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Rentals and Private Events
PRIVATE SCREENINGS!
Enjoy a film and some fun with friends and family. Just make your movie selection from our list of movies or bring in your favorite DVD/Blue-ray, and we’ll screen it just for you in our traditional theatre or the new living room. We'd be happy to host your next event, whether it's a kid's birthday party, wedding anniversary, graduation party, or anything you'd like to celebrate!
APRIL AND MAY ARE ALREADY BOOKING UP FAST!
PLEASE READ THROUGH THE FAQ'S BEFORE SCROLLING DOWN TO RESERVE YOUR DATE AND TIME!
Rental Fees:
Monday-Wednesday $350
(Fees will increase to $375 starting June 5th)
Thursday- Sunday before 1:00pm: $350
(Fees will increase to $375 starting June 5th)
Weekend party times options:
10:00am-12:00pm, 10:30am-12:30pm, or 11:00am-1:00pm
Parties with more than 45 people (not just kids) will incur an additional fee of $100.
A cleaning fee of $150 will be added to all parties with more than 35 people (not just kids) in attendance.
Thursday-Sunday after 1:00pm:
Base fee of $450- subject to increase based on the needs of the event.
(Fees will increase to $475 starting June 5th)
Please reach out to the Event Assistant, Reid Henry, for more information.
Please note- if we have a big Blockbuster movie, it will be harder to accommodate afternoon parties due to film industry/distributor terms.
Photo Booth:
If you like the look of our photos above, you can add a photo booth to your party for just $45 extra. The photo booth includes fun props, state-of-the-art equipment, and we can even add your logo! We'll help capture the fun memories of your event!
All rentals include a small popcorn for each guest and/or we can customize a concession package for you. We have recently partnered with our friends at Chuck Wagon to offer hotdogs as part of a concession package! Just let us know how many in your party a week prior to your event, and leave the rest to us!
Want to make goodie bags easy?
How about a Wilmette Theatre T-shirt or hoodie for your guests to take home?
Who needs more sugar when you can take home a memory?
Order directly from www.humanKIND.shop and we'll take care of the rest!
Rental FAQs:
Q. Can we bring in a movie or play a movie you already have?
A. Your choice! Most people like to bring in a DVD or blue-ray, and many rent one from the library. But, if you'd like to play a feature we already have,
we can do that too. We can also stream from most platforms.
Q. Can my kids and their friends play on the stage in the Living Room Theatre?
A. No!! The stage is filled with sound equipment and instruments for our live events. It looks cool, but is NOT kid friendly. Please keep off the stage!
Q. How long does it take to set up?
A. About 15 minutes. Our theatre is small, and we can supply a fold out table, but other than that, it shouldn't take longer than 15 to set up your decorations.
Q. Can I have decorations delivered directly to the theatre?
A. We can't guarantee that someone will be available when your delivery arrives, so best to just bring your balloons and banners with you.
Q. Can we decorate with balloons, signs and confetti?
A. Yes! Yes! NO!!! Feel free to decorate to your heart's desire with balloons and signs, but save the confetti, packing paper, stickers, and other sparkles for another space/time!
Q. Can we do crafts before/during/after our movie party?
A. Stickers? Glitter? Jewels? Markers? Paint? Unfortunately none of those things go hand-in-hand with a 110-year old vintage movie theatre. If you don't want those messes in your house, we don't want them in ours! Please- don't add crafts to your party!!!
Q. How long does it take to clean up?
A. As long as you need to return the theatre back to the way you found it! FYI- food fights take about an hour to clean up, so we highly discourage those. We understand spills happen, and we got you on those- but egregious messes will force us to charge a cleaning fee of $150.
Q. Will other rentals be happening at the same time?
A. We do our best to stagger rentals, but there may be a time when your party is happening at the same time as another in the other theatre.
Q. Do I need to stay in the theatre while the party is going on?
A. Yes! If you're hosting a group under 18 years of age, an adult/parent/guardian must be in the actual theatre (not the lobby) with the children at all times.
Q. Are rentals only for children's parties?
A. Nope! Not at all! We host parties for all ages and for a variety of events, such as karaoke night, adult birthday parties, school events, fundraisers, anniversaries, graduation parties, and so much more.
Q. Can we bring in outside food?
A. Quick answer no...
We love pizza and cake as much as the next person, but not when we have to scrub it out of the chairs and carpet!! Our theatre is a small non-for-profit and we rely on our guests to help support us by keeping our building clean and our concession stand busy!
BUT...
We NOW offer Chuck Wagon hotdogs as a part of our concession package!! Just let us know how many people and we'll take care of the rest!
Each guest receives a small popcorn and we can make a concession package for you to help fill everyone up! Our candy ranges in price from $3.50-$4.00 and our soda/water is $2.00. Our candy changes week-to-week depending on supply.
If you still want to have that cake experience? Take-away cupcakes/treats are a lovely alternative!
Q. How long is a typical rental?
A. We book in 2 hour increments-anything longer than 2 hours would be an extra charge.
Q. What is capacity?
A. We have two spaces-Theatre 1 (with fixed seats) seats 110. Theatre 2 (living room) holds 140, but we have seating for 45. We have very comfortable, padded folding chairs for larger groups, or we can remove most of the furniture to fit your needs.
Q. Why is a weekday fee so much less than the weekend afternoon/evening fee?
A. While we are an awesome venue ready to host a variety of events, we are still a movie theatre and often run our regular programming during those times. In order for us to cancel regular programming, we have to charge more.
Q. How long does it take to hear back from someone at the Theatre?
A. It can take up to 48 hours for us to return your email and/or phone call, but rest assured, we did receive your message and will get back to you as soon as we can.
FYI-The Theatre is closed on Wednesdays to give our hardworking staff a day off! Email is often the best way to reach us, because even if we are at the theatre, we're often juggling many tasks at once!
Q. What COVID safety measures are in place?
A. Your safety, comfort and confidence come first. We continue to follow CDC and Cook County guidelines, and will adjust accordingly.
