Starting Arts Rental FAQs

General Rental Questions

What types of items can I rent from Starting Arts?

Starting Arts offers rentals for theatrical productions, including:

Costumes
Props
Set pieces
Technical equipment
Other production-related rental items

Availability depends on your production needs and current inventory.

How do I get a rental estimate?

Before your pickup date, Starting Arts will provide a rental estimate based on the items requested. The estimate will include anticipated rental fees for costumes, props, sets, and/or technical equipment.

Your final rental total may be adjusted if additional items or services are added.

When is payment due?

Payment is due at the time of pickup.

The renter must pay the amount listed on the rental estimate, plus any additional items selected at pickup or delivery.

What payment methods do you accept?

Starting Arts accepts:

Check
Credit card

Credit card payments are subject to a 3% processing fee.

Costumes

Is there a minimum costume rental fee?

Yes. All costume rentals have a minimum rental charge of $100.

Does my costume rental include assistance?

Yes. Costume rentals include up to 30 minutes of assistance or consultation with a Starting Arts costumer.

Additional consultation time is available at $25 per hour.

Can I alter or modify rented costumes?

No. Costumes may not be altered, recolored, reshaped, or modified without written approval from Starting Arts.

Unauthorized changes may result in repair costs or replacement charges.

Do costumes need to be cleaned before return?

Yes. All costumes must be cleaned before being returned to Starting Arts.

Renters are also responsible for reporting any damage, including minor repairs or repairs performed by the renter.

Props, Sets, and Technical Equipment

Can I add items after receiving my rental estimate?

Yes. Additional costumes, props, set pieces, technical equipment, or other rental items may be added after the estimate is issued.

Any additional items will be added to your final rental total and must be paid according to the rental terms.

Is delivery available?

Delivery may be available but not guaranteed.

Delivery fees are based on the delivery location and will be added to your rental cost.

How should props and equipment be returned?

Props and equipment should be:

Sanitized or sprayed before return
Carefully packed in appropriate containers
Protected from bending, breaking, or other damage

Renters are responsible for returning items in the condition in which they were received.

Rental Care and Responsibility

Who is responsible for the rental items?

The renter is responsible for all rented items from the time they are picked up or delivered until they are returned and accepted by Starting Arts.

This responsibility includes use by employees, volunteers, participants, contractors, and other members of the renter’s organization.

What happens if something is damaged?

The renter is responsible for costs related to:

Repairs
Replacement materials
Cleaning or restoration
Labor required to return items to rental condition

Any damage must be reported when the rental items are returned.

What happens if an item is lost, stolen, or cannot be repaired?

The renter is responsible for the full replacement cost of any costume, prop, set piece, or technical equipment that is:

Lost
Stolen
Destroyed
Damaged beyond reasonable repair

Can I make repairs myself?

Minor repairs may be completed by the renter, such as:

Reattaching components
Mending seams
Replacing screws
Similar small repairs

However, all damage and repairs must be disclosed when items are returned.

Returns and Late Fees

When are rental items due back?

All rental items must be returned by the agreed-upon return date.

Are there late fees?

Yes. Late returns are subject to a $50 per day late fee beginning the day after the agreed return date until all items are returned.

Safety and Liability

Who is responsible for how rental items are used?

The renter is responsible for ensuring that all rental items are used properly and safely by employees, volunteers, participants, and other users.

Is Starting Arts responsible for injuries or damages caused by rental items?

Renters assume responsibility for the use, handling, installation, and operation of all rented items.

Starting Arts is not responsible for damages, injuries, or losses resulting from the misuse or handling of rental items.

Changes and Cancellations

Can changes be made to the rental agreement?

Any changes or modifications to the rental agreement must be made in writing and approved by both parties.

Can a rental agreement be cancelled?

Starting Arts reserves the right to cancel a rental agreement when necessary.

Before You Sign

What am I agreeing to when I rent from Starting Arts?

By signing the rental agreement, you acknowledge that:

You received and reviewed the rental terms
You agree to pay the rental estimate amount at pickup or delivery
You are responsible for additional items added to your rental
You understand costume rentals have a $100 minimum
You accept responsibility for rental items until they are returned and accepted by Starting Arts