A Guide for Artists Producing at SomArt at The Hive
SomArt at The Hive operates within a self-produced performance model.
This means artists maintain creative control while also taking responsibility for assembling their production team and managing logistics in coordination with venue staff.
This page outlines the full arc of readiness — from early planning through post-performance closeout.
If you are considering applying, review Stage 0 carefully.
If you are already scheduled, use this as your production roadmap.
STAGE 0: Pre-Application Readiness
Timeline: 6 months or more before production date
Before you submit a proposal
This stage helps you determine whether your project is ready for the Hive.
Artistic Readiness
- Clear concept and performance format
- Defined collaborators or performer needs
- Approximate run time
- Intended audience
Date Readiness
- Review the online availability calendar
- Identify 2–3 possible dates
- Confirm core collaborators are available
Self-Production Capacity
SomArt does not employ or provide production staff. Artists must coordinate their own team. SomArt does have an updated over hire technical personnel list for all producing artists. If you are interested in this list, please email [email protected].
You should be prepared to:
- Identify a project lead
- Recruit lighting, sound, and/or projection designers/operators
- Coordinate rehearsals
- Oversee front-of-house staffing
- Manage day-of-show execution
If this feels unclear, consider requesting a consultation before submitting.
Financial Readiness
- Understand the venue fee structure
- Draft a basic project budget
- Understand ticketing options and payout timelines
STAGE 1: Proposal Review & Acceptance
Timeline: 6 months or more before production date
- Proposal reviewed (terms adjusted if needed)
- Acceptance email sent with date options
- Artist confirms preferred performance date
Acceptance indicates alignment of project and space. Final confirmation depends on scheduling and production readiness.
STAGE 2: Dates & Schedule Confirmation
Timeline: 3-6 months or more before production date.
Note: Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5pm onward are prioritized for performances up until 60 days in advance. After 60 days those blocks open up to all artists to book.
- Performance date confirmed
- Technical rehearsal block confirmed
- Dates entered on internal calendar
- Confirmation email sent via scheduling system to email on file
At this stage, your project is officially scheduled.
STAGE 3: Production Roles & Staffing
Timeline: 3-6 months or more before production date.
Artists are responsible for identifying production staff. SomArt does have an updated over hire technical personnel list for all producing artists. If you are interested in this list, please email [email protected].
Core Roles
- Lighting Operator
- Sound Operator
- Projection Operator (if applicable)
- Front of House
- Space Liaison / Project Lead
Operators must be available for:
- Technical walkthrough
- Rehearsal
- Performance
A Production Intake Form will be sent to gather technical details.
Requirement: Front of house liaison and any production staff running the show MUST be 2 separate people.
STAGE 4: Production Intake & Review
Timeline: 1-3 months or more before production date.
Artist submits:
- Equipment needs
- Staffing list
- Run of show
- Cue overview
Venue reviews for:
- Equipment compatibility
- Staffing gaps
- Safety considerations
- Clarifications or red flags
If needed, follow-up questions are sent before moving forward.
STAGE 5: Technical Walkthrough
Timeline: 15-30 days before production date.
Scheduled with:
- Artist / Project Lead
- Production Staff
- Technical Director
During walkthrough:
- Equipment is reviewed
- Cueing approach discussed
- Load-in logistics confirmed
- Rehearsal schedule aligned
- Performance-day flow mapped
Responsibilities are confirmed per department before proceeding.
STAGE 6: Publicity & Promotion
Timeline: 15-30 days before the production date.
SomArt provides amplification. Artists provide materials.
Artist Responsibilities
- Review SomArt credit requirements
- Submit draft publicity materials
- Provide images, description, credits
- Confirm ticketing link
Venue Support
- Materials reviewed and approved
- Calendar listing completed
- Amplification timeline shared
- Social media scheduled:
- 1 dedicated post
- 1 story
- Up to 3 reposts
Final Pre-Performance Check
Timeline: 1-2 weeks before the production.
Before the show:
- Dates and times reconfirmed
- Technical staff confirmed and reachable
- Space liaison identified
- Front of House plan confirmed
- Ticketing tested (if applicable)
- Run of show finalized
Performance is cleared to proceed once these items are complete.
Day of Show
Artistic
- Performers arrive on time
- Rehearsal stays within scheduled block
- Performance begins on time
Technical
- Operators present
- Equipment handled appropriately
- System reset after show
House / Ticketing
- Front of House staffed
- Audience capacity observed
- Ticket scanning managed
Post-Performance Closeout (Post Mortem)
Timeline: week after the production
Closing properly ensures continued access to the space.
Venue Reset
Timeline: Night of closing date production
- Space returned to original condition
- Equipment powered down properly
- Dressing areas cleared
- Trash removed
- Post-performance venue check completed
Financial Settlement
Timeline: 1 week after the production
- Venue fee paid via invoice (if not prepaid)
- Staffing fees paid
- Ticket sales reconciled
If using SomArt ticketing:
- Ticket report generated
- Final settlement calculated
- Artist payout processed per agreement timeline
Reflection
Artists may complete an optional post-mortem reflection to improve future productions.
Production Responsibility Overview
Every performance includes five core areas:
Artistic – Creative development & performers
Technical – Equipment, operators, cueing
Venue – Scheduling, compliance, access
Publicity – Marketing materials & credit alignment
House / Ticketing – Front of House & sales management