Tagore Theatre Chandigarh: 2026 Rental Charges and Booking Guide

Tagore Theatre is one of Chandigarh’s most established cultural venues and a practical choice for producers seeking a recognised proscenium auditorium, rehearsal facilities and supporting event spaces in the city centre.

Built in memory of Rabindranath Tagore under a Government of India-sponsored centenary programme, the theatre began functioning in September 1962. It is operated by the Tagore Theatre Society and supports professional and amateur theatre, dance, music and folk-art productions. Theatre Chandigarh

The venue can also accommodate auditions, fashion shows, film-star programmes, festivals, seminars and institutional events. However, a production wishing to hire it exclusively as a location for a film, web series, television programme, advertisement or music video should obtain specific filming permission and a customised quotation.

Location and Accessibility

Tagore Theatre
Sector 18-B
Chandigarh – 160018

Sector 18 is centrally placed within Chandigarh’s planned road network. The theatre is accessible from Sector 17, Madhya Marg and other central sectors containing hotels, offices, restaurants and production-support services.

Chandigarh Railway Station and Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport serve crews arriving from outside the Tricity. Actual travel time varies with the production schedule and traffic, so separate transport should be arranged for artists, technical crew and equipment.

Before dispatching large vehicles, confirm:

• Permitted loading and unloading times
• Entry arrangements for equipment trucks
• Parking for vanity vans and production vehicles
• Generator placement
• Stage-door dimensions
• Material-entry and removal procedures
• Late-evening vehicle access

Auditoriums and Supporting Spaces

The main auditorium contains 801 seats, including 74 balcony seats. Fifty seats are reserved for the theatre management, leaving 751 seats for an organiser’s invitations or ticketing. Additional chairs and overcrowding are prohibited. RULES & REGULATIONS

The venue website provides separate information sections for:

• Main auditorium
• Mini auditorium
• Stage and seating layouts
• Lighting arrangements
• Green rooms
• Light-and-sound booth
• Two rehearsal halls
• Air-conditioned basement
• Two glass foyers
• Exhibition area
• Outdoor publicity or activity space

Each rehearsal hall measures approximately 40 feet by 21 feet. Rehearsal halls

The published rules state that the main theatre has lighting equipment, public-address equipment, air-conditioning and curtains. Producers should nevertheless request the current equipment inventory, console models, microphone list, available lighting fixtures, rigging restrictions, electrical capacity and included technical staff before preparing a production design. RULES & REGULATIONS

Suitable Productions

Tagore Theatre is suitable for:

• Stage plays and dramatic productions
• Classical, folk and contemporary dance
• Musical evenings and concerts
• School and college productions
• Auditions and talent selections
• Fashion shows
• Festivals and film-star programmes
• Award ceremonies
• Non-political conferences and seminars
• Institutional or business meetings
• Recorded theatrical performances
• Live-streamed cultural programmes
• Film or web-series scenes requiring an auditorium
• Music videos constructed around a stage performance

Political programmes and religious functions are not permitted. Rehearsals cannot be opened to the public.

Standalone film, television, web-series, advertisement or music-video shoot: Price on request.

The published tariff covers performances, rehearsals and approved events. It does not provide a distinct commercial film-shoot rate.

Main-Auditorium Rental Charges

The official tariff states that GST is charged additionally. The applicable rent depends on the organiser, whether the programme is free or ticketed, and whether a rehearsal uses air-conditioning.

Non-profit organisations

For amateur theatre groups, NGOs, societies and academies:

Other organisers

The ₹50,000 rate also applies where groups organise a show in collaboration or association with another organisation. Producers should disclose every participating company and sponsor to avoid reclassification or cancellation.

The full official main-auditorium tariff should be reviewed before applying. Booking Rates

Mini Auditorium and Other Spaces

The mini auditorium offers a lower-cost alternative for intimate programmes.

Mini-auditorium sanitisation is ₹250.

Other published charges include:

• Glass Foyer I: ₹2,500 per slot
• Glass Foyer II: ₹2,500 per slot
• Exhibition area near the canteen: ₹500 from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Open space: ₹2,000 per slot
• Air-conditioned basement: ₹3,000 for four hours
• Amateur play rehearsal hall: ₹25 per hour, subject to the published eligibility and duration conditions

GST is additional. Confirm whether housekeeping, technicians, furniture, electricity and rehearsal-room equipment are included.

Sessions, Overtime and Access

The two principal show sessions are:

• Morning: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
• Evening: 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Each slot is limited to four hours. The auditorium is handed over no more than two-and-a-half hours before show time. The morning booking must be vacated before 3:00 PM and the evening booking before 11:00 PM.

An overrun of more than 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes attracts half an hour’s additional rent. Finishing more than 30 minutes late attracts one hour’s rent. No performance may run more than one additional hour. GST applies to extra rent. RULES & REGULATIONS

Producers recording a performance should include camera setup, sound checks, audience entry, programme duration and equipment strike within the approved access period.

Payment, Security Deposit and Cancellation

Full rent, GST and refundable security are payable in advance when booking.

Published security deposits are:

Security is normally refundable on a working day after two days from the programme, subject to deductions. The theatre may recover unpaid overtime and damage to the building, furniture, fittings, electrical equipment or other property.

