Fertile Ground Venue Information
We are excited to introduce the 2025 Fertile Ground Partner Venues, CoHo Productions and 21Ten Theatre.
Finding a venue can sometimes be the biggest challenge for independent producers, and we’re doing what we can to make this just a little bit easier. Fertile Ground has reserved blocks of time at both CoHo Productions and 21Ten Theatre during the run of the Festival, and producers can apply for performance space in these partner venues.
Venue Application Information
Do I need to have secured a venue before I register?
No – you just need to have a venue by the time late registration closes on December 31, 2024
What determines a project’s eligibility for the Festival venue lottery?
Festival venues are designed to host a large number of rotating projects. Projects are most likely to be included in the Festival venue lottery if they:
- Have a show and cast aligned to the size of the stage and facilities.
- Can fully load out their props/set and fully clear the performance and dressing room space in 30 minutes.
- Can load in their props/set and accomplish all necessary preshow activities in approximately 30 min.
- Require minimal technical support and can work with a a basic light plot/plug in a sound computer.
- Have a performance history/marketing plan that suggests the ability to fill the venue to 75% capacity.
What’s included in the cost of a partner venue rental?
- 4 hours of arranged time in the space for load in/rehearsal/tech before your first performance (additional time available at additional cost).
- Limited storage space for set pieces and props during the Festival
Free use of Fertile Ground’s ticketing platform - Access to a house lighting plot and the venue sound system
- A Festival board op to run lights and sound
- Use of the venue dressing rooms starting 1 hour before show time
- Concession services (the venue runs concessions and keeps concession revenue)
How do Festival Venues work?
Venue applications will be evaluated by Fertile Ground staff and venue representatives to determine if a specific project is a good match for a specific venue*. All suitable projects will be placed in a lottery for open performance slots. Priority will be given to projects seeking multiple performance slots, though we will also include projects seeking a single performance if we have space. We will do our best to ensure all projects are placed in time slots that align with likely access to their target audience.
*As part of Fertile Ground’s partnership with CoHo Productions, a number of performance slots at that venue are being held specifically for CoHo Productions playwriting program participants.
When will I know if I have a venue?
We will announce venue placements no later than November 1st, which is the same day registration opens.
What happens if I don’t get a venue?
If we are unable to provide space in one of the Festival venues, you will need to find a different performance venue. We are happy to make recommendations and introductions, but unfortunately can’t guarantee anything.
Do I have to accept a venue slot of granted one, or can I decline?
There is no obligation to accept the venue space if you’re selected, but we encourage producers to communicate if their venue needs have changed and they no longer wish to be placed in the lottery.
When/how do I pay for my venue?
When you accept your slot(s) in a partner venue, PATA will invoice you for 50% of the total cost of your venue rental. You will be invoiced again for the balance on April 1, 2025.
How do I know which venue to apply for?
Please look at the venue size, costs, and technical capacity to determine which venue best aligns with your show.
| 21ten Theatre | CoHo Theatre | |
| Location | 2110 SE 10th Avenue | 2257 NW Raleigh St. |
| Audience Size | 40 seats | 98 seats |
| Stage dimensions | 25 ft deep x 18 ft wide | 20 ft deep x 25 ft wide |
| Dressing rooms | 2 small rooms, fitting 5 people total | One large dressing room downstairs, one small dressing room upstairs |
| Rehearsal space available? | Yes, after 3pm Mon-Thurs before the Festival for $15/hr | Unknown at this time! |
| Accessibility information |
There are x number of stairs to the main floor of the building, which contains the lobby, 2 accessible restrooms, dressing rooms, audience seating, and the stage.
21ten has a non-permanent ramp that can be brought out for wheelchair access with advanced notice. 21ten Theatre describes the ramp as “sturdy and safe,” however it is not ADA compliant. More information available upon request.
The booth for operating lights and sound is accessible by ladder. |
The main floor is accessible by wheelchair, and includes the lobby, 2 accessible restrooms, dressing rooms, audience seating, and the stage.
The booth for operating lights and sound is accessible by a flight of stairs with a handrail. |
| Concessions | Provided by producer, FG, or 21ten, depending on preference and availability | Provided by CoHo Theatre |
| Cost for Fertile Ground | $100/performance | $150/performance |
| Learn More | 21ten Theatre Floor Plan | Explore CoHo Theatre |
For technical assistance with your application, or to arrange for an accommodation or alternative ways to access/submit an application, please contact Cassie Greer at cassie@portlandtheatre.com
Fertile Ground Festival
Please email Tamara Carroll at fertileground@portlandtheatre.com to get help navigating our website or ticketing system, if you have questions about the accessibility of performances and venues, or any other questions, concerns, or feedback.
Contact
fertileground@portlandtheatre.com