The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is a purpose-built video production facility for the independent artistic projects of Extended Access members. This is a professional space, approximately 600 square ft with a grid height of 13’, ideal for small projects requiring simple builds and professional production values. The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is located at 65 University Private, the University of Ottawa’s Morisset Library basement (Level 00). The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is available for artistic purposes only.
DARC SOUNDSTAGE bookings are available to Extended Access members only. Please include your desired block booking time in your booking request. Ensure you have read all provided information before booking. For general inquiries, please email tech@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca.
Equipment and facilities are available to not-for-profit groups and cultural organizations with annual operating budgets under $1,000,000 that are producing work that fits within DARC’s mandate. Contact tech@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca for more information.
Want to teach a class? Send an email to access@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca to propose a workshop idea. To check out our past educational programming visit our Education page.
The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is exclusively available for independent media projects. Commercial productions for which the director/creator does not retain copyright and artistic control are not allowed. Projects for which the director/creator is being paid under a commercial contract for content and or being produced for a commercial client for the purpose of advertising or promotion are not permitted.
All work created using DARC’s facilities and equipment must adhere to our mandate.
The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is wheelchair accessible via the two elevators located at the Cumberland Street entrance to the Morisset Library. This video production studio is located in the basement area of the building. Other entrances around the building can be accessed through stairs.
Paying parking is available after 3PM at at the University of Ottawa K Parking lot, located on University Private, at the intersection of Cumberland Street.
5-minute parking is available at the Cumberland Street entrance for transportation of gear and props through the elevators. Parking is not included in your booking. You can access information about parking at the University of Ottawa. Access to the loading dock may be coordinated with notice and only from Monday – Friday from 8AM to 4PM.
The DARC SOUNDSTAGE is available seven days a week during the Summer* (May 1-August 31) from 10 AM to 10 PM. Bookings outside this time period are reserved to evenings and weekends, as per our agreement with uOttawa.
The DARC block booking system offers four different packages. Rates vary depending on the length of booking. Blocks are booked for the time slots listed below, regardless of whether you need the entire block. This helps us keep our studio well maintained, clean and available when our members need it. Bookings are made for the time slots listed below, regardless of whether you need the entire block. This helps us keep our studio well maintained, clean and available when our members need it. Members are welcome to book more than one block at a time. Fees must be paid in advance of all bookings. Rates may vary depending on the configuration of the spaces and its use.
Because this is a co-managed space, bookings must be made at least 1 month in advance to prevent conflict with uOttawa classes and activities.
*When booking more than one day in a row you’ll be required to perform our after hours rules and security procedures.
DARC reserves the right to cancel bookings but will notify you as soon as possible in the event of any cancellations.
DARC reserves the right to change these terms at any time.
The price includes use of installed equipment only – check equipment list below.
DARC also offers equipment rentals that must be booked and picked up separately depending on availability. Learn more about DARC equipment rentals on our Equipment page.
We offer in-person tours if you wish to take a look at the facilities before booking. Contact tech@digitalartsresourcecentre.ca to book it in-person. A virtual tour and photos of the space can be found below. Check our booking calendar for up-to-date availability.
Cancellations must be made up to 48 hours in advance of your booking. If less than 48 hours’ notice is given, members will be billed the full price of the booking. If a member does not show up for their booking, a penalty fee of $80 will be charged on top of the booking fees.
The DARC Soundstage is our dedicated production space, and our production (e.g not software based) workshops are hosted here. There are many opportunities for members to become familiar with the technical capacity of the space, including our member portal video guides. Members who do not meet DARC’s technical skill requirements to operate the DARC SOUNDSTAGE alone must hire a DARC technician.
DARC technicians have been trained by DARC technical staff in expertly operating the equipment in the soundstage. Members cannot use their own technicians unless those technicians have been trained and/or approved by DARC technical staff. DARC technicians are to be paid a minimum of $35/hr for their services.
The DARC Soundstage is physically located on the uOttawa campus, and is beholden to their current health and safety policies regarding COVID-19. Please see uOttawa’s Covid-19 Policies for more information.
You can generally find masks at the elevators and doors at Morriset. DARC leaves masks and sanitation supplies in the metal cabinet at the SOUNDSTAGE. Find DARC HQ’s current COVID-19 policy on our Covid Policy page.
In the case of a public health emergency, provincial and national guidelines will take precedent over our existing policies.
67 Nicholas St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7B9