Curated Rental Program

October 2025-August 2027

RENTAL PROGRAM PRIORITIES

Curated rentals form a crucial part of Red Eye’s artist support model, offering an opportunity for artists to self-produce a performance in a supportive environment. The rental program allows the space to function as a resource to the Twin Cities performance community, to expand our community beyond our programming capacities, and to foster sustainability for the organization.

The program is primarily intended for public-facing events and productions of live performances, but we will also consider technical residencies or other non-public uses of the space.

A standard minimum rental is 10 days, in order to give artists ample time for load-in and tech, and foster a less rushed pace of work. Red Eye also encourages proposals for longer, multi-week runs. In this RFP we will prioritize rentals of 10 days or longer (see Structures & Support section for more details on timeframes).

Shorter proposals of 4-9 days will also be considered. Please note that we currently do not have a sustainable way to offer one-day rentals that include public events or technical support.

When we review applications, we are considering an intersection of priorities across proposals. Red Eye doesn’t expect every rental to reflect each of these priorities, but we will work to balance these factors across our season and bring our rental program in line with the values of our collective, iteratively and over time.

We also prioritize projects where artists are speaking or expressing from their lived experiences and wisdoms, often reflecting research or expressions from a multiplicity of peripheral and frequently invisible voices. We're interested in stories and ways of making performances that are often not validated by dominant culture. This often includes artists who identify a gap or space within their communities, bringing important aspects to public discussion. These might be pockets of research, practice, or pedagogical approaches that serve as necessary challenges to dominant culture and continue to ask critical questions in our times. While not purely identity-based, we gravitate towards projects that typically don't fit into existing categories or find a home elsewhere. These projects usually have a non-linear, unconventional, non-traditional, relational or community-based quality, sometimes even at the beginning of a desire to build community around a movement, purpose or project.


REVIEW

When we review applications, we are considering an intersection of priorities across proposals. Red Eye doesn’t expect every rental to reflect each of these priorities, but we will work to balance these factors across our season and bring our rental program in line with the values of our collective, iteratively and over time.

Aesthetic Values

  • Form: In what ways does this work push or challenge? How does it experiment with form, as you understand it in your own context?

  • Content: How does this work speak to the present moment, or connect with issues and experiences that matter right now? How much does this work surface sensibilities, cultures, methods, structures and wisdoms are are not as known / that should be known?

  • Exchange / Connection: How does this project open up space for participation, provocation or connection in our fields?

Relational values

  • How does this project enhance the community Red Eye wants to be part of? Across the season we want to create a balance of:

    • Artists working with different modes, lineages, and methods of performance

    • Artists at various moments in their creative processes, projects, lived experiences.

    • Artists with a long-standing relationship to Red Eye, and artists we have yet to build relationships with

    • Artists who bring together different types of communities, and hold a multitude of reasons, needs and intentions for gathering

  • Equity: How does this project work towards transforming the culture of Red Eye and our local arts ecosystem? We consider:

    • Representation of artists in the project, especially engagement of artists whose identities have been underrepresented in the organization’s programming in the past, including those who are Indigenous, Black, and People of Color and those who have disabilities

    • Distribution and valuation of labor within the project: equitable compensation, shared responsibility, etc. 

  • How does this project actively build relationships? This may include:

    • Projects that feature artistic collaboration

    • Partnerships with artists and organizations in our neighborhood

    • Projects that feature authentic relationship-building and the potential for audience development

SPACE SPECIFICATIONS

As we continually calibrate and consider our relationship to Dakota land, Red Eye encourages all that pass through the space to consider the space a shared community resource. Each person or organization who enters into the space, becomes a steward and caretaker of the space, for our community. We intend for the physical space, its infrastructure, our labor, and the inventory of equipment to support a broad range of artists and projects for many years to come. We intend for anyone who partakes in the space to share this responsibility of caretaking these resources so they will continue to be available to our community as we continue to nourish and lift each other up with the art that we make together.

We ask that all renters keep safety and stewardship of the broader ecosystem in mind as they plan and execute their productions. For any elements that present a safety concern, a particular strain on the space, or may impact resources unsustainably, please open discussions with Valerie Oliveiro (staff@redeyetheater.org) well in advance.

  • The following drawings / technical information of the space are current as of June 2025.

    TECHNICAL FOLDER

    (Note that critical measurements require independent site survey at the renter’s expense)

    • The full performance space is 60’ x 40’. A sprung floor covering the entire space is installed.

