The Joy Theater | Central Business District, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

The Joy Theater

EST. PRIOR TO 1947

1200 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States

Message & Request Pricing

Staying true to our New Orleans heritage, the Joy Theater has been returned to its art deco grandeur of the late 1940's,

including the renovation of the iconic marquee that graces Canal Street.

The Lowdown

Type: Banquet Hall / Event Facility Historic Building Theatre

Views: No View

Style: Art Deco
Urban

Best type of Celebrations

Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception

Social Event

Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.

Anniversary

Engagement Party

Venue Setting

Staying true to our New Orleans heritage, the Joy Theater has been returned to its art deco grandeur of the late 1940's, including the renovation of the iconic marquee that graces Canal Street. The Joy Theater is conveniently located only two blocks from the French Quarter, walking distance to all downtown hotels, the Super Dome and less than one mile to the Convention Center. The venue features a state-of-the-art audio/visual system, built-in stage and flexible floor plans which can be configured in limitless ways to support your next event.

Venue Quick Facts:
-Recently renovated
-10,000 Sq. Foot Historic, Multi-Purpose Venue
-Iconic Canal St Marquee Can Be Personalized
-State-of-the-Art Audio/Visual System
-Built in Stage with Multi-Configurable Floor Plans
-1200 Standing Room
-656 Theatre Seating

Capacity

Seated: 656

Buffet: 150

Standing: 1200

Fees

(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)

Price range: Join the party and sign in to view pricing

Does this include catering fees?: No

Estimated price per head: from $50 to $1,000

Additional charges: Venue rental does not include food, beverge, staffing, security, tax or service charges.

Insurance: Additional Insurance Is Required To Host An Event At This Venue

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Event Logistics and Amenities

(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)

Celebrations hosted here since: 1947
Curfew: No Curfew
Venue spaces: Indoor Venue Space Only
Catering: Client Can Select The Caterer Of Their Choice
Alcohol: Provided By Venue For Fee – You Must Use The Venue For All Alcohol Services
Music: Indoors Only
Smoking: Non-smoking Venue
Accommodations: Backstage dressing with private bath.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Other: Yes

Amenities

A/V Equipment
Street Parking
Valet Parking
Wifi
Onsite Restrooms
Other
Other amenities: reeception set up (tables, chairs, bar stools) for 100 to include fited linens.

Venue Features

The scene:: The Joy Theater was once one of four original movie theaters to grace downtown New Orleans opening its doors on February 7, 1947. We are conveniently located on the Canal and Rampart Streetcar lines - 2 blocks from the French Quarter, walking distance to all downtown hotels, The New Orleans Arena, Super Dome and less than 1 mile to the Convention Center.

Viewed as a “modern” movie house with its iconic neon marquee and art deco architecture, The building stands as a symbol of the vibrant historic legacy of downtown New Orleans. It lives in the minds of generations of New Orleanians who fondly remember Canal Street as an essential component of their daily lives. In this sense the Joy is more than a theatre; it is a repository of memory, meaning and the shared experiences of a community.
Design:: Designed by Favrot and Reed architects and completed in 1946, the Joy Theatre is one of the few remaining examples of the post-war movie palace in New Orleans. The Joy was the first movie palace to be constructed in New Orleans following the Depression era's period of economic decline and the new construction ban put in place during World War II. Its conception and construction heralds the optimism and economic expansion of post war America.

2011 saw the resurrection of this historical landmark and The Joy Theater was rebuilt as a state of the art venue for live music, film, theatrical performances, comedy and special event space. The significance of the Joy Theatre can not be reduced to mere statements of architectural or historical merit. Today, the Joy Theater is dedicated to bringing music, film, and culture to the City of New Orleans and surrounding areas by providing world class entertainment to a wide variety of audiences.
Standout venue features:: We have executed successful events for clients such as HBO, Frito Lay, Heineken, Pandora, Adobe, Miller Coors Brewing, Sprint and History Channel to name a few. Features include:
- Canal Street marquee personalized to commemorate your event
- 54' passenger zone allows for convenient bus drop off, load in/load out or mobile brand activation
- In house video system for logo display, film screenings and live feed of stage
- Entertainment booking assistance with local or national touring acts
- Ticketing services including on site box office
- Customizable marketing packages to promote and drive tickets sales
- Numerous options for on site brand activation both in theater and at street level
- Proficient in house production team skilled at executing corporate events and concerts
- Courteous, professional security team to include armed and unarmed guards
Our knowledgeable events team prioritizes personalized service, customization and flexibility to ensure clients realize their vision of a seamless event. Relationships with local vendors allow for one stop shop booking of event entertainment, decor, photo booths, casino games, even alligator handlers and Mardi Gras parades on site!
Extra perks:: Venue rental includes use of our state of the art sound, video and lighting system, reception setup (tables, chairs, linens and led candles with lattice glass candle holders) for 100 guests, an on-site day of event manager and a commemorative announcement on our iconic Canal St. marquee.

Awards & Notables

Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.

The Joy has hosted numerous screening events including the premiere of Beasts of the Southern Wild before NY & LA, HBO Season Premieres of Treme, Game of Thrones, and True Detective, the New Orleans Film Fest, the New Orleans screening of ROOTS for History Channel, Oceans8 Films screening of After the Spill with acclaimed filmmaker Jon Bowermaster, as well as Oscar nominated director Josh Fox’ How to Let Go of the World. We have executed successful premiere events with numerous studios including HBO, ABC, History Channel, A+E, Fox Searchlight, Paramount and Groundswell Productions.
The Joy has hosted special events for such promienent clients as Frito Lay, Heineken, Adobe, Verizon, Miller Coors Brewing, Consultant Connect, New Belgium and Dancing with The Stars to name a few.

Food Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Lounges

This section provides insights into our diverse culinary and social offerings.

The Joy enjoys strong working relationships with several local caterers who can accomodate any type of meal service desired. From menus reflective of New Orleans cuisine to special dietary needs - breakfast, lunch, dinner and receptions - even food trucks. The Joy will work with our preferred caterer to customize a menu tailored to your requests. Outside catering is welcome for a facility fee.

The Joy’s in house concessionaire offers a full craft cocktail menu featuring local specialty drinks and a vast selection of wines, spirits and beers. Our skilled mixologists can even create a specialty drink to suit the theme of your event that you are welcome to name in order to commemorate your special event.