The Historic BAL Theatre in San Leandro, California, can be rented for private events with up to 750 guests. The venue lists concerts, graduations, weddings, film screenings and other private events, and it supplies a stage, lobby, seating area and an on-site event coordinator.
Seminars and company events
The rental page does not mention corporate meetings or seminars by name. It does describe a room that can be used for gatherings that need a stage and a house of seats: presentations, screenings, ceremonies and shows. If your company event needs a stage, sound and lighting for a large audience, the theater can be a fit, and the team asks you to describe your event so the coordinator can respond.
The theater is also a working performance house, with a public calendar of concerts, so your date has to fit around the programming. Ask early about availability.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are on the list of events the theater rents for. The space offers a stage, a lobby and a seating area, which suits a ceremony, a show for guests or a screening. Catering is available on site, so a meal or a reception can be arranged with the team. The official page does not give details about dance floors, a bar or a bridal suite, so confirm these with the coordinator.
Rooms and capacities
The main space is the theater auditorium with its stage, lobby and seating area. The rental page states a capacity of up to 750 guests. It gives the lower figure in two different ways, as 1 and as 7, so check the minimum if you plan a small gathering.
What is included: use of the stage, lobby and seating area, a basic sound and lighting setup, and an on-site event coordinator. Professional sound, lighting and technical assistance are available.
Additional fees may apply for ushers and event staff, licensed security guards, a professional sound and lighting engineer, extra technicians, a cleaning fee and security deposit, and third-party liability insurance. Build these items into your planning from the start.
Catering
Catering is listed as available. The site does not say whether the theater has its own kitchen or works with approved caterers, so ask which options apply to your event and your guest count. The venue also keeps a page of local dining suggestions on its site, which can help if guests are visiting from outside the Bay Area.
History and setting
The Historic BAL Theatre stands at 14808 East 14th Street in San Leandro, in the East Bay. Its programming is run by a performing arts organization, and the theater hosts community events, school programs and tribute concerts. It is used by schools, independent promoters, religious organizations and families, which gives a sense of the range of events it handles.
Getting there
The theater is on East 14th Street. The official site has pages for parking and hotels, so check them for current arrangements. The nearest major airport is Oakland International. Arrivals from San Francisco travel across the Bay.