    • Focus Arts has a small parking lot and access to street parking.

    • Focus Arts is ADA accessible.

    • No permanent/temporary fastenings or alterations can be made to the floor or any of the space’s interior or exterior walls.

    • There is a grid above the entire performance space; it is 14’ from the sprung floor.

    • Our grid is designed to hold traditional lighting and sound equipment, with even weight distributions (20lbs per linear foot). Heavy loads off of a single point, and aerial work mounted to the grid or the ceiling above, is not possible. Please fold Red Eye staff into conversations involving any additional rigging beyond lighting and sound.

    • There is an isolated sound circuit with sound power in the ceiling and on the ground.

    • Please consult Red Eye staff if renting additional equipment that would require the use of a significant amount of additional power. 

  • There is a small dressing room that also serves as technical storage. There are approximately 6 stations of mirrored seating.

    There is access to a shared, accessible, all-gender bathroom, that is equipped with a shower, immediately outside the dressing room. There is access to a kitchenette as well as gendered bathrooms in common areas of the Focus Arts building. Please be inclusive to all users of these shared spaces.

    There are two rolling costume racks.

    Note that storage is very limited and only available during the rental period.

    • We have 90 chairs and 8 risers. We have an additional 10 chairs that have arms for accessible needs. We have approximately 30 1” cushions for floor seating. 

    • Audience capacity depends on the spatial configuration. A proscenium setup with risers accommodates 65 seats. The typical space setup will consist of an audience on three sides and a capacity of 80 seats. Renters may change the spatial configuration for their show, but should return it to the typical setup by the end of the rental period.

    • Please indicate in your request if you intend to host public events larger than 80 people, as we’ll need to discuss performance space layout, egress, and audience safety.


  • Seating Platforms can be moved, however, repertory lighting positions cannot be moved (but they can be refocused from their current hanging positions). We have some additional speakers to accommodate other configurations for sound but you may need to rent additional equipment overall for an unconventional set up. Please account for this setup and reset as part of your rental period.

  • Red Eye has a set of double doors that lead into the space, but there is limited clearance. Large objects, pieces of scenery, sculpture, etc. should be planned ahead of time to make sure they can enter the space.

  • We are not currently able to safely support the use of fog machines, theatrical haze, or smoke of any kind.

    We have cleared the use of ceremonial smoke, specifically for use by our native american and indigenous communities and elders, with our landlord. With advanced notice, we can make arrangements for ceremonial use of smoke for up to 15 minutes.

    We have not tested the reach and sensitivity of the building’s shared fire suppression systems as this will require a coordinated effort with Seward Redesign, other tenants, and consultation with the fire department.

    To keep the space free of dust and debris, we ask artists not to use glitter or any materials that will linger on the surfaces of the space and be difficult to clean upon your departure.

    The use of fire and water (except water to drink) are clear safety concerns. Possible exceptions may be made for small instances of fire or water if preparations (such as flame proofing documentation for scenery, costumes and props), a considered safety / damage alleviation plan, notifications made well in advance (4 weeks) and if Red Eye is completely satisfied with all necessary safety measures and emergency protocols in place. Non-notification will be considered a serious breach of rental agreement.

    Food and drink are permitted in the dressing room and in the exterior shared kitchenette area. Water and show-specific consumables are fine to have in the theater space. If you plan to have a reception with food and drink, please discuss the setup and cleanup plan with Red Eye in advance, to minimize rodent activity as well as for the safety and continued/uninterrupted use of equipment.

    Food waste should be disposed of in the common area trash for our community’s health and safety, particularly to minimize the occurrence of rodents. Renters are responsible for taking the trash out daily during the rental period.

    Red Eye provides basic cleaning supplies. Renters are responsible for cleaning during the rental period and returning the space to the state it was in at the beginning of the rental period.

TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT

Red Eye is a home for many artists. We have multiple productions in development at any one time and many different communities that share our resources. 

The list below is current as of June 2025, and we anticipate some changes to our inventory over the next several months. This will give you an idea of what to expect for your rental, but check with us if you are looking for something specific.

  • Sound Inventory

    • SYSTEM AND POWER: Red Eye maintains a basic sound system. Our main system consists of 5 QSC K8.2 Powered Speakers. We have a sub supported by a Midas 16 channel digital mixer. Separate and exclusive power is available. There are 4 20 AMP circuits in the ceiling and 2 circuits at floor level. There is no intercom.

