You are here: American University School of Communication Event Spaces

Back to top

CNN Anchor Jake Tapper and SOC professor Jane Hall speak in front of an audience of students.

School of Communication Event Spaces

Each year the School of Communication (SOC) hosts numerous events including screenings, guest speakers, seminars, and receptions that involve students, faculty, staff, and alumni from the school and the university, as well as outside non-profit groups, government agencies, and for-profits.

Because our event spaces also serve as classrooms, availability is limited and preference is given to groups and individuals that are either directly affiliated with SOC, events that SOC is co-sponsoring, or events that align with the mission of the school and benefit SOC students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Fees to rent spaces, along with associated staff costs, might apply. In addition to space availability, approval of each event is contingent upon the availability of SOC staff needed to support the event.

All SOC rooms are compliant with ADA standards and hearing impaired accommodations can be arranged in advance. American University is a smoke-free campus and serving alcohol is not permitted without completing a campus alcohol approval form in conjunction with the SOC event planning manager.

Selected
Getting Started
Definition of Groups

To inquire about facility rentals and to discuss your event, the first step is to contact the SOC event planning manager at socevents@american.edu. The manager is the first point of contact for all events at SOC, providing an initial consultation to discuss the scope of your event and then serving to guide planning and execution of every facet including catering, facilities, technical support and promotion as needed. The event planning manager will also discuss deadlines for reserving spaces and services.

Internal: Internal groups include School of Communication faculty, staff, students, departments, and centers.

Internal AU, External Non-profit/government entity: Other schools, departments, centers, and personnel directly associated with American University. Student groups or individual students must be directly affiliated with American University and provide contact information for a faculty or staff advisor who is supervising their activities or project. Internal groups, student groups, and individual students, faculty, and staff are not permitted to reserve spaces on behalf of external non-profit/government or corporate entities.

External non-profit/government entities must provide certification of their tax-empt or government status to receive this rate.

Corporate: For-profit individuals or entities that do not fall under the previous two groups.

Have questions? Want to talk about your event?

Send us an email atÌýsocevents@american.edu

Hours of Operation for Events

Monday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Sunday events are by special arrangement only. SOC does not host events during university holidays.

Rentable Facilities

Please note that prices quoted are minimum rates and actual costs will vary depending on factors such as complexity of technology used and any additional staff or supplies. A four-hour minimum will apply to all rentals. In addition, time will need to be allocated for set up and breakdown. All rentals, whether internal or external, will require the completion and submission of a facility user agreement.Ìý(Please note that prices will be periodically reevaluated and will be subject to change.)

The Rhonda Joy Brown Lounge is immediately adjacent to the Media Innovation Lab and may be used as a reception area in conjunction with events taking place in the MIL. Note: Due to the open nature of the space, consideration will need to be given regarding the potential impact noise might have on classes in adjacent areas.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity

$100 per hour

External: Corporate

$150 per hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Room 100

Ìý

The Media Innovation Lab (MIL) is located on the first floor of the McKinley Building and can service a broad array of events from receptions to presentations with live audiences that can be taped or live-streamed with up to four HD cameras. The facility also features a nine-screen programmable video wall, along with a full audio/video control booth. Occupancy is flexible and can range from a maximum of 90 people standing to smaller groups depending on whether seating is arranged in theater-style or workshop configurations with moveable tables.

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

The MIL requires an SOC staff person to run the video wall/audio. These rental rates include that person and an events assistant. Additional labor will be quoted at hourly rates.

Internal SOC:

$100 per hour

AU/Nonprofit/government entity

$185Ìýper hour

External: Corporate

$400Ìýper hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Room 101

Ìý

MCK 101 is one of the largest classrooms in the McKinley building and affords flexible space for classes, seminars, presentations and receptions. Occupancy is flexible and can range from a maximum capacity of 115 people standing to smaller groups when the room is configured with seats in theater style, or in conjunction with moveable tables set up in classroom rows or as pods for dining and group work sessions. MCK 101 also features digital overhead projection, connections to integrate client laptops with the projector as well as a podium for speakers and a large whiteboard.

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity

$150 per hour

External: Corporate

$200 per hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Room 102

Ìý

MCK 102 is a 10-person conference room adjacent to MCK 101 that may be used in conjunction with events taking place in MCK 101 that require a staging area for food or other supplies. (Subject to availability.)

