We’re a nonprofit performing arts theater hosting music, comedy, theater, literary events, improv, film, spoken word, and more. We also offer Theater Rentals for Parties (birthdays, anniversaries, quinceañeras), Memorials, Wedding After Parties, Workshops, Private Showcases, and more.

We do not have a built-in audience. 

Artists take the lead on promotions and our team supports them (see below).

Local Artists:

• Minimum Documented Draw: 40-75 at TLC Santa Rosa and 50-135 at TLC San Francisco.
• Performance Format: Typically, a 2-set format with one intermission. This can be 50 minutes + 50 minutes or 60 minutes + 40 minutes, totaling 100 minutes of performance time.
• Co-Bill Booking: Performers are responsible for booking their own co-bill acts, whether they be bands, musicians, comics, films, actors, or poets.
• Promotion: Performers should have their own promotional efforts in place and also collaborate with our PR team.

Agents, Touring Artists, and Promoters:

We host a diverse array of performances including comedy, music, dance, poetry, and more. Unlike traditional music venues, we do not book opening acts directly. While we can offer suggestions, we require you to arrange for a local opener based in either San Francisco or Santa Rosa.

• Booking Local Openers: You are responsible for booking a local opener if needed. The headliner and opener should agree on how to split the artist portion of the payout.
• Line-Up Completion: Ensure that the complete line-up is finalized 8-10 weeks before the performance date. We do not put incomplete line-ups on sale.
• Performance Draw Requirements: Touring artists with a documented draw of 50 or more in Santa Rosa or 60 or more in San Francisco are eligible to perform two sets in an “Evening with” format. Without this documented draw, a local opener is mandatory.

Music Showcases:

Volume/Band Parameters if not already Acoustic/Low Volume

• Vocals can be heard over music
• Play to the Room – Don’t Blast out the Audience
• Ear Plugs are never needed by Audience
• Simple Sound needs. 1 hour only from Load In to Doors open.
•  If not acoustic — a good example of a higher volume show for us is The Breeders Tiny Desk Concert. 

Comedy Showcases:

We provide the theater and infrastructure and general promotions of our monthly calendar with features on each performance. We are not Comedy Promoters. 

If not local, please take into consideration whether it’s best to pair up with a San Francisco or Santa Rosa based comedy promoter or if the Touring Comic’s draw can carry the whole show.

*Thank you for your collaboration. We look forward to showcasing your talent and working with you.

SANTA ROSA CAPACITY, TERMS, TIMELINE:

CAPACITY: 75 (seated or standing per permitting)

TERMS: Door deal – 70% to Artists, 30% to TLC after House Expenses: 

$175 (seated)

$225 (standing/early load-in)

$250 (10+ performers/other changes/Costumes requiring additional janitorial services).

If total is less than $175-250 – TLC retains gross amount of door sales. 

Artists never pay to meet house expenses.

Stage size = 8 ft deep, 12 ft wide, 14 inches tall

If total is less than House Expenses – TLC retains gross amount of door sales.  Artists never pay to meet house expenses.

TIMELINE: Evening = Load in 6:30. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8 or 8:15-10:30pm with one intermission. Sunday Matinée = Load in 3:00pm. Doors 4:00pm. Show 4:30 or 4:45-7pm with one intermission.

We have a 30 mile Radius Clause of no other shows 3-wks before or after. Exceptions made only for performances that are not listed on your calendar or promoted.

SAN FRANCISCO CAPACITY, TERMS, TIMELINE:

CAPACITY: 135 (100 seated/35 standing) 

TERMS: Door Deal – 70% to Artists, 30% to TLC after House Expenses:

$225 (seated)

$275 (standing/early load-in/theater productions)

$250-300 (10+ performers/costumes with sequins or feathers, etc. requiring extra janitorial services/other miscellaneous changes).

If total is less than House Expenses – TLC retains gross amount of door sales.  Artists never pay to meet house expenses.

