On the Boards presents performances of many types. You can look up shows and the season to find the artists they bring. The main hall is about 150 in a straight rake. The stage is deep. They have plenty of lighting and good sound. They don't have a stage fly space for scenery and backdrops like the the Paramount or classic theaters. I would assume they can bring in linoleum for dance performances, but it was not there for the performance I saw. The lobby is nice with a ticketing alcove, and a simple bar with a limited selection of brewed coffee, mixed drinks, beer, and wine. They should add espresso. I was visiting Seattle. Residents are familiar with the Seattle world of parking and transit. So my comments on parking are for visitors. On the Boards is in Lower Queen Anne adjacent to the Seattle Center performance hall NW corner. It is a dense apartment an condo zone. That means there are opportunities for drinking/dining, but fierce parking. There is a gravel paid lot across the street by an apartment with a scanable QR payment system by Google/Apple Pay that works, and the parking company even sends a customer survey. Queen Anne, as the hill rises, has a parking permit system blocking lower visitor parking - read the signs carefully. If you love contemporary performance. On the Boards is one of Seattle's presenters to follow. read more

I went to see "Another you", a 70 minute "in your face " monologue about a man's life struggles, growing up in Jersey. Great show and it's a pretty cool venue too. Ticket prices are pretty reasonable. Most of the shows are a bit to "interpretive" for my liking, but overall, a cool place and great for "something different" on a friday night. One major drawback- they serve alcohol in glass bottles, which, would have be fine if the venue wasn't, well "on the boards". The bottles were periodically kicked and broken (mistakenly, of course) and distracted immensely from the performance. I give it one awkward fist up the "you know what" up. What?? That's in reference to the show, you sickos. read more

Been here once to see Hump! It's street parking with a few $7ish paid lots a block away. The lobby and theatre were nice enough. Small but nice. It's stadium seating with a pretty steep incline to easily still see the screen or stage with someone in front of you. Bathroom could have used a cleaning.... This show was kinda a cluster upon exiting- though I assume not every show is like that. Too many people were entering and exiting at the same time and one side of the lobby was blocked off from those exiting, which was a huge problem because people exiting needed the restroom on the other side. Also, too many people were scrambling to vote before exiting. They should allow more time in between performances. But again, hopefully that only applies to this show (or any other back to back performance). Nonetheless, I would see another show here. read more

I fucking love On the Boards. Where else in this city are you going to see the Dina Martina Christmas Show (hot, holiday, tranny mess), Spauldling Grey (RIP- mental illness sucks ass), Rennie Harris (Hip Hop you don't stop dancing baby cause mama LOVES YOU), and The Stranger's annual Amateur Porn Festical - HUMP? Not at no Intiman or no Rep or no 5th Avenue Theatre neither. I speak the TRUTH! Last night was my first time to Hump. Watching porn in a theatre with a bunch of friends and strangers was new to me, but these films are graded on level of hardcore content and humor, so I figure all will be fine. It was, and then it sort of wasn't, and then it was again, and then it wasn't... Kudos to the Stranger staff for ordering the films well. Layering the shit that will undoubtable make for messy panties and woody stuffed pants (The Great Humpkin - first film and definitely one I wouldn't mind seeing again - you know, alone or with exactly ONE other person) with the stuff that will inspire life long celibacy (whatever the fuck that one with the USED Real Doll thing was - *still vomiting*) was genius and GREATLY APPRECIATED. Made for a much easier transition from darkened theatre to the street with a bunch of people that you have no intention of getting naked with - like EVER. Really cute that two couples just split immediately. They shall remain nameless (PG &FG, KS&CD) - and I hope they had a delicious post Hump hump. MUST BE NICE FUCKERS! Haha - fuckers, see what I did there? Anyhoo..... read more

Steve and I went to On The Boards to see Hump! Hump! is a amateur porn film series where you vote in four different categories as to what you liked best. Best Humor, Best Sex, Best Kink and Best in Show are the categories. They warned us that some of the films may make people feel awkward or squirm inducing but it was a lot of fun! It was not nearly as skeezy as it may sound. We were warned repeatedly not to use our phones at all while the films were playing because the actors only want to be weekend porn stars and not for the rest of their lives. I think everyone complied. Dan Savage was the host for the evening. He is so adorable! On The Boards is a relatively small venue and is not equipped too terribly well for show after show that is sold out and has large lines. Even though that may be the case the management and staff are on top of it and direct everyone to their proper place even if sometimes it gets a little crowded and stuffy in the lobby. The screening room itself is set up nice and it is intimate without being too cramped. We really enjoyed Hump! and will go back next year. We picked up a flyer about other programming and performances coming to On The Boards. There are lots of wonderful, artful things coming. The range of performances go beyond film and live performances are done here as well I believe. The artful performances coming here ranges from delicate and beautiful to surreal and fever dream like. I am intrigued! read more

