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Rent the Wilson Center

We are now accepting rental inquiries for dates between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021.

We will begin accepting inquiries for dates between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022 beginning March 1, 2021.

Before submitting a request for space in the Wilson Center, please consider:

  • No date is guaranteed or should be considered firm until a signed contract is executed and all applicable deposits are received.
  • All event space requests should ideally be submitted 12 months in advance of prefered dates.
  • For events where tickets will be sold to the general public, rental clients must provide proof of a successful track record of presenting events in large theaters or other venues of 1,000 seats or more.
  • Inquiries are considered on a space-available basis and are considered in the order in which they are received.

Resources

Rental Rate Sheet

The 2020-21 Rental Rate Sheet is effective for any rental contracted after February 29, 2020.

About Our Spaces

Performance Hall (cap. 1559)

The performance hall offers professional-quality lighting and sound systems, rigging, acoustics and orchestra equipment, and boasts three floors that wrap the stage, creating excellent views for every guest. The main stage is 40 ft 10 in deep and 87 ft 6 in wide. Rental also includes use of our two private star dressing rooms, three large group dressing rooms, and green room (a wardrobe room with washer and dryer is available for an additional fee).

Wilson Center performance hall with piano on the stage.
Lobby Only (cap. 2200)

The Center’s mammoth three-story, glass-walled lobby can comfortably accommodate a crowd with a 2200 person standing capacity (capacity may vary depending on the lobby layout). The space has two primary levels: the main orchestra level is 10,329 square feet and upper grand tier is 3705 square feet. This rental does not include access to the main performance hall.

Wilson Center lobby
Wilma W. Daniels Gallery

Located on the ground floor of the Hanover Street parking deck across from the Center, the Wilma W. Daniels Gallery proudly features CFCC Student and Faculty work, local Wilmington and North Carolina artists, and various international artists. The space is 2500 square feet and can accomodate 130 guests (capacity may vary depending on the exhibition footprint), making it perfect for receptions, meetings, or other special events. If you are an artist looking to exhibit your work in the gallery, please submit your proposal using the exhibition proposal form.

Wilma W. Daniels Gallery during the annual No Boundaries exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a renter?

A renter is an organization, promoter, business, etc. that “rents” the Wilson Center for a period of time. Just like rent for a house, there is a base rate, as well as additional fees that may apply depending on the type of needs of the event. Wilson Center staff are not responsible for running your event, we are simply the landlords.

Does the Wilson Center offer any discounts for certain entities?

As a matter of fact, we do! The Wilson Center waives our base rental rate for County, State, and Government Agencies, and offers lower base rental rates to non-profit organizations (with appropriate documentation). Lower rates are also available to any organization that rents the center for three dates or more (consecutive or nonconsecutive) in one fiscal year.

What types of events rent the venue?

The Wilson Center hosts a wide-variety of events through its renters, but the most common are concerts, comedians, or dance performances. In terms of scaling, renters should expect that fees may apply to any event with less than 750 paying attendees (said fees would normally be recouped in ticket sales).

If I am a first-time renter, when is the best time to submit requests for dates?

Though the Wilson Center accepts date requests year round, the venue tends to book up to 12 months in advance. For first-time renters, the best time to submit dates is March 1 prior to the fiscal year you intend to have your event in. For instance, if you want to hold an event in the 2020-2021 fiscal year (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021), you should submit your dates on March 1, 2020 when the dates for the 2020-2021 fiscal year open to the public.

What is a resident renter?

Any organization that rents the Center for 3 or more dates in a season is considered a resident. Residents qualify for a reduced base rental rate, as well as priority access to date requests when they open for the next season. Learn more about our current residents on our Resident Organizations page. Interested in becoming a resident? Email rentals@wilsoncentertickets.com !

What equipment does the Wilson Center have?

The Wilson Center has a large variety of equipment in-house including an orchestra shell and grand piano. A list of equipment and pricing can be found in the Wilson Center Rental Rate sheet.

What type of marketing support does the Wilson Center offer?

The Wilson Center offers lobby banners and email blasts for a fee, as well as extra charges for design work.

What time does the Wilson Center typically hold shows?

For the average event at the Wilson Center, doors to the venue open at 6:00pm or 6:30pm, doors to the hall open at 7:00pm, and the show begins at 7:30pm.

Can I use an outside technician for my event?

The Wilson Center Technical Director must approve of all personnel.

Can I sell my own tickets for my event?

All events must be handled through the Wilson Center Ticket Central Office. Users may not print, distribute or sell their own tickets for an event without going through the Ticket Central process and approval.

Does the Wilson Center co-promote with outside presenters?

The Wilson Center does not offer any co-promotional opportunities at this time.

Does the college have any other rental spaces?

Beyond the Wilson Center, Cape Fear Community College has several other spaces available to rent. To learn more about those spaces or to submit an inquiry, visit the event space page .

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Contact Us

Ticket Central Phone:
910-362-7999

Ticket Central Hours:
Monday-Friday 2pm-6pm

Address:
CFCC Wilson Center
703 North Third Street,
Wilmington, NC 28401

​General Inquiries & Guest Services:
(not for ticket-related inquiries)
910-362-7913

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Cape Fear Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and genetic information, or age.

The views expressed in performances at the Humanities and Fine Arts Center do not necessarily represent the views of the Humanities and Fine Arts Center, and should not be attributed to the Humanities and Fine Arts Center, Cape Fear Stage, Cape Fear Community College, CFCC Board of Trustees, CFCC Foundation, or the Faculty and Staff of CFCC.

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