History
Inspired by Bread and Puppet Theater in Vermont, David O’Fallon and Ray St Louis founded HOBT (originally called Powderhorn Puppet Theatre) in 1973. The theatre initially worked out of the basement of Walker Church in Minneapolis’s Powderhorn neighborhood, and was closely connected to Powderhorn Park from the very beginning.
Since it’s founding HOBT has been creating original productions, touring performances, producing the MayDay Parade & Festival, teaching in schools, and working with various communities and activists to create theatre that brings people together for the common good. For a more detailed look at the rich history of HOBT and the many people who influenced and shaped the theatre, see the book Theatre of Wonder: 25 Years In The Heart of the Beast.
This is an exciting moment at HOBT as we rebuild from the pandemic and build a more equity-centered organization. HOBT remains committed to its vision of building creativity, empathy, and interconnection in its core neighborhoods. HOBT’s tens of thousands of supporters want us to continue our work. We believe transformational change is possible that will lead to a more resilient future organization.
In joining the Board of Directors, you would be part of a team that is imagining, guiding and supervising this transformation as HOBT reimagines itself into a form that better serves all of our communities.
Annual Budget: $400,000 – Earned Income, Foundations, Individual Contributions, Government Grants or Contracts
Skills
HOTB is seeking board members with skills in the following areas:
- Finance
- Governance
- Fundraising
- Other
The biggest thing you bring is yourself — your perspectives, experiences, and insights are the most valuable part of this team. The more diverse we are, the more we can act with alignment and connection to our communities. Some helpful skills for board service include community connections, long-range planning, finances, human resources, fundraising, marketing, or experience in the legal field. If being on a board is new to you, that’s fine. We include training and mentorship as part of our new-Board-member-support. Most of all we are looking for members with a passion for supporting community art and investing in our neighborhood through the work we do.
Information
- Number of members currently: 8
- Meeting time and frequency: 12 meetings annually
- Meeting location: Minneapolis
- Does nonprofit carry liability insurance? Yes
Expectations
- Time Expectation: Up to 8 hours/month
- Financial Contribution Required: No
- Service on Committee Required: Yes
- Committees: Executive, Finance, Governance, Fundraising, Other
- Length of Term: 2 Years
- Renewable: Yes