the cell is a multi-purpose art venue in the heart of Chelsea.  With flexible seating arrangements for up to 55 and a large inventory of theatrical lighting and sound equipment, the cell is an ideal fit for theatrical productions, small parties, events, and concerts. Originally built in 1901 as a tenement house, this historic brownstone was converted into an art and performance venue in 2007 by Founding Artistic Director Nancy Manocherian. the cell is currently home to the cell theatre company ltd. in addition to serving as a home base for artist residencies.

M A I N S P A C E

The Main Space at the cell, located right on 23rd street is our largest and most versatile venue. With a striking grand window, front and side entrance access, and seating for up to 55, this space features a mezzanine, tech booth, outdoor garden, kitchenette, bar and two bathrooms. A green room area is also located on the basement level, making it an inviting space for innovative performances, installations, concerts, readings and events.

  • This flexible and fully equipped theatrical space can accommodate 55 audience members and includes:

    a baby grand piano, full lighting grid, x32 audio rack, mezzanine, outdoor garden, kitchenette, basement dressing room, central air and two bathrooms (with an additional one in the basement).

  • Weekday Non-Profit

    • 3 hours: $500

    • 6 hours: $850

    • 12 hours: $1,450

    Weekend Non-Profit

    • 3 hours: $750

    • 6 hours: $1,200

    • 12 hours: $2000

    Weekday For-Profit

    • 3 hours: $600

    • 6 hours: $1,050

    • 12 hours: $1,900

    Weekend For-Profit

    • 3 hours: $900

    • 6 hours: $1,600

    • 12 hours: $3,000

    *10% discount for any rental of 2 weeks or more

  • Lighting 

    • Tier 1 Free: Work lights

    • Tier 2 $150: One theatrical lighting look. Choose from up to five pre-programmed show looks

    • Tier 3 $350: Dynamic theatrical lighting. A certified cell technician will use our rep plot to offer elevated lighting looks during your rental.

    • Tier 4: $650: Custom light cues. You can submit your script or run of show document and our certified cell technician will pre-program our board with lighting looks to fit your needs. Includes Qlab. Includes a design meeting.

    • Tier 5 $1300: Custom lighting design. Includes a design meeting and 3 additional rental hours for our technical director to include lighting looks to customize your show.

    Projection

    The cell has two high definition projectors. Pricing per unit.

    • Tier 1: Free; No projections needed.

    • Tier 2: $150; Static image, video, or slideshow: A certified cell technician will operate projections

    • Tier 3: $350; Custom cues during your program: You can submit your script or run of show document and our certified cell technician will pre-program our board with your projection cues. Includes Qlab. Includes a design meeting.

    • Tier 4: $600 Custom projection hang and focus. Requires professional projection designer provided by client

    Sound

    • Tier 1: Free. No amplification needed

    • Tier 2: $100: Up to 2 handheld microphones with on/off switch and a cable to connect your audio devices. Playback from streaming services available. No audio treatment provided.

    • Tier 3: $350; Up to 5 handheld microphones and 8 total inputs. A certified cell technician will provide live audio treatment. Custom Sound Cues during your program: You may submit your script or run of show document and our certified cell technician will pre-program our board with your sound cues. Includes Qlab and a design meeting. 

    • Tier 4: $550 Required for bands with 4 or more members. Up to 16 audio inputs and two additional speakers, as needed. Design Meeting Required. 

    • Tier 5: $1200 All of Tier 4 plus backline package. Access to full Backline, including drumset and amplifiers. Up to 4 additional speakers, as needed. 2 additional hours of rental time for audio setup and sound check. Cell Certified Audio Engineer and Audio Technician included. Design meeting required. 

    Please note: Rentals longer than 4 hours that require a technical assist are subject to an hourly charge. Additional technical personnel may be required depending on level of tech tiers

    Four wall buyout rentals available. Inquire about pricing

  • Backline

    Yamaha DGX 650 Keyboard  $50

    Steinway Baby Grand Piano $250

    Pearl Export Drum Kit (Cymbals not included) $250

    Fender Rumble 100 Bass Amp $100

    Roland AC150 Keyboard Amp $100


    Add’l Services

    Stereo Room Audio Recording $50

    House Manager $120

    Camera Recording (480p) $250

    Black Drapes on East Wall $300

    Riser Installation $500

G A L L E R Y

Ideal for visual arts, smaller performances, photoshoots, rehearsals and meetings, this third floor space features a full kitchen, terrace overlooking the garden and one bathroom. Equipped with central A/C.

  • Weekday Non-Profit

    • Quarter Day (3 hours): $300

    • Half Day (6 hours): $500

    • Full Day (12 hours): $900

    Weekend Non-Profit

    • Quarter Day (3 hours): $400

    • Half Day (6 hours): $700

    • Full Day (12 hours): $1,300

    Weekday For-Profit

    • Quarter Day (3 hours): $400

    • Half Day (6 hours): $750

    • Full Day (12 hours): $1,400

    Weekend For-Profit

    • Quarter Day (3 hours): $600

    • Half Day (6 hours): $1,150

    • Full Day (12 hours): $2,000

    Commercial use of kitchen (professionally catered events): $250

    • Tier 1: $0 Gallery rental includes speaker, microphone, projector, flexible table & chair set up: you press the buttons

    • Tier 2: $300 Gallery rental includes all of the above and we press the buttons

    • Tier 3: $750 Gallery rental includes all of the above and theatrical sound and lighting design

R E S I D E N C Y

R O O MS

Our smallest accommodation, ideal for tablework rehearsals, photoshoots, meetings, or an intimate gallery experience. Each Residency Room has a full bathroom as well as central A/C.

  • Weekday Non-Profit

    • Half Day (6 hours): $250

    • Full Day (12 hours): $400

    Weekend Non-Profit

    • Half Day (6 hours): $375

    • Full Day (12 hours): $650

    Weekday For-Profit

    • Half Day (6 hours): $400

    • Full Day (12 hours): $500

    Weekend For-Profit

    • Half Day (6 hours): $600

    • Full Day (12 hours): $900