Sample Night Live
Background and Purpose
Sample Night Live (Sample Night) is a recently incorporated nonprofit organization established to expose Twin Cities residents to a wide variety of performing arts options. The spark for Sample Night originated a few years ago when a group of artists and arts administrators got together to brainstorm ideas on how to develop audiences for Twin Cities’ performing arts events.
Their belief was not that people didn’t want to go to see theater, music or dance, but that there were too many offerings to choose from. Their solution to this perceived barrier was to create a monthly event showcasing a dozen different local acts featuring a wide variety of genres, from classical music to dance to stand-up comedy to puppetry. Audiences are invited to vote on their favorite act, to opt into mailing lists from any of the performers, and to win door prizes. The first part of the evening is “G-rated” so that families are encouraged to attend. The second act is unrated and uncensored. People are welcome to come for either act, or stay for both.
The first Sample Night was held in January 2008 at Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis and has been held every first Wednesday of the month except in August in deference to the Minnesota Fringe Festival. From January to September, over 800 people attended Sample Night performances in the 85-seat house. In addition, the Minnesota State Fair invited them to present a special version of the show which attracted almost 600 fairgoers.
Current Request
Earlier this year, Sample Night received a $25,000 City of Saint Paul Cultural STAR grant with the condition that they move their operations to downtown Saint Paul. With this financial support, they searched for a space that could accommodate the variety of performances that make up a typical Sample Night.
Their plan is to produce their monthly show on the History Theatre’s stage most months except the few when it is not available. They will then perform in one of the other venues they are currently negotiating with. They will kick off their new Saint Paul-based season in December which will feature all the audience favorites from past Sample Night performances. As the Saint Paul Cultural STAR requires a match, Sample Night is requesting funds from The Saint Paul Foundation to meet this condition.