THE FLANAGAN THEATRE
Welcome to the Flanagan Theatre: Where History Meets Performance
Step into the Flanagan Theatre, a space that pays tribute to the passion and dedication of Jackie Flanagan, one of the esteemed donors of the GRAND. Our theatre is named in honor of her aunt, who had a deep love for the performing arts. Over the past century, legendary performers such as Fred Astaire and Ethel Barrymore have graced our stage, leaving an indelible mark on our storied history.
The Flanagan Theatre is a venue that caters to a diverse range of events. From AGMs and weddings to town hall meetings, speaker series, concerts, dance performances, conferences, and film screenings, our space is designed to accommodate various occasions. As a 'black box' theatre, we offer a unique setting with a versatile stage area that can be adapted to meet your specific needs. Should you require a raised stage, we have a collection of portable risers available for use. With a standard stage depth of 54’-0” (16.46m) and a width that ranges from 29’-0” to 36’-0” (8.84m to 10.97m), our stage dimensions can be adjusted to suit different seating configurations, guaranteeing an immersive experience for both performers and audience members.
Your rental includes the use of our dressing rooms, wardrobe facilities, production office, and a comfortable green room. Located on the basement level, our three spacious dressing rooms and inviting green room can accommodate up to 40 individuals. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with amenities such as hot and cold running water, showers, toilets, sinks, makeup mirrors and lights, chairs, and wardrobe racks. The green room features a cozy lounge area and a pantry equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave oven, ensuring the comfort and convenience of all performers.
At The GRAND we strive to provide an exceptional environment where history, artistry, and innovation converge. Join us in creating unforgettable moments and inspiring performances that will leave a lasting impression on all who enter our doors.
STANDARD RENTAL RATE
• $4,900/Day
ARTS & REGISTERED CHARITY RENTAL RATE
• $1,900/Day
CAPACITY
• Standard - 342 (including console)
• Extended - 404 (requires additional setup and reduces stage space)
• No Seats - 419 (Seated - 250) (Stand up cocktail - 350)
VENUE MEASUREMENTS
The theatre is a ‘black box’ with no raised stage - the stage area is the venue floor, but, if needed, a large stage can be built out of our inventory of portable risers.
Standard Stage Depth
Width: 54’-0” (16.46m)
Depth: 29’-0” to 36’-0” (8.84m to 10.97m) - varies with seating configuration
Venue Width & Depth
Width: 54’-0” (16.46m)
Depth (inclusive of seating): 69’-0” (21.03m)
Venue Height
Stage Floor to Public Gallery: 13’-0” (3.96m)
Stage Floor to Technical Gallery: 25’-0” (7.62m)
Stage Floor to Grid (Lowest Point): 40’-0” (12.19m)
Stage Floor to Underside of Structural Beams in Grid: 48’-0” (14.63m)
STAGE / SEATING CONFIGURATIONS AND CAPACITY
The GRAND has two different standard layouts - (1) raked seating facing one side of the stage, and (2) a flat floor with no seating.
Theatre-Style Seating Capacity
Standard Configuration: 352 Seats (Rows AA to N)
Standard Configuration with Catwalks: 380 (Rows AA to N + Catwalk Left + Catwalk Right)
Extended Configuration: 376 Seats (Rows BB to N)
Extended Configuration with Catwalks: 404 Seats (Rows BB to N + Catwalk Left + Catwalk Right)
Maximum Configuration: 400 Seats (Rows CC to N)
Maximum Configuration with Catwalks: 428 Seats (Rows CC to N + Catwalk Left + Catwalk Right)
Please note to add Rows BB and CC takes about 30 minutes of setup time for each row (up to an hour total). Rows AA, BB, and CC are also ground floor rows, meaning they are not part of the rake, which can contribute to sightline issues if rows BB and CC are added. The Catwalk Left + Catwalk Right seats are considered to be compromised sound and sightline seats, especially the upstage most seats.
’Open Space’ (no seats) Capacity: 419 (including performers and staff)
Seating Chart: Please click here to view our seating configuration (shows the Standard Configuration as per 1.1 above).
