Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between JACK and JILL?

JILL is the name of our open rental program, while JACK is the name of our organization and covers our curated programming. Both occupy our single space at 20 Putnam Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. If you rent the space to hold a public event, performance, or production at 20 Putnam, you’ll list the venue as “JILL”.

Where can I find some more detail about how JILL works with rentals for events, productions, and performances?

Take a look at our Rental Policies and Procedures document!

Do you offer any discounts to non-profits or independent artists?

Our rates are positioned with non-profits, independent artists, and community members in mind, and we generally do not offer further discounts.

Do you offer any marketing, ticketing, or box office support?

No, JILL rentals do not include any producing support from JACK, such as promotion or ticketing. We do not share rental events on JACK’s social media page or include them on the JACK website.

What’s included in my rental?

A rehearsal rental includes exclusive use of the venue with dressing room, as well as chairs, tables, music stands, stools, and a couple rehearsal blocks. It also includes basic use of our sound system for playback, and use of our projector for presentations or videos. It does not include use of our theatrical lights, or the ability to modify anything in the space.

A tech rehearsal includes the above plus use of our theatrical lights and some of our audio/lighting inventory.

A performance, event, workshop or production includes all the above plus full use of our audio/lighting inventory, our production tools and equipment, and the possibility to modify our rep plot to your needs. For details on our tech inventory, check out this page.

Is JILL accessible?

JILL is a storefront venue with no stairs, and is fully accessible from the sidewalk. We have one ADA compliant bathroom, in addition to two other single-occupancy bathrooms. Our tech booth is at the top of three steep steps, but please contact us if you’d like any accommodation, as we are able to move our control equipment in certain cases. More info about venue accessibility can be found here.

What is a lock-out?

Under a lock-out, you’ll have exclusive use of the space for the time you’ve rented. Without a lock-out, you’ll need to restore the space to how you found it at the end of each rental period, as we may have other renters in between your bookings.

What is the audience capacity and layout at JILL?

JILL is a flexible space, and capacity depends on your audience layout. Our legal building limit is 74 people. A standard proscenium setup with our 3-tiered risers can fit between 40-50 people, though there are many creative ways to arrange seating in the space, some of which can fit up to 60+ people. We have 58 audience chairs plus a dozen folding chairs. We’re here to help talk through possibilities!

Can I change the lighting, sound, or projector setup? Can I build a set or change the room layout?

For rehearsals, no, and in general you’ll need permission. However, these modifications are possible, after approval, under a lock-out agreement, or if you’re able to fully restore the space by the end of a performance or event rental.

Do you have a piano or any other musical instruments?

No, at this time we do not.

Do you offer any staff or support during my rental?

Outside of an orientation for first-time renters, all rentals are un-staffed. However, we can offer contracted production/tech support or production planning upon request and pending staff availability.

Do you allow fog, smoke, glitter, paint, tap dancing, or pyrotechnics for rentals?

No, we do not. Fog may be possible with detailed discussion, subject to staff approval.