September 3rd, 2024

The rates for the performance space have not had a significant change since 2015. Given rising costs for space in Toronto, and a desire to increase staff capacity in the region, CMC Ontario has decided to introduce a new fee structure for rentals of the performance space. These new rates have come after an extensive review of the services and finances of Chalmers House and the space and an environmental scan of venues in the city to come up with a rate that works for the CMC and the community. 

Summary of the changes: 

  • The base rental rate will raise from $100/hr to $110/hr 
  • Rehearsal/meeting rentals that take place M-F 9-5 will have a rate of $65/hr. 
  • The Associate Composer discount will change from 50% to 30% – giving an AC rate of $85/hour for event rentals and $50/hr for rehearsals/meetings 
  • The addition of a 10% Administrative Fee that will cover time outside the rental from the new Production Coordinator for contracting and set up. 
  • The addition of a 3% Capital Improvement Fee – Some of the equipment in the performance space is in need of repair or replacement, while other equipment is needed in order to keep up with the changing demands of the industry. Adding this fee will create a dedicated fund for the purchase and repair of this equipment and ensure that the space’s offerings remain competitive. 
  • Renewed expectations and enforcement: 
    • For concert rentals, a $35 SOCAN performance fee for licensing will be added 
    • Rentals open to the public will need to provide proof of event insurance 

N.B. All events currently contracted will remain at the contracted price. The new rates only apply to new rental inquiries.

While we never like increasing costs for our community and members, the implementation of this new fee structure will allow us to greater plan for the longevity of the space while also ensuring we are meeting all our obligations. The CMC is committed to keeping the performance space accessible to all, so if these rates mean that an event at CMC becomes prohibitively expensive, please write to CMC ON Director Joseph Glaser, and also consider applying for a Chalmers Performance Space Residency. 

  

Introducing the new Production Coordinator for the Chalmers Performance Space! 

Michelle Soicher is a director, stage manager, theatre creator and arts administrator who has been creating and managing performance for 10 years. 

She was born in Toronto and moved to Montreal to study Theatre at Concordia University. After graduating in 2016, she stayed in Montreal for 5 years, creating, collaborating, exploring different artistic methods. 

Michelle has worked as a venue manager and administrator for The Segal Centre for Performing Arts and MainLine Theatre. She enjoys working with a wide range of patrons and communities. While living in Montreal Michelle stage managed and directed with The Black Theatre Workshop and Teesri Duniya Theatre, among others. Since moving to Toronto, Michelle has worked with Peggy Baker Dance Co., Coal Mine Theatre and Education Arts Canada and 1S1 Theatre. She is an alumni of the Toronto Fringe Theatre Entrepreneurs’ Network and Training Program. Over the past 3 years Michelle has worked as a venue manager for the CMC many times. This fall, Michelle is directing Machinal by Sophie Treadwell with The Flare Productions. As a director, Michelle focuses on play and is committed to “gamifying” our social structures.  

Her independent theatre company, Michegas Theatre, has produced two original works at the Montreal Fringe Festival: Spiral (2021) and Games I Don’t Want to Play (2023) which was nominated for the MainLine Creativity Award. In her original work Michelle’s practice is playful, interdisciplinary, and responsive. Her creative process is inspired by Jewish traditions of debate, resilience, and joy. 

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Starting on Sept. 23, Michelle will handle contracting new rentals and will be on hand for rentals coordinating tech and box office. This will provide a more streamlined experience for renters meaning that the person contracting and the person running the event will be the same. This role also provides some much-needed redundancy for the Region, allowing CMC Ontario to increase the number of rentals and special projects run in the space. 

Michelle can be reached at bookings@cmccanada.org