ACCESSIBILITY
In spite of being over 100 years old, the Flanagan Theatre is wheelchair-accessible for both performers and attendees. If a performer has mobility needs, then please communicate this to the Technical Director so that they can ensure readiness and communication regarding accessibility.
CROSSOVER
There is a permanent crossover under the stage via stairs between the NE and SE corners of the venue. The NW and SW corners of the venue may also be accessed under the stage via the lobby vestibule. Please note however that the stage right trap will need to fully uncovered for the crossover to be accessible. Otherwise, stage level crossovers and other access requirements should be considered in the design of the scenery and masking layout.
STAGE FLOOR
The stage floor is composed of black battleship linoleum over two layers of 1” plywood decking laid over 2” x 4” sleepers. No fixing to the floor will be allowed for any reason. There are no traps in the floor. There is a shallow cable trough that follows the perimeter of the room.
RIGGING
The rigging of lighting, sound and scenery/soft goods within the venue is achieved by trusses suspended from chain motors attached to the overhead fixed grid. Before any movement of the rigging over the stage may be incorporated into the performance, a formal documented risk assessment will have to be conducted and adequate safety measures implemented. The Technical Director shall have final determination in such matters. In no instance shall there be any moving rigging over the audience areas when occupied. The venue’s Technical Director will have the final decision regarding all rigging, no exceptions.
LIGHTING SYSTEM INFORMATION
Control System
Console / Data
1 ETC Gio 4K
5000 control channels with electronic soft patch to dimmers
1 wireless remote control
1 monitor
DMX in and out (XLR 5) throughout venue with patch-bay in booth
2 DMX octo-splitters in booth
Ethernet (Ethercon) throughout venue with patch-bay in booth
Dimmers / Circuits
2ETC Sensor+ 48 module dimmer racks
192 @ 2.4 Kw dimmers, dimmer per circuit.
32 socapex circuit boxes distributed throughout venue
Each box has 1 socapex twofered with 6 – 20A twist lock connectors
House LX Plot (rev. October 2021): Please click here to view our house lighting plot. Please note that this is for reference only and there is no guarantee of the lighting instruments and their placement. Please ask the Technical Director for an up-to-date house lighting plot.
ROAD POWER
1x 100 A, 3 phase, 120/208V disconnect switch in alcove in the east wall
1x 1 200 A, 3 phase, 120/208V disconnect switch in alcove in the southeast corner
1x 1 400 A, 3 phase, 120/208V disconnect switch beside the loading dock door
1x 1 200 A, 3 phase, 120/208V disconnect switches on the south wall at grid level
POWER TRANSFORMERS
2x 1500W Step Up Voltage Transformer to 220v – with universal socket
3x 1000W Step Up Voltage Transformer to 220v – with universal socket
4x 500W Step Up Voltage Transformer to 220v – with universal socket
SPECIAL EFFECTS
Atmospherics
1 @ Ultratec Radiance Hazer (Water Based)
1 @ Martin Magnum 1500 Fogger
2 @ Non-motorized 12” Mirror Ball
Please inform the Technical Director of any atmospherics (haze, fog, snow, dry ice, etc.) that you will be using. A copy of the ‘Material Safety Data Sheet’ for the fluids is mandatory. Use of atmospherics requires the disabling of the venue’s fire alarm system by the head stage carpenter, and approval by the venues Technical Director. Absolutely no atmospherics may be run under any circumstances until explicit clearance has been given. Failure to comply with this regulation may result in a damages charge.
Pyrotechnics
Pyrotechnic special effects may be used with the approval of the Technical Director under the supervision of a licenced pyro-technician. The pyro-technician must show proof of proper licensing. Handling, storage and preparation of pyrotechnic material will be in compliance with the federal, provincial and local codes, and within the manufacturer’s guidelines. Where applicable, nearby flammables (costumes and scenery) will be properly flame proofed.
A detailed application will be submitted to the Technical Director two months before the event. Upon approval, this application must then be submitted to the Calgary Fire Department. Documentation will include: event approval form; proof of $1 million liability insurance; copy of the pyrotechnician’s license; pyro effects plan; (with full description of all effects); sketch of the theatre (with position of effects, pyro storage, audience, exits).
