Film and Photo

Screenings

What are the capacity limits and room configurations for screenings and presentations?

The Great Room accommodates up to 180 theatre-style for screenings and presentations, while the Benjamin Franklin room holds up to 100 theatre-style. The Vaults can accommodate up to 160 for exhibitions. All spaces include built-in audio-visual equipment and staging capabilities.

What are the venue hire costs and minimum spend requirements?

Room hire varies by space and duration - the Great Room costs £3,000-£7,140 + VAT depending on timing, Queen Elizabeth II room is £1,150 + VAT for 8:30am-5pm, and Prince Philip room is £1,400 + VAT for evening hire. Most spaces require minimum catering spends ranging from £600-£1,100 + VAT that must be met with food and beverage purchases.

What audio-visual equipment is included and what are additional AV costs?

Built-in AV packages are available - the Great Room AV package costs £940-£1,182 + VAT and includes data projector, screen, stage, lectern with microphone, handheld microphone, surround sound and AV technician support for up to 8 hours. Additional handheld or lapel microphones cost £68-£75 + VAT each, and wireless uplighters are £22-£25 + VAT each (maximum 16 available).

What are the booking hold periods and contract requirements?

RSA House will hold dates for up to two weeks while you decide on the venue. If they need a decision sooner, they provide 48 hours notice to either confirm with a signed contract or release the date. Weekend events require approximately £12,000 + VAT to open the house as it's normally closed.

What access times are available and are there setup restrictions?

Access is available from 06:00, with events typically running 8:30am-5pm for daytime bookings. Evening events can run until 11pm or midnight depending on the space. The Vaults have an exclusive entrance off the Strand, and there's a supplier load-in/load-out entrance on Savoy Place with direct access to the Vaults.

Are there restrictions on external catering or dry hire?

RSA House does not offer dry hire and does not permit external catering. All events must use the venue's catering services to meet the minimum spend requirements. This applies to all event types including screenings and corporate events.

What approval process is required for events and content?

Event organizers must complete a detailed questionnaire covering the organization's purpose, event content, speakers, attendees, and promotional plans. The venue requires confirmation that events align with RSA's vision, mission, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion commitments. Events may require additional security depending on content and attendees.

What branding and technical setup options are available for filming and screenings?

The spaces offer flexible branding opportunities - the Vaults allow hanging branded materials from designated wall strips or using low-tac vinyl on existing white walls. Built-in customizable uplighters are available in multiple rooms. Flipcharts with pens cost £15 + VAT each, and TV screens are available from £200 + VAT each.

What are the different space options and their unique features for screenings?

The Great Room features high ceilings, natural daylight from skylights, James Barry paintings, and built-in stage. The Vaults offer exposed 18th-century brickwork, industrial atmosphere, and exclusive Strand entrance. The Durham Street auditorium provides cinema-style seating with high-specification built-in AV equipment and cobbled roadway access to the Thames.

What catering options and costs apply to screening events?

Catering ranges from £10-£84 + VAT per person depending on the package. Market choice nibbles cost £10 + VAT per person, while full day delegate packages are £84 + VAT per person including arrival refreshments, lunch, and afternoon breaks. Drinks packages start at £30.50 + VAT per person for two hours unlimited house wine, beer and soft drinks.