12 Minutes Max


This beloved short-form performance lab for new and experimental works was originated by On the Boards in 1981 and handed off to Base in 2017. 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—so much so that it’s inspired similar programs across North America, including Vancouver, B.C., Chicago and Houston.

In the 2024-2025 season, Base will produce two editions of 12 Minutes Max:

Fall edition:

Dec. 8-9, 2024
Buy tickets here

Spring edition:
April 27-28, 2025
Audition: March 16, 2025

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.