There will be at least one dry run (demonstration) of all effects prior to the first performance.
Miscellaneous
The use of any other effects (strobes, firearms, gunshots, etc.) requires the approval of the Technical Director.
SOUND SYSTEM INFORMATION
The GRAND is equipped with a highly versatile and adaptable sound system designed to meet the needs of a wide array of configurations, clients, and artists. The backbone of this system is its patch architecture, which is broken out at many locations throughout the facility. This allows inputs and outputs to be routed fairly easily to and from the tech booth, stage floor, third floor pin rail, grid, studio, and lobby. The XLR patch architecture allows for 48 channels to the stage.
Please note there is no splitter system in house. The Grand also features a distributed audio AC system with an isolated ground. Audio AC are orange outlets throughout the facility in both twist lock 4 pin (60A) and standard North American U ground (15A) receptacles.
The Digico SD9 (40 channel) is the main control console for our system and offers a wide array of EQ, Dynamics, and I/O routing options. Our Meyer speaker system is comprised of 12 mid high cabinets (Meyer UPJ-1P), and 4 subwoofer cabinets (USW-1P). We also have 6 self-powered monitor/full range speakers available for use as monitors or main systems. Typically two are installed in our studio space as the main PA but could be recovered if a total of 6 monitors are required and the studio is not in use.
The standard speaker configuration in the main theatre is made up of left (3 speakers), right (3 speakers) and centre (1 speaker) in vertical line arrays, which reside on line set #1. In addition to the flown clusters there are 2 flown subwoofers. A single centre fill in between the two flown subs on line set #2, single left and right ground fill on ground subs typically at line set 5 in front of the downstage legs, and left and right delay fills on the back of boxes 2 and 4 which pick up at seating Row H. The system is driven off the Main LR from the Digico with Subs on an auxiliary and processed by the BSS Soundweb. Any request to relocate or modify this speaker configuration will result in extra labor costs. Discrete addressing of up to 8 separate zones/clusters can be achieved simply if this is required (please give advanced notice).
It is a major concern of both our management and patrons that acceptable sound levels be maintained. It is recommended that sound pressure levels should be no greater than 95dB A- weighted on average.
LOADING DOCK
The loading dock is located in the alley to the south of 608 1st Street SW. It can accommodate up to 26’ box 5-ton trucks. The Technical Director must be consulted regarding load-in procedures and truck positioning as city permits are required for loading into the GRAND.
Dock Height: 3’-4” (1m) (Note: dock platform hinges down from in front of dock doors)
Loading Door Dimensions: 9’-1” W x 9’-8”H (2.8m x 3m) (Note: doors at 90 ̊ to edge of dock)
FREIGHT ELEVATOR
Door Dimensions: 4’-1” W x 6’-8” H (1.25m x 2.1m)
Interior Dimensions: 10’-0”D x 6’-3”W x 7’-8” high (3.1m x 1.95m x 2.4m)
Load Capacity: 5000 pounds (2250 kg
Levels Accessed (Renter Access)
Basement: dressing rooms, wardrobe, production office, green room, storage, restaurant kitchen
Level 1: stage, loading dock, lobby, box office, and restaurant
Level 2: upper lobby
DRESSING ROOMS/GREENROOM
There are three dressing rooms and a green room on the basement level that can accommodate a total of 40 people. Each room is equipped with hot and cold running water, showers, toilets, sinks, makeup mirrors and lights, chairs and wardrobe racks. The green room contains a lounge area and a pantry with a refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave oven.
WARDROBE
A wardrobe maintenance room is located in the basement and is equipped with basic equipment for maintenance including two domestic washers and dryers, an iron and ironing board, and steamer. Access to this area and equipment is restricted and prior arrangements must be made with the Production Manager for its use. Use of these facilities for personal laundry is not permitted.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
There are no pianos or other musical instruments within the venue. Please consult the Technical Director to have them rented on your behalf
DRAWINGS
For detailed drawings of the venue including standard lighting plots, audio configuration, and masking layouts please contact the Technical Director. Drawings can be rendered in .vwx or .dwg