Open Stages

Constellation Stage & Screen – Open Stages for Emerging Artists

Constellation Stage & Screen is partnering with the Bloomington Arts Commission (BAC) to launch an Open Stages program to provide low-cost performance space for emerging artists. Artists who meet the BAC’s criteria for an emerging artist will be eligible to apply for discounted rental rates at the Waldron Arts Center and Ted Jones Playhouse. Available dates will be included in the application and rentals will include technical support for productions. 

“Our goal for this program is to make these venues accessible to up-and-coming artists of all ages. Artists in the process of developing their craft and building an audience need a leg up to raise their profile and try new things. Through the Open Stages program, we are lowering the barrier to entry for these artists and working to cultivate the next generation of exciting performing artists in Bloomington,” says Casting Director & Creative Producer Kate Galvin. 

The BAC defines an “Emerging Artist” as follows for their grant program: 

Emerging artists can be of any age and may or may not have formal training in their artistic discipline. They may work individually or in discrete collaborative groups with other emerging artists. The purpose of the grant is to provide the support needed to elevate the work of practicing artists to a higher caliber and/or greater visibility. 

Artists who meet the above criteria are encouraged to apply to Constellation’s Open Stages program, whether they have received BAC funding or not. Applications are now open on a rolling basis. 

Emerging artists may be accepted into the Open Stages program for a maximum of two projects. 

Venue: Constellation Playhouse Theater & Lobby

Description: 86-seat theater (fixed seating) with a lobby and 2 dressing rooms. Small stage available in the lobby suitable for spoken word or solo musical performances. 

Open Stages rental rates: 

1 day – $250
3 days – $575
1 week – $1,000

Venue: Waldron Rose Firebay Theater

Description: 65-seat theater with 1 dressing room at the floor level of the Waldron Arts Center.  Has a movie screen and flexible seating.

Open Stages rental rates: 

1 day – $150
3 days – $450
1 week – $750

Venue: Waldron Auditorium

Description: Flexible black box space that can seat between 120-150 patrons, depending on configuration. Includes two backstage dressing rooms with showers and brand-new seating.

Open Stages rental rates: 

1 day rental – $300
3 day rental – $750
1 week rental – $1,500

Questions? Email Chad Rabinovitz, Artistic Director – chad@seeconstellation.org