Call for Proposals: 2022-2023 Theater Season at the Arts Barn

Call for Proposals for the 2022-2023 Theater Season at the Arts Barn!

APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 17, 2021!

Arts on the Green, the City of Gaithersburg’s home for the performing and visual arts which includes the Kentland’s Mansion and Arts Barn, is now soliciting production proposals for the theater season beginning July 2022 through June 2023. Located in the Kentlands, the Arts Barn (theatre venue) is housed in a Victorian-era renovated stable with a charming 99-seat theater.

Productions accepted for the Theater Series will be part of the Theater Arts Partnership Program (TAPP). A production partnership is created between the production company and the Arts Barn/City of Gaithersburg. The City provides use of the Arts Barn and its many resources (fully equipped theater, rehearsal space, box office, advertising and marketing support) without the high rental rates of other facilities in the area. The production company is responsible for the direct production costs of the show (royalties, set and construction, props, costumes, etc.). The box office proceeds are then split between the production company and the City. This unique program provides TAPP partners affordable, quality production space while helping the City fulfill its commitment to a robust arts and cultural environment for its residents.

The theater season is July 2022 through June 2023. The FY23 season marks the 20th Anniversary of the Opening of the Arts Barn! We are seeking strong proposals of musicals, plays, youth theatre and theatre for young audiences. Theater productions generally run either two or three weeks preceded by a week of tech time in the theater.

Groups may apply for up to four production slots and may offer up to six shows to be considered. The Request For Proposals process is conducted annually. Selections are recommended by a peer review committee based on the strength of the proposal and the credentials of the theater group. No group, regardless of past TAPP participation is assured of inclusion in the theater series. The Arts Barn reserves the right to decline any or all proposals submitted.

Factors to consider before making your proposal:

• With regards to a 2-week slot (not a youth theatre production), the Arts Barn is open to having two performances on one day (i.e., Sat at 2 & 8 p.m.). Companies selecting a 2-week slot are also encouraged to consider adding a Thursday evening performance in lieu of a brush-up rehearsal. We will consider shortening a 3-week slot to a 2-week slot.
• Theatre for Young Audiences (adult performers) and Youth Theatre (youth performers) productions typically have performances on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. We will also consider adding a 7:30pm performance on Friday evenings if selecting a 2-week production slot.
• The preference is for large, family-oriented musicals in July and August. Additionally, the Arts Barn will open the academic year (September) and close the season (June) with strong productions such as familiar musicals, mysteries, comedies or children’s shows.
• The Arts Barn seeks to develop a season that includes all genres (comedy, drama, mystery, musical) and has something for everyone.
• Please think thematically. For example:
  • Strong choices for the November/December slot would include a holiday theme that the whole family can enjoy. (Note: Production may open on the Friday after Thanksgiving, or as early as November 18th. An early load-in schedule is available.)
  • Romance-themed productions, or shows highlighting Black History Month, are sought for February.
• The Arts Barn seeks quality theatre and puppetry geared for children and youth.
• The Arts Barn will consider re-mounts or encore performances of successful shows which your group recently produced.
• The Arts Barn seeks a balance of the familiar along with the new and edgy.
• The Arts Barn welcomes proposals that include marketing ideas that will bring in new and diverse audiences.
• If selected, theatre companies are required to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols as set by the Arts Barn and local and state regulations.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications are made via an online form: https://fs30.formsite.com/GBurgMD/1xnsyceutm/index.html. Supplemental material (scripts, librettos or musical CDs) are welcome, but not required unless requested by the Theatre Program Coordinator. If sending supplemental materials digitally, please direct them to the Theatre Program Coordinator, Laura W. Andruski at landruski@gaithersburgmd.gov. For snail mail:

Laura W. Andruski
Arts Barn
311 Kent Square Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

• All online applications must be complete by midnight on December 17, 2021 at 11:30 p.m.
• If requested, all supplemental material must be delivered to the Arts Barn by December 30 by 5:00 p.m.
• Decisions will be made by March 1. 2022. · To complete an application go to: https://fs30.formsite.com/GBurgMD/1xnsyceutm/index.html

For any additional questions, please contact the Laura W. Andruski, Theatre Program Coordinator, at landruski@gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6394.