TLC San Francisco has an in-house acoustic piano and a rear screen projector with 7 ft x 7 ft screen.

Stage size = 14 ft deep x 14 ft wide with ADA accessible stage ramp (30″ wide/600 lb capacity).

TIMELINE: Evening = Load in 6:30. Doors 7:30pm. Show 8 or 8:15-10:30pm with one intermission. Sunday Matinée = Load in 3:00pm. Doors 4:00pm. Show 4:30 or 4:45-7pm with one intermission.

We have a 30 mile Radius Clause of no other shows 3-wks before or after. Exceptions made only for performances that are not listed on your calendar or promoted.

The Lost Church Provides:

• The Theater: An eclectic blend of a dark, haunted Victorian manor meets Weimar Cabaret/Speakeasy.
• Sound:
  • PA system with Behringer X2222USB Board
  • 8 snake inputs from the stage
  • (2) BOSE Speaker/Monitor Towers
  • 5 SM58 mics & stands
  • 5 Mono DIs
  • 1 mini-jack adapter for playing backing tracks from your device
  • Recommended amps under 25 watts
  • Minimal lightly played drum kits and light percussion are welcome
• Lighting:
  • Full lighting board in San Francisco
  • Simple stage lighting in Santa Rosa
• Personnel: Host and sound person on-site
• Promotions:
  • Social media promotions managed by a dedicated TLC Social Media/Community Manager, including posts and ads
  • Advertising in select local media (digital and radio)
  • Press releases to local media
  • Local internet listings
  • Monthly in-house calendar distributed in the neighborhood and city, and displayed as posters and handbills
  • Promotion in the Lost Church Bulletin (6,800+ weekly subscribers)
• Support:
  • Fiscal sponsorship for recurring series promoters applying for grants
  • Ticketing service available through our websites:
    • Santa Rosa
    • San Francisco

Thank you for choosing The Lost Church. We look forward to helping you create an unforgettable performance.

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Email booking@thelostchurch.org 

Subject line = Location (San Francisco or Santa Rosa) + Performer Names and DATE you are requesting.

Body of Email: Complete line-up, date range requested, websites, and brief description of the showcase.

Concise is best.

If music, please include a weblink to music or video where we can listen and review. If comedy, improv or theater please include a video.  Please do not send attachments!

Our Booking Agent will get back to you as soon as possible if your inquiry meets our criteria.

Please don’t hesitate to circle back and bring your email to the top of our inbox, again. Since we book between 35-45 performances and rental events per month we appreciate a friendly follow-up.

The Lost Church books shows approximately 3-4 months in advance.

THANK YOU!

We offer rental of our theaters for video shoots, photo shoots, birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, off-beat weddings, wedding after parties, community gatherings, corporate events, meetings, work shops, recitals, and private showcases.

Please email booking@thelostchurch.org to learn more about rentals, rates, and to book your event!

Rate Includes: 

On-site Manager and Bartender

PA and BOSE Tower Speaker/Monitor System with 5 SM58 mics/3 Mono DIs, and mini-jack adapter to play backing tracks from your device

Live performance stage

75 chairs at TLC Santa Rosa

105 chairs at TLC San Francisco

1 large table for Appetizers, Gifts, Merch, Party Favors, etc.

Green Room

75 capacity (Santa Rosa) or 135 capacity (San Francisco) Eclectic Vintage Speakeasy Theater Space.

Bar: Beer/wine/champagne/juices/teas provided by The Lost Church and can be no host or the client can set a predetermined cap and pay for their attendees’ beverages in advance or at the end of the event. No outside drinks please, unless pre-approved. When approved, corkage fee is $10-25 per bottle or handle.
Food: Outside finger food, appetizers, and cake or cupcakes prepared by either a caterer or the client are welcome (no messy food, please). Snacks and appetizers are great, but anything approaching a dinner scenario is not a good fit.