    • MIXING LOCATIONS: Mixing location and control can be negotiated based on seating arrangement and considerations should be made to keep lighting and sound show control in appropriate proximity as there is no intercom.

    • PLAYBACK: Red Eye has a 2024 Mac Mini M4 Pro, 48GB RAM, 512TB SSD computer with mouse, keyboard and monitor for sound and video playback or show control via a licensed copy of QLAB 5. If necessary, you may also configure Qlab to control lighting playback though please reset to REP conditions after your rental.

    • ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

    • 4 Shure SM58 Microphones

    • 2 Shure BLX288/PG58 Wireless Microphones

    • 4 microphone stands

    • 1 Stereo DI Box

    • 1 Mono DI Box

    • Behringer S16 16/8 Stage Box / 100’ power con

    • Assorted XLR cables

  • Red Eye has limited stage equipment so please confirm any expectations/assumptions of available inventory described here:

    SEATING: Red Eye’s (12) 4 x 8 Wenger-style, gray-carpet risers are generally configured into three levels of 8”, 16”, and 24” risers, using (4) risers at each level. This seating bank can hold 70 seats. Red Eye has an additional 20 seats that could be used as overflow or set up in other configurations to maximize seating capacity.

    LEGGINGS/MASKING: (10) 10’ wide by 14’ tall flexible legs/masking can be used to cover the back wall, create a set of legs or a quick change area if needed. There is more permanent masking on the short walls of the space that can be moved by renters upon notification to Red Eye (and not considered part of movable soft-goods inventory) but will need to be reset by renters before the end of your rental period.

    RIGGING: It is not possible for any alterations such as fastening or drilling into the walls or the floor. Please plan any scenery or rigging pieces accordingly. The lighting grid will support an object up to 300 lbs in a single point given a 10’ radius. This is not suitable to support a human body or heavy object in motion (e.g. aerial work.)

    STAGE FLOOR: The raised surface is a 32’ by 20’ sprung dance floor with a matte black, painted, ¼” masonite surface. This was generously loaned to us. It is not possible to drill or secure anything to this surface that would damage it.

    STAGE WEIGHT: We have (8) 10 lb fly system counterweights that we use as stage weight (!!) and 1 sandbag.

    CARPENTRY ADJUSTMENTS: We do allow small carpentry adjustments on-site, provided adjustments that generate dust and debris take place outside (corners of the shared parking lot) followed with appropriate cleanup. It is not possible to wash or clean up paint using any of the common sinks in the building (per Red Eye’s lease) so we suggest bagging and paint supplies for cleanup off-site.

    • REP PLOT: NEW - Red Eye has upgraded our Rep Plot this year with the addition of new LED ellipsoidal upgrades and a donation of used ETC colorsource par washes. Please see drawings for my details.

    • POWER LOCATIONS: The grid has hot power located 10’ apart, 20 amps each, running along the length of the space. All connections are edison. There is separate power for lighting and sound. Specifics are here (Page 3): Red Eye Space Drawing_FINAL.pdf

    • DATA: NEW - Red Eye has upgraded to a networked lighting system for all our LED instruments. LED instruments operated over 2 universes, expandable up to 8 universes. Traditional instruments are still daisy chained via 5 pin DMX in a single universe via Dimmer Packs. Please do not configure existing settings if you are bringing in your own equipment but ask to be assigned a universe specifically for your rental.

    • DIMMERS: Red Eye is a flexible space. We have 6 deployable 3.8K, 6 channel Leprecon dimmers as part of our rep plot with a total of 36 possible circuits, not including house lights. We have 2 small, 4-channel dimmers to deploy for dimmable practicals and the like.

