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.

12 Minutes Max Edition Two featured works by Erica Badgeley, Bob Archer, Hexe Fey, Hannah Tiên, Emma Sumanaweera, and Lavender Liqueur, and was curated by Cameo Lethem and Alana Isiguen. 

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. 

Support for the 2025-26 season of 12 Minutes Max at Base comes from John C. Robinson.