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Venues & Specifications

Welcome to the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, York’s hidden gem for all your special event needs – from large social gatherings and business meetings, to ticketed performances, film screenings and small to midsize receptions. Our venue offers a variety of unique spaces with limitless possibilities, managed by an expert on-site team.

Strand Theatre

Image of the Strand Theatre stage. The view is from the right balcony.
Photograph of the intricate ceiling of the Strand Theatre from under the left balcony section.
Image of the Strand Theatre stage set up for a presentation with digital screens, chairs, a sofa, and a podium.

The Strand Theatre is the Appell Center’s largest event facility, seating 1,262 people. Built in 1925, the Theatre’s Renaissance-inspired architecture, ornate decorative details and grand space provides the perfect ambiance for your next event. With outstanding acoustics and fantastic sight lines for all, this space is ideal for any type of live performance, conference or large-scale event.

Strand Theatre at a glance:

Great for:

  • Full-scale performances
  • Large private events
  • Conferences

Specifications:

  • 1,262-person max capacity
  • Theater seating
  • Full production capabilities
  • Lobby and bar
  • Multiple dressing rooms
  • Mixed use spaces backstage functional for catering

Click here for full Strand Theatre specifications.

Learn about reduced rental fees for the Strand Theatre Lobby and other venues through our Community Support Fund.

Request a Quote

Capitol Theatre

Image of the interior of the Capitol Theatre. The view is from the stage and shows main floor seating and balcony seating.
Interior image of the Capitol Theatre stage from the theater balcony
Interior image of the Capitol Theatre lobby with concessions and the stairway to the balcony.

The Capitol Theatre is our second-largest event facility, seating 450 people. Built in 1906, the Capitol Theatre was originally built as a one-story dance hall, before the balcony was added in 1917 for film. With the charm of a historic movie house, this unique space is ideal for comedy shows, concerts and film screenings, awards ceremonies, corporate meetings and more.

Capitol Theatre at a glance:

Great for:

  • Comedy
  • Concerts
  • Film screenings
  • Intimate private events
  • Corporate events

Specifications:

  • 450-person max capacity
  • Theater seating
  • Full production capabilities
  • Projection capabilities
  • Historic Wurlitzer organ available for preshow entertainment
  • Lobby & full bar

Click here for full Capitol Theatre specifications.

Learn about reduced rental fees for the Strand Theatre Lobby and other venues through our Community Support Fund.

Request a Quote

The Studio

A social event held in the Studio at the Appell Center showing multicolored lighting and light patterns on the curtains

The Studio is a vast event space, which holds up to 125 people standing and seats up to 80 people. With its own private entrance, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking overlooking Philadelphia Street and large-scale mirrors, the Studio is a unique space that can be easily transformed into an elegant, dramatic location perfect for any private event.

The Studio at a glance:

Great for:

  • Dance classes
  • Workshops
  • Business meetings
  • Celebrations
  • Pre-show receptions

Specifications:

  • 125 guest capacity
  • Adaptable/flexible setup
  • Private entrance
  • Enhanced audio system, theatrical lighting and projection capabilities
  • Perfect for private events, corporate gatherings, dancing and more
  • Functional for catering needs

Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.

Request a Quote

Donor Lounges

The Appell Center's donor lounge set up with rows of chairs for a presentation.
A view looking out the window from inside the Appell Center's Donor Lounge
The Appell Center's Donor Lounge set up with round tables and chairs for a party.

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts has two lounges on the second floor of the Strand Theatre. The J. William Warehime Foundation Donor Lounge accommodates 45 people standing and up to 30 seated. Our second Donor Lounge accommodates 55 people standing and up to 32 seated. Complete with a functional bar and built-in sound system, the Lounges are ideal for pre- or post-performance client entertainment as well as a variety of other intimate events or receptions.

Donor Lounges at a glance:

Great for:

  • Client entertainment
  • Intimate private events
  • Business meetings
  • Pre-show receptions

Specifications:

  • Easy access to the Strand Theatre for performance events
  • Private room with window views of North George Street
  • Adaptable/flexible setup
  • Built in sound system
  • Private bar with dedicated service staff
  • Functional for catering needs

Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.

Request a Quote

Board Room

Picture of conference room

The Board Room is over 500 square feet and located on the second floor of the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. With high-speed Internet access, this space is perfect for everything from business and board meetings to group presentations or intimate dinners.

Board Room at a glance:

Great for:

  • Business meetings
  • Presentations
  • Pre-show receptions
  • Small workshops

Specifications:

  • Seating for up to 20 guests
  • Flexible meeting set-up
  • Quiet and private space
  • Projector and screen
  • High-speed Internet
  • Video conferencing capabilities
  • Functional for small scale catering

Learn about reduced rental fees through our Community Support Fund.

Request a Quote

Rental Packages

The Appell Center is pleased to offer the following rental packages for your upcoming social gathering or photography needs.

Capitol Theatre Cinema Package  

Step into the spotlight and host an unforgettable private film screening in the Capitol Theatre with this exclusive package.  

Your experience includes: 

  • Private rental of the Capitol Theatre for three hours, accommodating up to 50 guests* 
  • Two attentive Front of House staff members to ensure a seamless event 
  • Stress-free set up and tear down services for your convenience 
  • Choose from our curated film collection or select from our DVD collection for a personalized touch 
  • Add a delicious treat with our optional small popcorn and soda combo for just $5 per person 

*Additional charges may apply for films with over 50 guests 

 

Strand Social Hour 

Unwind and connect with fellow professionals as you experience the perfect fusion of charm and networking within the iconic ambiance of our historic venue. This private rental of the historic theatre lobby is ideal for hosting memorable events for up to 30 guests.  

Your experience includes: 

  • Two dedicated Front of House staff members to provide personalized service 
  • Standard reception set-up in the historic Strand Theatre Lobby  
  • Stress-free set up and tear down services provided 
  • Choose from a variety of beer and wine at the bar, with options for both cash and hosted bars 

 

Photoshoot 

Transport yourself to another era and capture unforgettable moments in the timeless elegance of our two historic theatres. With their captivating architecture and rich heritage, these venues provide the perfect backdrop for any photo shoot. From the grandeur of the lobby to the charm of the stage, every corner offers a picturesque setting for your photos. Let the beauty of the past inspire your creativity and make your photoshoot truly memorable.  

Your experience includes: 

  • Access to our theatres and stages during regular business hours (M-F, 10am-4pm), subject to availability 
  • Three-hour sessions to capture your vision 
  • Convenient access to restrooms for quick changes 
  • Optional: Have your names or a special message displayed on the Capitol Theatre Marquee for 30 minutes for an additional fee 

Please note: Photographers are responsible for bringing all necessary lighting equipment; theatre lighting on stages is not available. 

 

Request More Information

Community Support Fund

The Appell Center’s Community Support Fund offers reduced rental fees for local non-profits and mission-aligned projects at our venues.

Available Venues

  • The Strand Theatre Lobby
  • The Capitol Theatre
  • The Studio
  • The Donor Lounges
  • The Board Room

If you believe you qualify for reduced rental fees through the Community Support Fund and would like more information, please fill out a Rental Inquiry Form and indicate your qualifications in the Additional Information section.

Thank You Sponsors

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