Open Eye Theatre

Invest in the power of art to foster dynamic, creative communities!

Open Eye is a nimble theatre that offers a wide array of artistic events and workshops that enrich the lives of our fellow citizens and advance the careers of emerging artists. From intimate indoor concerts to eye-popping outdoor spectacles, your support helps Open Eye produce innovative art, support artists, and build connections within our neighborhood and the broader community. 

If you love the magic and mission of Open Eye Theatre, please donate today!

Please join us in helping to raise $10,000 to end our season on solid footing and be ready to boldly meet the challenges and opportunities of 2023!  With you support, Open Eye Theatre will continue to bring innovative theatre, puppetry, storytelling and music to our neighborhood, our cities, and our region!  In 2023 let’s keep dreaming big together! Your support now will help us:

• Continue our summer tradition of partnering with The Bakken Museum with a hilarious musical sequel to last year’s sold-out HAIR BALL! by composer-playwright Josef Evans!
• Host storyteller Kevin Kling and singer-songwriter Galelynn Lea in a new collaboration that combines exceptional artistry with disability advocacy!
• Launch TWO Driveway Tour summer puppet shows that will reach over 3000 people in 80 communities across the Metro and greater MN!
• Advance the careers of emerging artists with the PUPPET LAB FESTIVAL, led by Co-Artistic Directors Oanh Vu and Rebekah Crisanta de Ybarra!
• Present the area premiere of the stunningly insightful play THE CHINESE LADY by Lloyd Suh about Afong Moy, the first Chinese woman to step foot in America, helmed by guest director Eric Sharp! 
• Make everyone blush on Valentine’s Day with Mistress Dominique’s NAUGHTY PUPPET SHOW!
• Invite everyone in our South Minneapolis neighborhood to take center stage by installing a flexible stage in our outdoor green space!

We can only achieve these dreams with your help. Please donate in any amount, to support our artist-driven and community-focused work now and in 2023!

Here are a few ways your support helped us open eyes, hearts, and minds in 2022:

• Over 13,000 people engaged with Open Eye to watch shows, attend events, or take workshops!
• The summer Driveway Tour set another new record, performing to 3100 people in 51 communities across the Metro and Greater MN. 76% of this year’s hosts were returning partners!

• Open Eye hired over 90 artists: performers, designers, musicians, writers, instructors, and technicians.

• We commissioned and supported 10 original works of theatre, music, puppetry and storytelling!

• BIPoC and LGBTQ artists and artists with disabilities are leading projects, and helping envision new programming! 56% of last season’s performers, designers, instructors, writers, and artistic leadership identify as part of an underrepresented community.

• We provided space and support to an array of fellow nonprofit, social justice, and advocacy organizations including the SEAD Project, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence, and the JADA Project Foundation.

And we’re committed to having even MORE impact next year!