The Southern is well known for presenting a wide variety of local, national and international artists in a full season of performances that change nearly every week. The Southern provides unique opportunities for artists not only through its supportive environment, but also in special programs such as the McKnight Artist Fellowships for Dancers and Choreographers. This section offers information about the Southern’s curating policies, its technical specifications, as well as other performing and fellowship opportunities that are open to artists at the Southern Theater.

The Southern Theater is especially known as a world-class presenter of dance, and many of the talented artists in the Twin Cities have performed on our stage. Local dance artist are an important part of the Southern's community, and we nurture this relationship with a weekly Dance Community News Update. This succinct, e-mail bulletin offers information about current performances in the Twin Cities, grant deadlines, occasional job openings, and general news of interest to the dance community. If you would like to receive this free update, send an e-mail to newsletter at southerntheater.org or call Kelsey Ann Olson at 612-340-0155, ext. 313.

Dance artists and choreographers may also be interested in our McKnight Artist Fellowship Program for Choreographers and Dancers.

CURATING POLICIES

For artists who are interested in having their work presented at the Southern:

Southern Theater seasons are fully curated. Work presented by the Southern is selected by a program director based on its suitability to our mission, vision and curating philosophy. Programming at the Southern is not on a first-come first-served basis; we are not a rental house. We take time to learn about an artist and his/her work, both the product and process, before making a decision to present that artist.

Once selected for presentation on our season, the Southern provides technical, marketing, public relations, box office and front of house support for works that have been made ready for production - often but not always - through a fundraising and production process that is external to the Southern.

If you have work that you think would fit well at the Southern, the best way to begin a dialogue with us is to send a brief letter or email outlining your proposed project, together with some background information about key project personnel. We do not have a formal application process or timetable.

Letters should be directed to:

ATTN: Program Director (Dance, Music or Theater)
Southern Theater
1420 Washington Ave So
Minneapolis, MN 55454
 
Dance program director: Laurie Van Wieren laurie@southerntheater.org
Music program director: Kate Nordstrum kate@southerntheater.org
Theater program director: Jon Ferguson jon@southerntheater.org 

Proposals for work can be accepted at any time; however you should be aware that we are generally booked approximately twelve to sixteen months into the future at any given time. You may contact us regarding productions on shorter notice than one year if you wish, as such openings do occasionally occur, but the likelihood of programming these is not strong.