What is a Receiving House?

A receiving house (called a roadhouse in North America) is a theatre or venue that mainly hosts touring productions, concerts and external events, rather than creating its own shows. The touring company brings the show; the venue provides the building, staff and technical support.

How a receiving house works

Each visiting show follows a similar cycle:

  1. Booking: the venue agrees dates with a touring producer or promoter, either as a hire or a box office split.
  2. Advance: the venue's technical team advances the show's set, lighting, sound and crew needs.
  3. Get-in: the touring crew and venue crew load in and build the show, often in a single day.
  4. Performances: the show runs for one night or a week, with the venue running front of house and box office.
  5. Get-out and settlement: the show loads out and the venue settles the box office with the producer.

Constant turnarounds mean every team needs the same up-to-date schedule. Many venues use Crescat for receiving houses to run this cycle.

Receiving house vs producing house

A receiving house hosts shows made elsewhere. A producing house creates its own productions, with its own creative team and workshops. Many venues do some of both, but usually lean one way. Receiving houses need fast, flexible crews more than large workshops.

What a receiving house provides

  • The stage, auditorium and backstage spaces
  • House lighting, sound and power
  • Local technical crew for get-in, show and get-out
  • Box office, front of house and bar staff
  • Marketing support for each visiting show

Frequently asked questions

How does a receiving house make money?

Usually through a share of ticket sales, such as an 80/20 split in favour of the touring production, or a flat hire fee. Bars, catering and booking fees add further income.

What is a roadhouse?

Roadhouse is the North American term for a receiving house: a venue that hosts touring Broadway shows, concerts and other visiting productions.

What is a get-in day?

A get-in day is the day a touring production arrives and builds its set in the venue. Larger shows may need several get-in days before the first performance. On a busy week, a receiving house may get in and out several shows.

Related terms