    INSTRUMENTS

    • 26 ETC SOURCE 4 50° LENS

    • 15 ETC SOURCE 4 36° LENS

    • 5 ETC SOURCE 4 26° LENS

    • 3 ETC SOURCE 4 19° LENS

    • 2 ETC SOURCE 4 JUNIOR 25°-50° ZOOM

    • 26 ETC SOURCE 4 ELLIPSOIDAL RETROFITTED WITH S4WRD II LED ENGINES

    • 12 ETC SOURCE 4 ELLIPSOIDAL 575W 

    • 12 ETC COLOR SOURCE PAR LED WASH (WHITE)

    • 7 SOURCE 4 PAR (W/M/N LENSES)

    • 14 6” FRESNEL 500W

    • 2 CHAUVET COLORDASH PAR QUAD 18 LED PAR


    CONTROL

    • 1 ETC ELEMENT 2, 6K, MOUSE, KEYBOARD, MONITOR

    • ENTTEC STORM 10 Ethernet to DMX Adaptor

    • 4 LEPRECON 6 CIRCUIT 3.6K DIMMERS

    • 4 Chauvet 6 CIRCUIT 3.6K DIMMERS (these are really specific and need to be powered with 2 circuits on the same phase, do not reassign power to these dimmers, their power needs have be specifically mapped out)

    • 2 ELATION 4 CIRCUIT 1.8K DiMMERS


    ACCESSORIES

    • 8 GOBO HOLDERS “B”

    • 8 FLOOR PLATES

    • 1 CITY THEATRICAL FOLLOW SPOT HANDLE SOURCE 4 ADAPTOR

    • 2 CITY THEATRICAL IRIS KITS FOR SOURCE 4 ELLIPSOIDAL

    • 3 BOOM BASES

    • 3 12’ SCHEDULE 40 PIPE

    • X GEL FRAMES AVAILABLE FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS

    • X LIMITED JUMPER / EXTENSION CABLE (EDISON)

  • NEW: Red Eye has two older Panasonic PT DW6300 / 6000 lumens available for use by our curated rental program along with 1 Triplehead2Go DP Edition. Red Eye does own 3 RPAU universal mounts and one swivel mount (a projector can be mounted at 45 or 90 degrees for example) and general hanging equipment for projectors which we can offer to renters. If you bring your own projector, you will need to make sure you have the right mounting screws for your projector so that we can attach them to the mounts that we have. Red Eye can currently support hanging up to 2 projectors without additional hardware.

    If you have a video / visual designer on your staff that is interested in the use of Red Eye program projectors (2 x EIKI HDT700 / 7500 lumens) that have an ultra-wide throw (0.8 lens), Red Eye charges an additional (subsidized) rental fee of $200 per week per projector. These are still older projectors but have a brighter output and interchangeable, matching lensing (We have matching 0.8 Fixed ultra wide and 1.3-1.8 Zoom wide lenses). Generally, contemporary and comparative models available for rent go for about $200-$300 per day, with lenses an additional $100-$200 per day. These EIKI projectors are generally for use with Red Eye program artists (NW4W, Tiger Balm, OMNIVERS) exclusively and its availability for the curated rentals program is on a case by case basis.

 

ADDITIONAL VENUE INFORMATION

If you have specific concerns or requests with anything above, please include them in your rental application, or contact staff@redeyetheater.org with any questions. 

COVID SAFETY

Organizations renting space at Red Eye can either bring their own approved COVID safety policy, or can follow Red Eye’s COVID safety policy, which is updated periodically to reflect current conditions.

STRUCTURES & SUPPORT

Applicants should indicate their preference for, or openness to, each of the following models and offerings. Red Eye will make offers for a full rental package to applicants based on availability, feasibility, and priorities for the rental program. 

Timeframe

  • All rentals include 24-hour access to the theater during the term of the rental, unless shared access to space is negotiated in advance. 

  • A standard minimum rental is 10 days, in order to give artists ample time for load-in and tech, and foster a less rushed pace of work. Red Eye also encourages proposals for longer, multi-week runs. Shorter proposals of 4-9 days will also be considered.

  • Please plan a full day of strike at the end of your rental (after the conclusion of all public performances) in order to allow ample time for load-out, cleaning, and resetting the space.

Financial model

  • Renter pays 50% of the fee at the time of contract signing (no less than three months prior to the rental period), and the remaining 50% of the fee is due at the end of the rental term. 

  • A 25% security deposit is due with the first payment, and may be deducted from the final payment as long as everything is left in good condition. 

  • Renter retains all box office proceeds.

Production support

  • Each lead artist (as well as production staff if available) will be required to attend an in-person orientation session for the curated rentals program, which will be scheduled periodically throughout the year.

  • Each curated rental includes 4 hours of venue labor from Red Eye staff, which may include help with changing the seating configuration, soft goods, placement of speakers and lighting instruments, training on light and sound board, etc.

  • Otherwise all additional technical labor is the responsibility of the renter, including designers, production staff, board op, etc.