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity

$80 per hour

External: Corporate

$100 per hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Room 201, Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater

Ìý

The Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater is located on the second floor of the McKinley Building. The exhibition space has seating for 144 audience members and can accommodate a total of 167 people, including those standing. In terms of equipment, Doyle-Forman features a Sony 4K Digital Cinema Package (DCP) projection system and 7.1-surround sound audio. The facility is available to host festivals, conferences and lectures, and can display material from blu ray discs and a wide variety of digital file formats, including encrypted files for first-run films. In addition to the main theater space, the facility also has a green room for presenters and other special guests to gather prior to their appearance. This space is included in the price of the theater.Ìý

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

The theater requires a member of the SOC staff to run the projection/audio booth. These rental rates include that person and an eventÌýassistant. Additional labor will be quoted at hourly rates.

Internal SOC:

$150 per hour

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$385Ìýper hour

External: Corporate

$550Ìýper hour

Ìý

School of Communication Doyle-Forman Theater Lobby

Ìý

For presentations and screenings taking place in the Doyle-Forman Theater that feature a reception, the foyer offers a great place for pre- or post-event mingling. The space can accommodate approximately 50 guests and is by default unfurnished, allowing for flexibility in terms of having catering companies bring in cocktail-type tables or other accommodations. This space is available only for use in conjunction with events held in the theater.

Ìý

Please note, food and beverages are not allowed in the theater.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$100 per hour

External: Corporate

$150 per hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Rooftop Terrance

Ìý

Weather permitting, the McKinley Roof Terrace offers a wonderful opportunity for outdoor receptions. The area has space for up to 49 guests and comes equipped with an assortment of patio furniture and tables. By prior arrangement, the MCK Third Floor Hallway immediately adjacent to the terrace may be used for overflow capacity or possibly a back-up space should the weather turn inclement. For larger events, we highly recommend clients make alternative reservations for other rooms around campus if the foyer cannot hold your guests.

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$200 per hour

External: Corporate

$300Ìýper hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Third Floor Hallway

Ìý

The MCK Third Floor Hallway is immediately adjacent to the McKinley Roof Terrace. In its standard configuration, the hallway has an assortment of tall tables, lounge chairs and coffee tables well suited to informal gatherings. Seating capacity is approximately 26 people, while total occupancy is 50. Note: Due to the open nature of the space, consideration will need to be given regarding the potential impact noise might have on offices in adjacent areas.

Ìý

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity

$100 per hour

External: Corporate

$150 per hour

Ìý

School of Communication McKinley Terrace Lounge

The McKinley Terrace Lounge is located on the ground level of the building. In its default configuration it features an assortment of tables, dining chairs and arm chairs, though these can be removed to accommodate a standing capacity of 50 guests. Note: Due to the open nature of the space, consideration will need to be given regarding the potential impact noise might have on classes in adjacent areas.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$100 per hour

External: Corporate

$150 per hour

Ìý

There are a variety of classrooms throughout the building ideal for meetings,Ìýworking groups, or breakout sessions.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$80 per hour

External: Corporate

$100 per hour

Ìý

Several of ourÌýclassrooms also hold workstations (Macs) making them ideal for workshops or training sessions.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

No cost if held during normal operating hours

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$100 per hour

External: Corporate

$150 per hour

Ìý

For events requiring a food preparation area, the pantry in MCK T04 can be reserved in advance. The space offers a sink, refrigerator and counter space. The pantry is conveniently located by the elevator for access to events on upper levels.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Ìý

Internal SOC:

$0 per hour

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$40 per hour

External: Corporate

$50 per hour

Ìý

Our almost 2,000 square foot studio is the perfect placeÌýto produce and direct narrative fiction projects. It boasts a large green-screen area, a full lighting grid, and all black, studio cycloramic curtains from which you can create the full "black box" effect.

Ìý

Rental Rates
Group Rate per hour

Internal SOC:

$150 per hour

AU/Nonprofit/government entity:

$200 per hour

External: Corporate

$250 per hour

Ìý

Labor Rates
Type of Staff Straight-time (Minimum 4 hours) Overtime (Minimum 4 hours) Double-time (Minimum 4 hours)

Technical:

$50 per hour

$74 per hour

$100 per hour

Events:

$36 per hour

$54 per hour

$72 per hour