If the organiser cancels or postpones the booking, the full hire charge is forfeited. If the administration cancels a booking for an official government programme, the rules allow a refund of hire charges excluding GST and the security deposit, or an alternative date. RULES & REGULATIONS

Permissions, Copyright and NOCs

The organiser is responsible for statutory compliance. Important requirements include:

• PPL and IPRS permissions where applicable to recorded or live music
• Submission of music-licence receipts or NOCs before the show
• Entertainment-tax exemption or ticket-sale documentation, when applicable
• Compliance with Chandigarh Police requirements
• Advance intimation of attending VIPs, VVIPs and performers
• Municipal permissions or taxes where applicable
• Artist, playwright, music and recording rights
• Audience notices and releases for recorded programmes

The theatre’s rules call for applicable copyright documentation at least four days before the performance and relevant police or ticketing information seven days before it.

Professional filming may require additional written consent covering camera positions, cable routing, recording rights, electrical load, exterior filming and the publication or broadcast of venue images.

Important Venue Restrictions

Organisers should note that:

• Food and drinks are prohibited inside the auditorium.
• Outside food cannot be served within the theatre boundary.
• Extra seating is prohibited.
• Only an approved 6-foot by 3-foot sponsor standee is permitted.
• Flower and rangoli decoration is prohibited in the theatre, including the stage and foyers.
• The actual organiser must match the organisation named in the booking.
• Loss or damage remains the hirer’s responsibility.
• Political and religious programmes are not allowed.

Booking Procedure

1. Review the official tariff.
2. Read the complete rules and regulations.
3. Check the current programme schedule.
4. Select the main hall, mini auditorium, rehearsal hall or supporting space.
5. Submit the organiser’s details, registration proof and contact information online.
6. Describe the production, artists, date and required facilities.
7. Request a technical recce and current equipment list.
8. Obtain written filming approval if cameras will be used commercially.
9. Pay the full rent, GST and security after confirmation.
10. Submit copyright, police, tax and other statutory documents within the prescribed time.

Bookings can generally be confirmed no more than 90 days in advance.

Verified Booking Contact

Tagore Theatre Society
Sector 18-B, Chandigarh – 160018

Telephone: +91 172 2724278
Email: tagoretheatre18@gmail.com
Official website: Tagore Theatre Chandigarh
Main and supporting-space application: Online application form
Mini-auditorium application: Mini-auditorium form
Rehearsal-hall application: Rehearsal application

Published office hours are Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 noon–5:00 PM. Application

Accommodation and Crew Transport

Sectors 17, 18, 19, 22 and adjoining central areas offer hotels, guest houses and food services across several budgets. Accommodation close to Sector 18 can reduce delays during rehearsals and evening programmes.

Keep separate transport for equipment and artists. Confirm vehicle parking before reserving rooms or hiring vanity vans, since central-sector parking availability can vary with surrounding events.

Practical Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• Established government-supported cultural venue
• Main and mini auditorium options
• Published rents and security deposits
• Two rehearsal halls and supporting event spaces
• Central Chandigarh location
• Online application system
• Installed lighting, PA equipment and air-conditioning
• Suitable for auditions and recorded performances

Limitations

• No published standalone commercial-shoot rate
• Full advance payment is required
• Organiser cancellation forfeits the hire charge
• Strict four-hour sessions and overrun rules
• Fifty main-auditorium seats are reserved for management
• External food and certain decorations are prohibited
• Copyright and police compliance rests with the organiser

Producer’s Checklist

• Written commercial-filming approval
• Confirmed auditorium and rehearsal slots
• Stage, seating and lighting plans
• Current sound and lighting inventory
• Camera positions and cable-routing approval
• Electrical-load and generator requirements
• Crew, artist, guest and vehicle lists
• Copyright, music and recording licences
• Police and ticketing documentation
• GST-inclusive quotation
• Refundable-security confirmation
• Overtime calculation
• Equipment and public-liability insurance
• Damage inspection before and after use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the private-organisation rent for the main auditorium?

The published rate for an organisation outside the listed non-profit and public categories is ₹50,000, plus GST, security and applicable extras.

Can Tagore Theatre be hired for an audition?

Yes. Auditions are expressly included among the permitted programme types, subject to availability and approval.

Can a web series or film shoot there?

Potentially, but the website does not publish a shoot-only tariff. Obtain written approval and a customised quotation.

How many seats are available?

The main auditorium has 801 seats, but 50 are reserved for management, leaving 751 at the organiser’s disposal.

What happens if the organiser cancels?

The rules state that the full hire charge is forfeited when the organiser cancels or postpones.

Is GST included in the displayed rates?

No. GST is charged additionally at the applicable rate.

How far ahead can the auditorium be reserved?

The published rules allow confirmation up to 90 days in advance.

Source Links

• Official Tagore Theatre website
• Official booking rates
• Official rules and regulations
• Main-auditorium information
• Mini-auditorium information
• Official forms and notifications
• Chandigarh Tourism contact page

Accuracy Disclaimer

Rates, contact details and booking rules were checked against the official Tagore Theatre and Chandigarh Tourism websites on 5 October 2026. Tariffs, GST, equipment availability and permissions may change without notice. Obtain a written tax-inclusive quotation and explicit filming authorisation from Tagore Theatre Society before announcing dates or committing production expenditure.