What is it?
The Play Ground is an alternative performing arts venue offering engaging, thought-provoking programming in all disciplines – theatre, dance, music, poetry, art, film and the spoken word. The Play Ground serves as a home for emerging and experienced artists alike and reflects the vibrant artistic community of Duluth and northeastern Minnesota.
How does it work?
The Play Ground is offered at no cost to artists. In fact, artists have the opportunity to make money! The Play Ground space offers lighting, sound equipment, video screen, and a projector. Play Ground staff will help advertise your show, sell tickets, and provide limited technical support. In return, the Play Ground receives a split of the box office receipts. Because the Play Ground seeks to host as many artists as possible, the focus should be on the work itself and not on production values. The goal is to provide a flexible, engaging space that allows a multitude of performers the chance to present their work.
Where is it?
The Play Ground is a 70-seat theatre located in
Duluth’s Technology Village at 11 East Superior Street on the main level.
All business correspondence, however, should be through the
Duluth Playhouse at 506 West Michigan Street, (218) 733-7555.
Technical specs
The playing area on the stage is approximately 22x24. It is intimate and appropriate for small casts and ensembles. There is one makeup/dressing room. Play Ground staff can assist with minimal lighting/stage design.
The lighting instruments are hung in a standard rep plot and may not be moved, and artists will have no more than 3-5 days to be in the space before performing, so elaborate sets are not allowed. It’s even possible that following your show, there may be a late show of someone else’s work. Because the Play Ground seeks to host as many artists as possible, the focus should be on the work itself and not on production values.
How much will it cost to perform there?
Essentially, it costs nothing to use the Play Ground space. The venue, equipment and personnel are provided at no cost to presenters. Independent artists have the opportunity to actually make money! Play Ground staff will help advertise your show, sell tickets at the door, provide limited tech support and, in return, take a percentage of box office receipts, splitting remaining profits with the artists. Artists may also wish to ask the Duluth Playhouse to serve as producer for their event; however, there is no split of the box office with this formula. Details are available under the application process.
How do I apply?
Presenters who are interested in performing at the Play Ground need to submit a basic proposal, including:
- Application cover sheet with contact information, a sentence or two about the project, and performance dates desired. Click HERE for application.
- Résumé
- One page description of the project, if necessary.
- Work samples (video, photographs, CDs) if appropriate
All proposals are reviewed by committee on a monthly basis. The Play Ground will then contact the presenter/artist and may request a personal interview. Proposals are accepted year-round and should be submitted to:
Elyse Snider
The Play Ground
c/o Duluth Playhouse
506 West Michigan Street
Duluth, MN 55802
pginfo@duluthplayhouse.org
The Play Ground lobby has a track-display system to safely mount artwork for display.
How much will it cost to have an exhibit?
Not a thing. In fact, you have the opportunity to make money should your artwork sell. The Play Ground does not require a percentage of the sale, nor are there any overhead costs. The Play Ground is not a museum and is therefore not typically open to the public during the day. Lobby artwork is primarily exposed to the public via the evening Play Ground performances of varying disciplines. Visual artists are, however, free to conduct private showings or public receptions (by arrangement and at your own expense).
How do I arrange an exhibit?
Please contact Lee Zimmerman at
silkfashion@msn.com or email
pginfo@duluthplayhouse.org for more information.
The Duluth Playhouse, as the parent organization for the Play Ground, will not carry any insurance/liability coverage for artists or artwork. You will be asked to sign a waiver, should your exhibit by chosen, to release the Duluth Playhouse and Play Ground of any and all claims related to the exhibition and usage of space, including personal injury. Artists are exclusively responsible for displaying/hanging their work. A strip of metal molding surrounds the room for easy hanging using fishing wire and picture hooks. You may view the space upon request.
