility offers five approved vendors. You’ll not be disappointed in your choices:
Put your auctioneer on the stage ...
- Geppetto Catering
- Occasions
- Ridgwells
- RSVP
- Windows
To rent the lobby and theatre, advertised rental space is $1800 for a half day (4 hours). Honestly, who can pull off an auction fundraiser in 4 hours? So plan on spending $3600 to allow you the time you need for the function.
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