Present Your Work at SomArt
SomArt offers a flexible, modular blackbox-style space designed for artists to create, develop, and present new work. We welcome local, national, and international artists across performance disciplines, with a focus on those who integrate dance or movement into their practice. SomArt @ the Hive offers low-cost intimate performance space for self-producing artists and presenters. Lighting, sound, and projection systems are inclusive of the cost.
SomArt accepts a limited number of performance proposals each season. We are looking for artists and companies who are ready to fully produce their work — and who have a clear plan for doing it.
Our rates are deliberately set low. At $250–$1,000 per performance, the goal is that a modestly ticketed run can come close to covering the full cost of production — space, technical staff, and all. That model works when artists approach the program as producers: with a technical team in place or in progress, a realistic production plan, and a clear sense of how design and operation integrate with the work.
Lighting, sound, and projection systems are included. Technical operation is not — and your plan for staffing your production is a meaningful part of how we evaluate proposals.
We offer two tracks. You choose which fits where you are with this production.
Production Ready
You know your team
You can describe your technical staff by role — or by name. You’ve thought through how design serves the work. SomArt’s role is a systems orientation and a walkthrough. We confirm you’re set and get out of the way.
Production Building
You’re putting it together
You have the artistic vision and the producing intent. You may not yet know what roles you need, how to hire for them, or what questions to ask. SomArt works alongside you to map the production infrastructure — we consult, we advise, we point you toward resources. You do the producing.
Production Building is an iterative resource, not a one-time orientation. You may use it more than once across different productions — what you implement, and when, is part of your own development as a producer.
Availability/Scheduling
Available Days/Times
- Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 6:00–10:00 PM (includes load-in and setup)
- Additional tech time: 4 hours on a Thursday or Friday evening (6:00–10:00 PM).
- Saturday tech available based on existing ongoing contracts. 2025/26 this can start as early as 4:00 PM.
Other days/times:
- Other days or times are prioritized for classes and rehearsals.
- Performances or informal showings may be possible, but cannot be confirmed until 60 days before the requested date.
Before you submit your proposal:
Take a look at our calendar to check to be sure the dates you want are available
Performance Rates
Rates are based on the producer’s annual budget. All rates include amenities listed below.
(SomArt staff not included.)
Budget under $50K/year
- $250 for 4 hrs tech + 4 hrs performance
- +$125 for each additional performance night
Budget $50K–$150K/year
- $500 for 4 hrs tech + 4 hrs performance
- +$225 for each additional performance night
Budget $150K+/year
- $1,000 for 4 hrs tech + 4 hrs performance
- +$450 for each additional performance night
Informal Showings
- $100 for a 4-hour block
- Includes basic amenities (see below)
- Does not include tech support
- Ticketing/donations are not permitted for informal showings
What’s Included
- Chairs
- Rehearsal audio board and sound system
- Video projector
- Blackout curtain
- Garden lights
- Rehearsal lights
Not included: SomArt staff, stage lighting/board, stage audio board, or additional tech support.
Capacity
- 49 people (including performers and technicians)
- Can increase to 64 people with permit, seating chart, and dedicated crowd control manager issued through the state (this is free and available online)
Amenities by Booking Type
| Amenities | Informal Showings | Performances |
| Dance Floor | yes | yes |
| Rehearsal Sound System and rehearsal mixer | yes | yes |
| Mirror Curtains | yes | yes |
| Fluorescent Work Lights w/dimmer | yes | yes |
| Video Projector System | yes* | yes |
| 8 x LED par lights / DJ board at rehearsal position | yes | yes |
| 65 x Folding Chairs on Cart | yes | yes |
| Performance Sound System and both rehearsal and performance mixers | no | yes |
| Performance Lighting System | no | yes |
| House/Garden Lights | yes | yes |
| Access to video projection server/computer | no | yes |
| Access to house Audio computer | no | yes |
| Technical rehearsal x 4 hours (included) | no | yes |
| Public Engagement | yes | |
| Crediting SAC and SomArt on publicity | yes | yes |
| Ability to charge attendees | no | yes |
| Utilizing website Box office/ ticketing platform | no | yes |
| Scheduling | ||
| Ability to book more than 60 days in advance | yes | yes |
| * With an additional walkthrough/communication with staff |
Accessibility
SomArt @ the Hive is located on the 4th floor of 561 Windsor Place, Somerville. We are committed to providing an accessible experience for all artists and audiences.
Parking & Entrance
- One dedicated accessible parking space is located adjacent to the entrance.
- Entrance door has an automatic door opener via hand wave gesture.
Elevator Access
- Elevator access is available to the 4th floor.
- Elevator includes braille signage and audible floor indicators.
Entry to SomArt
- Entrance to the unit is through a double door with a single lever handle.
- Secondary door releases via an automatic flushbolt, providing a 5-foot-wide egress.
Inside the Space
- Audience flooring is flush throughout with no ramps or steps.
- Performance area includes a 6-foot-wide ramp on stage right for stage access.
- Stage height is 2″
Recommendations for Your Front of House Staff – For Audience
- Include the above language on your ticketing description
- Include clear signage in the lobby area on the provided sandwich board, as well as in the elevator and hallway (we provide small laminated signage for the space and bathrooms)
- Make sure there is an usher assigned to the studio door with a flashlight to assist with entrance and seating
- Mobility devices (including footwear) are exempt from the no-outside shoe policy
Contract Types Available
Seasonal Performances
Fall/Winter Sept 1 through Dec 31
Winter/Spring Jan 1 through April 30
Spring/Summer May 1 through Aug 31
Contracts may be booked up to 1 year in advance, up to 60 days before the requested performance date.
- Cancellation policy: 90 days’ notice required for performances.
- Proposals: Accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly.
What every production requires
Regardless of track, all productions in the SomArt Performance Program must meet the following minimum staffing requirements.
Front of house
A dedicated front of house person who is not a performer. This can be a volunteer. They are responsible for the door, seating, and audience management from arrival through the start of the performance.
Theatre operator
A qualified theatre operator who is not a performer, responsible for running technical systems during the performance. This is a board operator — someone who executes pre-programmed cues — not a designer. If your production requires a lighting designer to program cues prior to the performance, that is a separate role; your operator runs the show. Sometimes they are the same person, but distinctive roles.
If you are unfamiliar with the distinction between a designer and an operator, the Production Building track is the right fit for this production.
Pre-production walkthrough
The production lead and technical staff must attend a walkthrough at SomArt no later than four weeks prior to opening. Staffing must be confirmed — not in progress — by this date. The walkthrough covers systems orientation, cue infrastructure, and production logistics. For Production Building artists, this session may also include a production planning conversation.
Additional operators
Productions running multiple systems simultaneously — lighting, sound, and projection — should plan for dedicated operators per active system. Your proposal should address this directly.