Theatre Rentals - Main Auditorium

Main Theatre rentals include in-house sound & lights, green room, dressing rooms as well as use of the Lobby and the Harmac Pacific Room. All rentals require the use of Port Theatre technical staff, and all ticketed events must use the Port Theatre Ticket Centre for ticket sales and ticketing services. All rates are subject to GST.

  • 804 seats in total (561 on the main level; 215 in the balcony and 28 in the loges). Excellent viewing from all seats.
  • 28 seating areas accessible without stairs.
  • Maple panels and cement walls enhance acoustics.
  • The first two rows of seats sit on the orchestra lift. With the push of a button the lift goes down, the seats are removed and there is room for up to 34 musicians in the orchestra pit.
  • The lift can be placed at stage level, creating a thrust stage out into the audience chamber.
  • The sprung stage floor is built to withstand many tons of rolling scenery and yet is soft enough for dancers
  • The theatre has 48 line-sets for stage draperies, lights and scenery.
  • The deep stage allows plenty of room for performers and sets.
  • Stage proscenium arch is adjustable: from 42 to 48 feet wide.
  • Minimum of 12 computerized pieces of equipment to operate lighting & audio systems.
  • Backstage Features:
    - 4 Dressing Rooms and 1 Green Room.
    - Loading Dock/Receiving Area: The loading dock can hold two semi trailer trucks for loading and unloading scenery, props, costumes and sound gear. This area is level with the stage and lobby for ease and efficiency.

Complimentary Marketing Services for Ticketed Rental Clients:
- One e-blast is sent to our database of over 10,000 active addresses. (Please refer to our e-blast policy.)
- Your event is added to the Port Theatre's Calendar of Events handout.
- Your event is displayed on the Port Theatre marquee.
- Your event is added to the Port Theatre's Facebook page when you send a co-host request.
- The Port Theatre's brochure rack in front of the Ticket Centre is available to place handbills promoting your event.
- Up to three posters (max. size 11 x 17) can be displayed in the Port Theatre Lobby and Ticket Centre.
- Poster distribution can be arranged for local area if requested in advance. Posting Policy Here

Meeting and Reception Rentals

The Harmac Pacific Room

A lovely venue for corporate or small business meetings, or pre-show or post-show events and receptions, the Harmac Pacific Room is air-conditioned with a commanding view of the harbour.
Bookings can only be confirmed two months in advance, on days that the Main Theatre is not rented.

Main Lobby Rental

Available for receptions, intimate Lobby concerts or trade shows, provided the Theatre is not booked for another event. We can only secure your booking two months in advance.

Meeting and Reception rental rates

Off-Site Ticketing Services

The Port Theatre Ticket Centre is your local source for affordable ticketing services in Nanaimo and the Central Vancouver Island Region. Your audiences can conveniently purchase online through the Port Theatre website, over the phone or in person at our Ticket Centre located in downtown Nanaimo. See our Custom Off-Site Ticketing rates and Info sheet here.

Advantages:

  • We capture email addresses of your buyers for future use, in accordance with the Privacy Act and Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation.
  • Tickets can be conveniently purchased online through the Port Theatre website, over the phone, or in-person at 125 Front Street.
  • Your event is posted on our website
  • An event announcement e-notice is sent to over 10,000 addresses in our database (please refer to our e-blast policy)
  • Ticket sales reports are emailed to you regularly

*All services and rates are subject to change without notice.

RESOURCES

OFF-SITE TICKETING RATES

INQUIRIES
250-754-4555
Call or email our Booking Coordinator to estimate costs and discuss details.

Technical Resources

Drawings and Technical Information

Please call 250-754-4555 or email our Technical Director, Wilson Pascoe for editable formats of our drawings.

NOTE: to print PDF to scale (Ground plan, Section or Stage only) set 'Page scaling' in the Acrobat Print dialog box to 'None'. Zoom should be 100%.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (PDF 457 KB)

CHANNEL SCHEDULE (PDF 116KB)

GROUND PLAN (PDF 40KB)

LIGHTING PLOT (PDF 246KB)

SECTION (PDF 34KB)

STAGE ONLY (PDF 64KB)

LINESETS ONLY (PDF 64KB)

RATES

Commercial Event Rates & Charges

TICKETED RATES
NON-TICKETED RATES
Commercial Rates 2026-2029

Community For-Profit or Non-Profit Outside RDN Event Rates & Charges
Your organization has a business licence within the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) or is a registered not-for-profit society or charity outside of the RDN

TICKETED RATES
NON-TICKETED RATES
Community For Profit Rates 2026-2029

Community Non-Profit Event Rates & Charges
Your organization is a registered not-for-profit society or a charity residing within the Regional District of Nanaimo

TICKETED RATES
NON-TICKETED RATES
Community Not For Profit Rates 2026-2029