The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts

Located steps from Maplewood Village, the multi-purpose facility houses a 100 seat theatre and a 1600 sq feet Community Room. Suitable for classes, performances and private functions, both spaces are available for rental to residents and non-residents of Maplewood Township. 

History: Built as the First Church of Christ Science in 1925, this architectural gem was deeded to the Township in 1988 by realtor Jean T. Burgdorff, a Maplewood resident and patron of the arts.

 

The Burgdorff is located at 10 Durand Rd. Maplewood, NJ 07040.
It is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Manhattan aboard NJ Transit.

This event space is for performing arts events only.

All rentals require a 3-hour minimum. Additional fees may apply. Reduced rates are available for Maplewood residents and charitable organizations.

If you are interested in renting out the Burgdorff, please fill out the Burgdorff Rental Inquiry below. All inquiries are reviewed on a weekly basis.

The Burgdorff Theater

The Burgdorff Community Room

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the space capacities?

Both the Burgdorff Theater and the Burgdorff Community Room can seat 100 people.

Is there any time of the year The Burgdorff cannot be rented?

No, but it is very busy with theater groups and community events all year long.

Is there a kitchen available?

There are no kitchen facilities at the Burgdorff Cultural Center. Both of these spaces are for performing arts events only.

Can both spaces be rented at the same time?

Yes, if both spaces are available.

Do we need to provide insurance?

All renters must obtain liability insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The policy must name the Township of Maplewood as additionally insured at 574 Valley Street, Maplewood NJ, 07040. The renter must provide the Township with a certificate of insurance prior to rental date. The township may unilaterally cancel events if proof of coverage is not provided. Insurance Providers. Please note that the Certificate of Insurance must be made out in your name or the legal name of the organization that is booking the space.

Does The Burgdorff have air conditioning?

The Burgdorff Theater is not air-conditioned. The Burgdorff Community Room is air-conditioned.

What are the lighting and sound capabilities?

The Burgdorff Theater has a SmartFace 1248 control console for lighting and a Harbinger LP9800 powered mixer for sound. A fee of $150 is required for use of the sound and/or lighting system in the Burgdorff Theater.

The Burgdorff Community Room has overhead lighting and access to a portable speaker system if needed.

Do you provide sound and lighting engineers?

We can help set up the sound and lighting system and our staff have a basic working knowledge of the equipment to set up your event. We do NOT have a sound or lighting technician on staff. Depending on your needs, you may want to consider hiring out for this purpose.

If you have questions specific to the Burgdorff sound or lighting capabilities, please reach out directly.

We want to have an event at The Burgdorff, what are the next steps?

1) Fill out the Burgdorff Inquiry Form. All forms are reviewed once a week. We will get back to you and let you know if your preferred date or any alternative dates you may have requested are available.

2) Once your event date is reserved, we will email you to confirm you would like to proceed with the event.

3) Once the date is confirmed, an event agreement is generated for your signature. Your agreement contract and event invoice are based on the information you specify in your initial inquiry form along with instructions of all needed forms, permits, and or certifications. Any changes to the event details may change the fees associated with your event. ANY changes to an event should be communicated immediately to our event coordinator.

Additionally, the following are required for all events booked:

  • You must fill out the Special Event Application Form on the Township website. This application has a separate fee of $75. This additional application is required so that the Township can determine if other services or township departments may be necessary during your event. [Please do NOT complete this form until we have confirmed that we have availability and you have completed steps #1 and #2 above.]

  • All renters need to submit a Certificate of Insurance with a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. Policy must name the Township of Maplewood as additionally insured at 574 Valley Street, Maplewood NJ, 07040. The renter must provide the Township with a certificate of insurance prior to rental date. The township may unilaterally cancel events if proof of coverage is not provided. Insurance Providers. Please note that the Certificate of Insurance must be made out in your name or the legal name of the organization that is booking the space.

What is the fee schedule?

For us to hold the date, 1/2 the rental fee is due upon receipt of the invoice. The balance is due 2 months prior to event date. The security deposit is due two weeks prior to the event. See Venue Rates.

What time do events need to finish?

All events at The Burgdorff must end by 11PM. Breakdown of the event can occur after.

Are we allowed to make modifications to the space?

We do not allow for any modifications to the interior or exterior of the building. If you would like to discuss specific decor or the hanging or placement of any specific decorations for an event, please speak to our event coordinator prior to your event.

How far in advance can the space be booked?

Private events are generally booked no longer than six months in advance. Community groups may request the space up to a year in advance, but will be required to sign use agreements to secure the space between 4-6 months prior to an event.

Is there weekend availability?

The Burgdorff is a township community space in heavy use throughout the year. Weekend availability is limited during peak seasons (Fall and Spring). Priority is given for community use first and foremost, however, private weekend rentals are possible depending on building and staff availability.

Do you sponsor events?

The Township does sponsor many community public events throughout the year. To inquire about a possible Maplewood sponsorship, email us.