Schapiro Spaces

Morris A. Schapiro Hall, an undergraduate dormitory, is located at 605 West 115th Street. Directions are HERE. These Program-run spaces on the lower level, are the most active for our student presentations. As such, we take their use – and misuse – extremely seriously. The rules listed below keep the Program in compliance with New York City laws and Columbia University rules, as they are frequently and closely inspected by NYC Fire Marshals and Columbia Public Safety. They also are created to keep students, faculty, staff, and guests safe within the space.

Failure to abide by the policies listed below may result in the student’s loss of scheduled use.

  • Maximum capacity for The Theatre (including cast, crew, audience) is 74. Maximum House is 51 including production members.
  • Maximum capacity for The Studio (including cast, crew, audience) is 74. Maximum House is 51 including production members.
  • 42” of unobstructed egress must be available at all times during the course of the production to both Emergency Exits.
  • Handrails must be used on all audience risers 8” or higher.
  • No audience members are allowed to sit in an aisle or fire egress.
  • Audience chairs and the seating risers are limited in resources. In your preliminary meeting with Production Management, please prepare the number of risers and seats you will need for your production.
  • The main seating structure in The Theatre cannot be moved. The main seating structure in The Theatre holds 51 chairs without a row on the floor.
  • Lobby furniture may not be removed from the lobby.
  • Prop furniture from Schapiro or PR stock may not be used for audience seating.
  • No painting, chalk or markers can be used on any part of the space’s permanent structure, i.e. the floor, the walls of the Theatre/Studio, the doors of the Theatre/Studio, etc.
  • No flame, water features, fake snow, sand, dirt, glitter, confetti, or other small particles are permitted (venue & NYC law restrictions).
  • Failure to abide by these policies may result in loss of scheduled use. 
The Theatre @ Schapiro

A 1,836 square foot (36’ x51’) “grey” box with black Masonite floor, full grid, lighting and sound packages. The maximum capacity for the Theatre (including cast, crew, and audience) is 74. The center section of seating is fixed in the space and holds 51 chairs. Additional seating must be approved by Production Management. No audience members are allowed to sit in an aisle or fire egress. There are strict NY State Laws regarding venue capacity and seating arrangements that must be followed. Ask Production Management about any ideas as early as possible and understand that some ideas cannot be accommodated. 

 

The Studio @ Schapiro

A 1,170 square foot (26’ x 45’) space with Linen White walls, black Masonite floor, full surround of black curtains, partial grid, modest lighting and sound packages and flexible seating. The maximum capacity (including cast, crew, and audience) is 74 persons. There are strict NY State Laws regarding venue capacity and seating arrangements that must be followed. Ask Production Management about any ideas as early as possible and understand that some ideas cannot be accommodated. 

  • If you decide to use ‘seating risers’ for the audience, you have a maximum of 6 available risers. If you use the end stage configuration, a row of chairs on the floor, 2 risers legged at (+8”), and 3 legged at (+16”), your house will be a maximum of 29. 
 
B20 - Rehearsal Space

This 270 square foot (15’ x 18’) room can be used for classes, performances, rehearsals, or auditions. The maximum capacity (including cast, crew, and audience) is 10 persons. The use of B20 must be reserved through EMS.

B22 - Rehearsal Space

This 210 square foot (14’ x 15’) room can been used for classes, performances, rehearsals, or auditions. The maximum capacity (including cast, crew, and audience) is 10 persons. The use of B22 must be reserved through EMS.