On the Boards

On the Boards
Name	On the Boards
Type	Presenting organization
Founded	1978
Location	Seattle, Washington, United States

On the Boards is a non-profit performing arts presenting organization based in Seattle, Washington, known for contemporary dance, experimental theater, and interdisciplinary performance. Founded in the late 20th century, it has presented national and international artists and companies, hosted festivals, and developed local productions. The organization has been associated with major venues and arts institutions and has influenced contemporary performance practice in the Pacific Northwest.

History

Founded in 1978 during a period of expansion for contemporary performing arts, the organization emerged amid shifting funding patterns from the National Endowment for the Arts, regional initiatives like the Washington State Arts Commission, and local cultural development in Seattle. Early seasons featured touring companies associated with Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, Martha Graham, and experimental ensembles linked to Judson Dance Theater, reflecting wider currents traced to Lincoln Center, New York City, and festivals such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Through the 1980s and 1990s it navigated partnerships with institutions including the Seattle Art Museum, Benaroya Hall, and university programs at the University of Washington, while engaging national presenters such as New York Live Arts and Walker Art Center. The organization weathered economic fluctuations tied to municipal policy in Seattle and philanthropic shifts involving foundations like the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Gates Foundation.

Mission and Programming

The stated mission emphasizes presenting contemporary performance and supporting risk-taking artists, connecting to networks of producers including National Performance Network, Building Movement Project, and curatorial practices found at the Tate Modern, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and Hayward Gallery. Programming has ranged from contemporary ensembles affiliated with Big Dance Theater and Pilobolus to experimental theater-makers linked to THEATER M and dance choreographers in the lineage of Trisha Brown and Pina Bausch. Festivals and curated series have showcased international practitioners from Japan, Brazil, France, and Germany, drawing comparisons to programming strategies at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Spoleto Festival USA. Commissioning initiatives have supported creators who have gone on to appear at the Judson Church, Carnegie Hall, Royal Opera House, and Southbank Centre.

Venue and Facilities

Originally occupying smaller black-box spaces, the organization later developed facilities that accommodate multi-disciplinary staging, technical rigs used by companies comparable to those at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and flexible seating schemes like venues at the Pavilion at the Baryshnikov Arts Center. The venue has hosted residency programs similar to those at DANCEwave and production labs akin to Doris Duke Charitable Foundation residencies. Partnerships with local institutions such as Seattle Center and neighborhood arts spaces including Capitol Hill theaters have enabled collaborations with film festivals like Seattle International Film Festival and music presenters such as Earshot Jazz.

Notable Productions and Artists

The presenting history includes projects by artists and companies with connections to prominent names: choreographers in the lineage of William Forsythe, companies influenced by Merce Cunningham Dance Company alumni, and theater-makers associated with Woody Allen-era ensembles. The organization has presented work by internationally recognized figures and ensembles that have also appeared at St. Ann's Warehouse, La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, Festspielhaus, and The Public Theater. Artists presented have included those who later received awards such as the MacArthur Fellowship, Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, and recognition at events like the Venice Biennale and Biennale di Venezia performing arts programs. Collaborations have involved local creators who have affiliations with the Cornish College of the Arts, Pratt Institute, and conservatories related to Juilliard School alumni networks.

Educational and Community Programs

Educational initiatives have mirrored models from organizations such as Lincoln Center Education and National Guild for Community Arts Education, providing workshops, youth programs, and artist residencies. Community engagement has partnered with civic entities like the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, social service organizations, and academic departments at the University of Washington and Seattle University. Programs have included training for emerging producers and curators similar to curricula at New York University’s performing arts programs and mentorships referencing practices at CalArts and Columbia University School of the Arts.

Critical Reception and Impact

Critics from outlets comparable to The New York Times, The Seattle Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker have noted the organization’s role in expanding regional access to cutting-edge performance. Influential commentators and scholars affiliated with institutions like Smithsonian Institution, American Dance Festival, and Harvard University have cited its contributions to contemporary choreography, interdisciplinary theater, and artist development. The organization’s legacy includes catalyzing careers that intersect with national presenters such as Lincoln Center Festival and international tours to venues like Sadler's Wells, thereby shaping the ecosystem of contemporary performing arts in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Category:Performing arts organizations in the United States Category:Arts organizations based in Seattle