NW New Works at On The Boards Festival last night was a brave exploration of femininity, sexuality, ageism, exhibition, exploitation and human connection. A fascinating show. read more

On the Boards - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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On The Boards is a great theater space that frequently shows experimental and avant-garde pieces, local and foreign. In most major cities you would think this would be rather common but as Seattle has an enormous stick up its ass about anything politically incorrect, abrasive, confrontational, or intellectually challenging in any regard, you really have to dig for places like this here. The staff is friendly and accommodating without any air of snobbishness or pretension. I attended The Stranger's annual amateur porn festival HUMP! here a few weeks ago (awesome, if a bit heavy on the gay). Last week I saw JERK, an adaptation of a Dennis Cooper story involving puppets used to represent the unspeakable* acts the characters perform on each other, which is so emotionally violating that I can't believe it was performed anywhere outside of eastern Europe. Both of these performances were well worth the time and money, and I encourage everyone to check their calendar for upcoming evens. *statutory necrophilic anal fisting read more

There are many art spaces in Seattle but this one tops the chart. Always supporting local artists while giving them opportunities to grow and flourish! The performances I have witnessed (about 10 now) have provided me with an inspirational environment that touches base on content relevant to today's cultural need. read more

What an interesting venue in Queen Anne. I would had never known there was a performance art stage located in Queen Anne until HUMP 4 was held here. For the Hump festival it was a great venue. A nice lobby to hang out in. Yummy drinks from quick bartenders. The theater itself was pretty nice. A decent size, comfortable seats and a really good place for them to have the festival. I've been going to Hump the past few years and am hoping it stays at this place since I think it really worked out well here. I guess the only real downside is the parking situation is a nightmare. Queen Anne normally is a terrible place to park but adding a weekend and an event is just asking for a headache. read more

I went to see 12 Minutes Max, which is basically a talent show where each act gets, you guessed it, 12 minutes MAX to do their thing. Though most of it was either too pretentious, amateurish, and way too silly, I still really enjoyed myself and it made for a unique night out. Definitely recommended. read more

I really like on the boards. I don't know anything about theater, but it seems like the theater equivalent of the kind of music I like - edgy, interesting, not 'mainstream', and sometimes controversial. It's also affordable which is a big plus for my brokeness. The space is pretty and comfortable and they have reasonable drink prices and friendly staff. read more

Saw my first On the Boards performance last night featuring Heather Kravas's Quartet. WOW! I love that this place exists and features bold artist who push the bounds of our thinking. The performance was unapologetic, beautiful, and like NOTHING I've ever seen. It was thoughtful and the performers were masterful in their restraint and their ability to make truly difficult strength moves look easy. It was a unique night out that I really needed. I was captivated for all 90 minutes, while at the same time retreating into my own thoughts. It was perfect. BRAVO! My only beef: Not loving the bleacher style seating. For any performance over 45 minutes, you've got a get a bit more comfortable seating. No one wanted to make a sound during the performance, which was TOUGH to do on metal bleachers that were packed. read more

Went to this venue for the first time last night to see Hump! - The Stranger's amateur-and-locally-produced porn festival! Yes, it was a bit Avant-garde, but it was very funny and tons of fun and I recommend going at least once. On the Boards was a good venue for it. Low key. Comfy seats stadium style, good screen, good sound. Overall good venue experience - with the only criticism being parking, but that is pretty much an issue anywhere in Seattle. read more

Last time I reviewed OtB I was annoyed from a run in with the Box Office staff. Well, I went this last weekend (saw The Shipment , it was really interesting) and the same people were working the pre-show ticket sales. This time: nice as could be. You can bring beer--a selection of Deschutes Brews, no less--into the theater and they only charge $3 which is great (says the DD)! I'm stoked for the whole Inter/National Series this year. Looks to be another awesome season. read more

