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Do the Twin Cities need more small theater spaces?

This was the question I was left with after 

a recent discussion on the closing of the Loring Theater.

The question drew strong responses, from artists who have obviously been dealing with this situation for a long time.

The Playwrights' Center is one of the venues Twin Cities artists say is getting it right when it comes to providing rehearsal and performance space to local theater companies.

 offered a blunt, "No, there are not" (FYI, Frank Theater is known for performing in less traditional locations, occasionally including abandoned buildings).

said it's not just an issue of performance space, but rehearsal space as well. To which dancer 

added there's also a need for spaces that can serve dance companies.

 runs the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and is very familiar with performance spaces all over Minneapolis. She immediately had this to offer:

With that in mind, I asked which venues out there are models for how best to serve performance artists.

, one of the creative partners behind "Off-Leash Area," a company that performs out of its, and other people's, garages, had this to offer:

But running a performance space for other companies to rent is not that easy. Actor/director 

, director of The Soap Factory, a gallery which also hosts performances, added:

, along with her husband Josh Cragun, runs Nimbus Theater. They recently 

moved into their own space in the Nordeast neighborhood,

 and rent it out to other companies. She echoed Heywood's thoughts and elaborated on them.

And finally, actor and Minnesota Playlist staffer 

So what's to be done? Does city management need to provide a process for helping small venues get up and running? Do current spaces need an injection of business training? Or is this simply the nature of market forces at work?

Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Arts and Culture

State of the Arts Blog

Marianne Combs

Author

A recent look at the closing of the Loring Theater inspired some to wonder if there are enough venues where small performance companies can thrive.

Rehearsal and performance space a challenge for small theater companies

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