ABOUT OtB

On the Boards (OtB) is a non-profit contemporary performing arts organization located in the lower Queen Anne neighborhood of Seattle, WA. Founded by artists in 1978, our mission is to introduce Northwest audiences to international innovators in contemporary dance, theater and music while developing and presenting new work by promising performing artists in the region.

Since its inception, OtB has grown into a leading center for the creation and presentation of contemporary performance. Showcasing artists and companies who are defining the future of dance, theater, music and new media, OtB presents 70-80 performance nights each season as well as a host of outreach and educational programs to generate discussion and provide context for audiences who experience the work.

OtB features ground-breaking new work that would otherwise not be seen in Seattle. We were among the first organizations in the country to present and premiere breakthrough performances by visionary, internationally recognized artists such as Laurie Anderson, Bill T. Jones, Spalding Gray, The Wooster Group, dumb type, Needcompany, Sankai Juku and Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. Presentations in recent seasons include Forced Entertainment, Christian Rizzo, Emio Grecco | PC, Young Jean Lee, Pappa Tarahumara, Radiohole, Back2Back Theatre, Elevator Repair Service, Bruno Beltrao, Cynthia Hopkins, Constanza Macras, Reggie Wilson, Chelfitsch, Nature Theater of Oklahoma, Diana Szeinblum, Kassys, Gisèle Vienne, Jan Fabre, Richard Maxwell, John Jasperse, Michelle Ellsworth, Superamas, Romeo Castellucci, Sarah Michelson, Boyzie Cekwana, Lone Twin, Tanja Liedtke, Marie Chouinard and Faustin Linyekula.

Similarly, we have supported projects by talented regional artists like 33 Fainting Spells, Pat Graney, Sarah Rudinoff, Crystal Pite, Maureen Whiting Company, Amy O’Neil, Theater Replacement, Zoe Scofield, Allen Johnson, Dina Martina, Hand2Mouth Theatre and "Awesome," all of whom have gone on to build significant national followings. As the first organization to present these and other emerging artists in the Northwest, OtB plays a vital role in the regional and national cultural ecology.

OtB also commissions new work, supports artist residencies, advocates regionally and nationally for tours of work by Northwest artists, and organizes collaborative projects between local, regional, national and international partners. OntheBoards.tv was launched in January 2010, providing a video-on-demand platform for full length high definition quality performances.

From 1978 to 1998, OtB presented programs in the historic Washington Hall in Seattle's Central District. OtB moved into its current space in 1998 and now presents more than 40 shows over 100 performance nights each year in 2 theaters. Our 300-seat Merrill Wright Mainstage Theater and our intimate 84-seat Studio Theater are both equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Visit our archive to learn more about some of the artists who have performed in OtB's recent history.