Penises. Penises everywhere. Japanese penises. Amateur pornography penises. Naked dancer bouncing penises everywhere. Oh, and sometimes there aren't penises. read more

I have to admit that I could not be described as someone who was into performance art. As a concept, it seemed boring and off the wall to someone who was born and raised in a small southern town. Fortunately, On the Boards shifted that for me. Having been invited by my partner to go, I was pleasantly surprised. I was concerned at first that I didn't follow the story line or the artists' intended meanings - and that was alleviated when I understood that it was open for interpretation. This allowed me to fully appreciate the experience - the colors, the movement, the sound, the lighting...it's amazing. On the Boards as a venue is impressive! When you add to that a strong local talent, steady fan base, and great shows - it's a solid win. I suggest anyone looking for a genuine, human experience to check it out and support this local gem. read more

This review is about the ongoing 12 Minutes Max productions: 15 years ago they were interesting. They aren't anymore. It's a bunch of self indulgent, poor quality dance. You used to never know what you'd get - dance, monologue, music & sometimes just weird performance art. It was fun, unexpected and always a good night out. I gave it another try this year - and it was laughably bad. I tried it 2 year ago perviously and it sucked too. I've decided not to attend again. read more

They had "Hump!" here a few weeks ago, and being it was my first time to the theater I wasn't sure what to expect. It was a nice place - big screen with comfy seats with good sound that seats a couple hundred. Of course I wish the screen was a little smaller for those hardcore gay scenes, but can't fault the theater for that. Snack stand prices sorta sucked, that was my only complaint. read more

The space is really cool. Lots of space on stage for dancers and definitely a unique space of Seattle.

This place is an awesome, intimate theater. I like their beer selection, everyone working there is helpful and interested in what they're doing, and the space is lovely. read more

I would give OTB 4.5 stars if possible. This venue is really the only place in Seattle that produces world class cutting edge dance and theatre (that originates from outside Seattle). The NWNW series sometimes has some true gems as well. 12 minutes max has been more hit and miss lately. I dock them in this review for the lackluster last few months (olivier weavers being notably under the bar). read more

I came here for Humpfest and a dance performance called Splurge. It's a nice space, with a not-full bar, and a cool lobby. The theatre can probably seat about 200-250 people, stadium seating. read more

I have been here for various things. They always seem to have something interesting (though poorly advertised - maybe for the better) going on. The bar has decent prices and an OK selection for an art house that also serves alcohol. Fun will be had. read more

The dance here can challenge your ideas of what dance can be. OTB presents international , national and Northwest companies of exceptional, ordinary and sometimes really strange people and shows you both old and young bodies. The common factor OTB seeks is extraordinary vision and unique ways of moving . When it works, it's more powerful than perfect bodies executing perfect moves. Some of the most memorable dance performances I recall in over 20 years of watching dance were presented here, including Vancouver's Holy Body Tattoo's "Circa" in 2001, and Zoe/ Juniper in Northwest New Works in mid-2000. I'm looking forward to She She Bop, a German theater company doing a dance theater piece exploring the father/daughter connection and Shakespeare's King Lear, coming this month. Also- you can bring your kids if they are mature enough to sit through an hour and 1/2 performance. I believe the age limit is 8 but check to make sure. I brought my 10 year old boys to a performance where a man and woman sat in opposite chairs and proceeded to slaver at each other at close range in translucent body suits for many minutes. The performers were so committed and self possessed that the kids accepted the scene without writhing in embarrassment or being grossed out. (Or begging to leave!) There is a special discounted kid rate. In 2012 it was $12 per ticket, which is a bargain given the caliber of mainstage performances . If the material proves too challenging for the kids, you can leave early and not feel you wasted a fortune. Not all the material is kid-friendly (like the Stranger's amateur porn festival, but I am sure it is clearly stated when not appropriate ). Witnessing good theater can expand our comprehension of experiences and emotions that aren't always comfortable. Thanks to OTB for giving us the chance to witness cutting edge performance in all its messiness and beautiful strangeness. read more

the evan fleury barnes performance was amazing....so that was a five..the drink prices are good, the waiting area is nice and all of it has a good vibe...not sure I love festival seating though, cause it always makes that uncomfortable feeling esp for the elderly of people lining up waiting to go in and who really was there first etc...so that would be my one critique for the future to be able to pick your seats sort of like the movie theater thang, esp for sold out shows which of course one cannot always pick..anyway, I am on board with on the boards... read more