12 Minutes Max

For decades, 12 Minutes Max has been a launchpad for new artists and a testing ground for longer works—so much so that it’s inspired similar programs across North America, including Vancouver, B.C., Chicago and Houston. This beloved short-form performance lab for new and experimental works was founded by On the Boards in 1979 and passed to Base in 2017. Now we have formed a new partnership, stewarding it together! Led by a different pair of community curators each round, 12 Minutes Max auditions are open to artists at all career stages working in dance, music, theater and more. For decades, 12 Minutes Max has been a launchpad for new artists and a testing ground for longer works, and we hope this new partnership will strengthen the pathways for new works and artist development in our community. 12 Minutes Max is a low-tech showcase. Selected works can be up to 12 minutes long; each artist/group will receive a $150 fee. Check out our 12 Minutes Max Guidelines for details. Photo credit: Jim Coleman.