The Outer Limit of the Local Imagination Since 1993. Bedlam Theatre’s Mission is to produce radical works of theater with a focus on collaboration and a unique blend of professional and community art.

Bedlam outputs include:

THEATRE PRODUCTIONS presenting and producing new works of live art and support for radical artists

CABARET, MUSIC & EVENTS short bits, assemblages, concerts and installations

the BEDLAM SOCIAL FRAMEWORK ranging from community involvement in creating new works to coffee, beer and conversation before, after, during and sometimes instead of the show, the encompassing conviviality and invitation to see, eat and be bedlam.

the annual BEDLAM COMMUNITY 10minute PLAY FESTIVAL we’re strict about the 10min but wildly loose about your interpretation of  “play.” We curate for an exciting mix of projects, opportunities and ideas, then cast everyone who auditions. A cornerstone of imagination, innovation and hands-on-engagement.

the annual INFIAMMATI outdoor FIRE SPECTALE bedlam’s take on the summer block buster, flaming props and costumes, and circus galour, in partnership with the irrepressible Infiammati artists.

the CEDAR RIVERSIDE ART ZONE for YOUTH – CRAZY working with numerous partners and the young people of Cedar Riverside with workshops and performances to celebrate their voices and build community.

Bedlam then to now. Throughout it’s first decade Bedlam cultivated a distinctive aesthetic  combining an overtly playful performance style with low-tech spectacle, bold visuals, experimental absurdism, both cuttingly-direct and nonsensically-obtuse satyric barbarism, socio-political imagination, and usually some live music.

Today, Bedlam provides a steady diet of original, avant-garde for Minneapolis and regional audiences.  Bedlam Productions vary from 5mins to Full Length and evolve through creative processes that can last 2 weeks to 10 years.   As a venue Bedlam supports a year-round calendar of local, national and international artists, in theater, dance, music, puppetry, performance art and more.   And as artists, we try new things, so that no year in fourteen has ever been exactly like the last.

Collaborative/Professional/Community.  Bedlam Theatre builds culture and community through and around experimental performing arts – and their audiences. We support artists that challenge not just form and content but process as well on their adventure to reflect, celebrate and reinvent themselves and their society.  We create an atmosphere of dialog with artists and audience.  We provide direct engagement through our community programs and partnerships and frequently in our productions.   Once you’ve joined the loyal following, chances are at some point you’ll cross the line from seeing theater to being theater.

Read more on the HISTORY of BEDLAM right through here…

This activity is made possible in part by a grant by the Minnesota State Arts Board through an appropriation by the Minnesota State Legislature from the State’s general fund and its arts and cultural heritage fund with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

Bedlam Theatre receives general operating support from the McKnight Foundation, a Minnesota-based family foundation that seeks to improve the quality of life for present and future generations.