Our Mission
To cultivate and share experimental works of contemporary performance, to champion artists both near and far, and to provide a home in Seattle for artistic risk and discovery.
Our Vision
A more inclusive, creative, and forward-thinking culture, enabled through the power of artistic experimentation and live encounters.
We value:
Artists and their work: Artists and their process, work, and presentation are central to On the Boards.
Artistic experimentation and risk: OtB embraces diversity, complexity, and experimentation as necessary conditions for discovery and cultural change.
Live and embodied experience: OtB values live performance as a powerful site of shared presence and transformation.
Belonging and access: Creating communities of belonging and connection around unique and boundary-pushing live art experiences is core to our mission.
Stewardship, care, and organizational sustainability: OtB stewards its people, resources, and relationships with care and integrity, leading through collaboration and mutual respect.
We welcome all races, religions, countries of origin, sexual orientations, and genders here.
History
As one of the leading organizations of our size and focus in the United States, On the Boards produces unique performance projects by leading artists and creates one-of-a-kind experiences for our audiences. We make significant investments in the performing arts community to help increase the quality of new work created. We contribute to the vitality of arts and culture in our region by helping launch and continue the careers of some of its most promising artists while growing audiences for experimental performance.
Since its inception, On the Boards has featured seminal performances by artists including Laurie Anderson, Bill T. Jones, The Wooster Group, Spalding Gray, Dumb Type, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker, Sankai Juku, Gisèle Vienne, Bruno Beltrão, chelfitsch, Romeo Castellucci, John Jasperse, Jan Fabre, Back to Back Theatre, Faustin Linyekula, Mark Morris, Pat Graney, Dayna Hanson, Amy O’Neal, Reggie Watts, Zoe Scofield & Juniper Shuey, and Crystal Pite.
We fulfill our mission by supporting artists from the Northwest and beyond through new commissions and existing work presented online and in person. We provide local artists with residencies that include rehearsal space, development support, project management, dramaturgical and curatorial feedback, and advocacy to create new and exciting projects. Our publishing platform, On the Boards TV, is a one-of-its-kind portal that features HD performance films and contextual educational material to deepen audiences’ understanding of the field of contemporary performance.
We offer a range of resources and events that provide in-depth information and complimentary social experiences to frame the art on our stages and create dynamic access for our audiences. Our FUBAR lobby and post-show events provide patrons with ample opportunities for socializing, and our creative partnerships with other arts leaders in Seattle nurture a more robust and connected creative community. Online contextual tools such as artist interviews, essays and reviews enable better understanding and discussion of the work we present while Q&A sessions and master classes provide direct access to artists.
Building
On the Boards moved into its current space, the Behnke Center for Contemporary Performance, in 1998 in Seattle's lower Queen Anne neighborhood in the historic Queen Anne Hall. We currently present a robust season in two theaters: our 300-seat Merrill Theater and our flexible Studio Theater.
Land Acknowledgement
On the Boards acknowledges that we work on the unceded ancestral home of the Duwamish and many other Indigenous peoples, recorded and unrecorded, who have been the custodians of this land since time immemorial. As settlers on this land, we extend our deepest gratitude and respect to Indigenous people past, present, and future.
On the Boards is exploring ways to better align our practices with Coast Salish protocol. Part of our understanding of the protocol is making material gifts to the Indigenous peoples of this land as a way of recognizing their historic and present dedication to the well-being of the territory and all beings who make a home here.
We encourage you to donate online at:
This acknowledgment does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities but serves as a first step in honoring the land we occupy. To learn more about land acknowledgments visit:
https://nativegov.org/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment