Roulette is a nonprofit performing arts venue at 509 Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, presenting experimental music, movement and media since 1978. Outside its own program, the building is available for rental. Organizers can book the first-floor concert hall, the second-floor mezzanine, the lobby and the basement dressing rooms, with a total general-admission capacity of 400 seats or 550 standing.
Seminars and company events
A rental here suits an event that needs a real stage and a technical setup: a conference session with screens, a launch with live performance, an awards evening or a talk that will also be streamed. Screens and projectors are included at no charge, as are the standard in-house supplies, the backline and the PA system, except the drum set. The lighting system is an ETC Ion XE 12K console driving a grid of 134 instruments. Changes to the repertory lighting plot need approval at least 21 days ahead, and haze or atmospheric effects need written approval at least 30 days ahead.
Roulette does not provide lifts for renters and does not offer marketing or ticketing for rental events, so the organizer handles promotion and registration. Livestreaming and video recording use a six-camera system and are arranged with the Special Events team, and multi-track audio recording is also available.
Rooms and capacities
The first-floor concert hall covers 2,500 square feet and holds up to 235 seated or 400 standing. The stage has a fixed upper deck of 28 feet 3 inches wide by 11 feet 10 inches deep, and a modular lower deck 40 feet wide at center. Wenger risers can be used with prior approval.
The second-floor mezzanine covers 2,000 square feet and seats 165, with no standing option. There is no elevator to this level. The first-floor lobby covers 600 square feet and holds up to 100 standing, with no seating, which suits a reception before or after a program. The basement dressing rooms cover 1,214 square feet and hold up to 50 standing: a one-person room, a seven-person semi-private room and a 32-person open room, with one bathroom and no shower.
Only the first floor is wheelchair accessible, and the lobby has an accessible restroom. Stage changes can affect seating capacity.
Catering
The rental page does not describe a catering or bar policy. Organizers who need food or drink should ask the Special Events team when they request a quote, and should note that the department of health guidelines for rentals are published on the site.
History and setting
Roulette has presented experimental music, dance and intermedia work since 1978, and the 509 Atlantic Avenue hall is its home in Brooklyn. The main audience entrance is on 3rd Avenue at number 38. The hall has an auditorium feel, with a ballroom-level floor and a balcony, which gives 232 seats on the floor and 168 in the balcony at the maximum general-admission layout.
Getting there
The venue is on Atlantic Avenue, with the audience entrance around the corner on 3rd Avenue. The site publishes directions on a visit page and offers a 3D tour for organizers who want to check the rooms before booking. Security staff are required when more than 100 people are in the building, with two guards above 300, and must be hired through Roulette.
