• The event must embrace Story Parlor’s core values, including a program that showcases a diverse slate of artists wherever possible.

• We require a nonrefundable event $50 deposit to hold the date. (See cancellation and payment policy for details.)

• We only accept event proposals that feature the original work of more than one artist (solo acts and bands, would need to go through our rental page). We occasionally work with bands if we feel there is a strong storytelling sensibility, and a thorough marketing plan (see next bullet point).

• We expect robust marketing assistance to accompany Story Parlor’s promotional efforts, with the goal of programming a “sold-out” event (our capacity is 49 guests). Please note, if 10 tickets are not sold a week in advance, we reserve the right to cancel without a refund of the deposit.

• We request help with set-up and breakdown of the facility, and leaving it in excellent condition for the next community member’s use.

• Participating artists must be provided with some form of compensation for their performance.

• The partner agrees to act as the event host and emcee, while also serving as an ambassador of Story Parlor’s mission.

• A Story Parlor representative reserves the right to make any upcoming announcements or sponsorship acknowledgments at the top of the event.

• We request that you include a short (5 minute) intermission two-thirds of the way through the show.

• Event must end at the pre-determined end time! While there is a little flexibility here, if the event goes well over the agreed upon end time, they are subject to forfeiting their deposit.

• Programming may not include hate speech, racial slurs, or bigoted material; religious or anti-religious themes; or political messaging/fundraising of any kind.

• Exclusive use of the Story Parlor main room and loft, along with the necessary tables and chairs required for a successful event

• Bar services (we have a full beer/wine bar, with plenty of N/A options as well)

• Story Parlor will project a pre-show slideshow on the main wall at the top of each event (30 minutes in length).

• Story Parlor reserves the right to capture audio for its archive and future use in digital assets.

• Inclusion in the Story Parlor newsletter (which reaches over 2500+ local subscribers), so long as content is provided at least 3 weeks in advance

• Recirculation in our social media stories of anything we are tagged in (our handle is @storyparloravl), to a reasonable degree

• The event listed on our online and in-person community boards

• The handling of registrations/ticket sales along with inventory updates

• The use of our basic equipment, to include sound and lighting (note, our AV equipment is minimal, including one Bose S1 speaker and two Shure mics — anything else will need to be provided by you). Please note, we do not have a sound board or a sound person! You’re welcome to play your own house music over bluetooth as folks arrive, and during intermission.

Mission

Story Parlor is a cooperative arts venue featuring storytelling and the exploration of the human condition through community-driven programming. Committed to impacting positive change through the transformative power of storytelling through all art mediums, Story Parlor champions the artists of Western North Carolina through events, classes, community building, and advocacy.

Core Values + Objectives

• Connect audiences and artists from varying creative backgrounds and interests

• Inform, inspire, and invigorate through the arts

• Promote and foster self-inquiry and mindfulness

• Cultivate creative exchange and cultural insight

• Foster authenticity and inclusiveness

Includes:

• Use of space (with optional bar/audio add-ons)

• Flexible time blocks

• Administrative and setup support

• Fri–Sun evenings: $49 per ½ hr ($350 minimum)

• Mon–Tues anytime or Sat/Sun afternoons:
   • $32 per ½ hr ($150 minimum, no add-ons)
   • $42 per ½ hr ($225 minimum, includes bar, AV, and staff support)

• Recurring rentals: Negotiated case-by-case

All rentals require a $150 refundable security deposit to hold the date.

Decorations - The use of push pins, thumb tags, and scotch tape for decorating are permitted. The use of nails, staples, duct tape, or screws are prohibited and shall not be affixed to the interior or exterior of the facility. No tape is permitted on the center of the floor. The use of candles, confetti, glitter, rocks, pebbles, moss, silly string, hay/straw, sand, sequins, rice or bird seed are prohibited in the building or on the grounds. Decorations may NOT be hung from the ceiling tiles (floating or inflated balloons are allowed as long as not attached to the ceiling). Decorations on the outside of the building and grounds are NOT permitted. No alterations of any kind or type shall be made. The Event Partner shall not injure, deface, mark, damage, or destroy the facility or grounds.

Artwork - Any artwork on display or exhibition will not be taken down, moved, touched, or covered during the scheduled event.

Photographs & Sound Recording - Story Parlor reserves the right to take photographs and record sound of contracted events and to subsequently use such photographs for its own purposes, such as marketing.

No Hot Foods – To keep the space fresh and odor-free, we do not allow hot food items.

Accessibility – Our main floor (including restrooms) is ADA accessible. Please note: access to our loft and classroom space requires stairs. If you or your guests have specific accessibility needs, we encourage you to reach out in advance so we can best support your visit.

Age Policy – Unless otherwise specified, all events are for guests ages 16 and up.

Late Arrival Policy – Doors typically open 30 minutes before showtime. Guests arriving more than 15 minutes after the event start time may forfeit their ticket at the discretion of house staff to avoid disruption.

Smoking - There is absolutely no smoking allowed inside the building or on the general premises.

Pets - No pets are permitted on the premises.

Open Flames - The use of fire, open flames, candles, bunsen burners, and/or incense is prohibited.

Gifts and Personal Affects - Please ensure that all personal items and gifts are accounted for prior to leaving the building. Story Parlor will not be responsible for equipment, lost items, gifts, or decorations left during or after the rental.