Marketing and front of house

  • Red Eye offers marketing support to some rentals at its discretion. This may include: a listing on Red Eye’s website, features in Red Eye’s email newsletters, and/or posts on social media. Please note that in the curated rental program, you are the producer of your own show, so you will take the lead on promotion; Red Eye is in a supporting role.

  • Renters are responsible for handling box office and front of house staffing. This means that you set up your own ticketing system, create your own pricing, and manage communication with attendees. For building security, there must be a person in the hallway at all times if the front door to the building is open, so you should plan to arrange box office staff for all public performances.

FEE STRUCTURE

Red Eye’s rental fees are based on the combined cost of Red Eye’s rent (our lessor is the nonprofit Seward Redesign), estimated utilities, use of equipment, and staff time to support the rental program. Pricing is tiered, in an effort to make access to space more equitable within our community. Tiers Z and Y are subsidized rates; Tier X rates make it possible to offer these subsidies to our community. 

Red Eye asks applicants to reflect on their social privilege and status within the community, and then to self-select a pricing tier for the rental. We understand that privilege is complex and the criteria in each category are not exhaustive, but please choose the category that most fairly reflects your circumstances. We may follow up with you to discuss the specificity of your situation; note that the pricing agreement will be finalized by Red Eye staff.

It’s fine to apply for a curated rental when your funding is still pending; simply check the box in the application form to let us know. If you are including a rental rate in a budget for a grant application, please choose Tier X or Y.

 

Tier X

4-week rental: $7690

3-week rental: $6590

2-week rental: $4690

10-day rental: $3690

1-week rental: $2990

Select this tier if:

  • If you are a for-profit or philanthropic entity

  • If you are a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget over $100,000

  • If you are an independent artist with a total project budget over $25,000

Your project may fit within this tier:

  • If the project is led by white artists, or a majority-white collective

  • If the project is led by artists with class privilege

  • If you can afford it right now and would like to pay it forward and support other artists!

 

Tier Y

4-week rental: $6490

3-week rental: $5090

2-week rental: $3690

10-day rental: $2890

1-week rental: $2390

Select this tier if:

  • If your group has 501c3 status

  • Or if you are an independent artist with a total project budget over $10,000

Your project may fit within this tier:

  • If your project represents a true mix of the factors in Tier Z and Tier X 

  • If the project is led by BIPOC artists and/or artists with disabilities

  • If the project is led by artists without access to generational wealth

 

Tier Z

4-week rental: $5690

3-week rental: $4490

2-week rental: $3290

10-day rental: $2590

1-week rental: $2090

Select this tier if:

  • If the project is led by an independent artist without 501c3 status (though may include artists with fiscal sponsorship)

  • And if the total project budget is under $10,000

Your project may fit within this tier:

  • If the project is led by BIPOC artists and/or artists with disabilities

  • If the project is led by artists without access to generational wealth

Commercial rates are available on request.

These are the rental rates for this RFP; rental rates may change with future RFPs. Also, these rates assume venue and equipment usage of 1-2 live events per day. If your project is a festival with multiple performances per day, additional rates may apply.

Discounts available at all tiers (not available for hourly rentals or additional offering support):

  • 5% Artist Alumni Discount: For past New Works 4 Weeks lead artists, current or former OMNIVERS artists

  • 5% Neighbor Discount: For artists living or working in Seward, Cedar-Riverside, East/Midtown/West Phillips, Ventura Village, Longfellow

  • Shared Space Discount: We offer discounted rates for renters who do not need the space all day during their rental period, and can make it available to other artists in Red Eye programs. This is available for rentals of 10 days or longer, depending on our programming needs. Let us know if you’re open to this arrangement and we’ll reach out if it works for us.  

All renters will be required to provide a security deposit. The amount will be 25% of the full rental fee, and will be due at contract signing.

APPLICATION COMPONENTS

  • Information on the artist(s) and/or company (1-3 paragraphs)

  • Information on the proposed performance (1-3 paragraphs)

  • Additional information on how the project connects to Red Eye’s rental program priorities

  • Notes on unusual technical or practical considerations

  • Preferred timeframe and length of rental

  • Self-selection of pricing tier

To receive the guidelines as a Word doc, or application materials in an alternate format, please contact staff@redeyetheater.org.

CONTACT

You can reach us at staff@redeyetheater.org. Feel free to reach out with any questions about the space or the RFP process.