The Cat in the Cream is open for performances of all types. Our capacity is 325 persons, with seating arrangements that include tables and chairs, rows of chairs, and open floor. We have ample sound equipment available, including projectors. Our stage has hosted art of all mediums, from folk concerts, to hip hop performances, to operas! We will work with you to create the space you need.
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How to Reserve the CatAnyone can request a reservation at The Cat in the Cream. In order to request a reservation, you must have an Oberlin College Student Organization as a sponsor of your event. To submit a reservation request, you can fill out the Cat in the Cream Reservation E-Form through EMS on Oberview, which is linked below. One must be logged in through their Oberview account to access the EMS form. Visit our 'Upcoming Shows' page for the most up-to-date information in terms of available dates and times for bookings.
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Our Space
The Cat holds a capacity of 325 persons. The main portion of our stage is 24' wide x 12' deep and houses a Steinway Model B piano, approximately 7 feet long, and has a pull-down screen and projector which can be used by those hosting events in our space. We have the ability to host solo artists, bands, performance troupes, speakers and more with our sound and light systems. We have recently added a video projection and screen system as well. Reference the pictures below to learn more about our space. Here are our tech specs: cat_tech_specs_2024.pdf
What We Consider
Reservation requests are reviewed at our weekly staff meetings. When considering the approval of a show, we determine if the performance reflects the Cat's respect policy, as well as the Cat's mission to be an inclusive space. We also take into account the potential crowd draw of the event, and consider the overall impact of the event on the Oberlin community.
Our Guidelines
We encourage a detailed explanation of the event you hope to book. Providing links to the work of the artist(s) or performer(s) you are hoping to bring are encouraged. Take into consideration that The Cat does not allow any kind of admission fees, and very rarely allows donations or fundraisers. In addition, The Cat is a non alcoholic venue. The Cat in the Cream has all inclusive rights to reject a reservation request or to cancel a show mid-performance if our respect policy, alcohol, and admission fee stipulations are not upheld.
The Cat rarely allows successive shows, and when approved, we only allow up to two of the same performance on two different dates. An example may be a play approved for both a Friday and Saturday 8 PM show. This is to allow the Cat to maintain it's mission of being a space for multiple art forms across campus.
A performance cannot be within 2 hours of the beginning or end of another show on that same date. An example may be a concert, scheduled from 5 PM - 7 PM. A show before this concert would need to end at 3 PM. A show scheduled after this concert could not begin till 9 PM.
The Cat rarely allows successive shows, and when approved, we only allow up to two of the same performance on two different dates. An example may be a play approved for both a Friday and Saturday 8 PM show. This is to allow the Cat to maintain it's mission of being a space for multiple art forms across campus.
A performance cannot be within 2 hours of the beginning or end of another show on that same date. An example may be a concert, scheduled from 5 PM - 7 PM. A show before this concert would need to end at 3 PM. A show scheduled after this concert could not begin till 9 PM.
Our Donation Policy
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The Cat is, by charter, a free space. There is no charge to have a show at the Cat (even though there are staffing and other costs that exceed food revenue), and no one may be charged to attend a show at the Cat. Permission to request a donation is rarely given, and must be to raise money for a cause (not to pay performers or offset expenses). When permission is given, no one may be stationed at the entrance to request donations, nor may presenters ‘pass a hat.’ When permitted, a table with a donation jar may be set up away from the entrance, with signage explaining the purpose for which donations are being requested. When a donation is requested, no one who is unable or unwilling to make a donation may be discouraged from attending the show. A suggested donation amount may not be mentioned in show publicity or from the stage.
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Our Calendar
Check our calendar to view available dates and times for bookings.
When picking a time, please note that The Cat puts a half-hour buffer between reservations to minimize traffic jams between folks entering and exiting, and to give the staff time to prep the facility for the next show. This means that if a show begins at 8 PM, the next show afterwards could not begin until 11 PM (as reservations begin two hours before the start time of a show, and end two hours afterwards). A show to happen before an 8 PM show would need to end by 5:30 PM.
When picking a time, please note that The Cat puts a half-hour buffer between reservations to minimize traffic jams between folks entering and exiting, and to give the staff time to prep the facility for the next show. This means that if a show begins at 8 PM, the next show afterwards could not begin until 11 PM (as reservations begin two hours before the start time of a show, and end two hours afterwards). A show to happen before an 8 PM show would need to end by 5:30 PM.