COMPAS is looking to add performers to our roster of artists.

From Aztec dancing to African storytelling, COMPAS performances engage various audience sizes with a balance of performance, demonstration, and interaction. Our artists come from around the world and are excited to share their culture through music, dance, and presentation. Many performance programs provide study guides with background and preparation information, artist biographies, and resources for further information. Length is typically 45-60 minutes.  

Performances take place throughout the State of Minnesota during school hours, after school, during the evening and on weekends. Locations include schools, libraries, older adult living communities, parks and rec centers, youth program sites and other community settings.

We would like to see the following elements included in a COMPAS performance: 

• Interactive and engaging cultural experiences 
• Educational elements inspiring interest from the audience 
• Provides forms of demonstration, pausing to speak to the audience 
• Encourages community-focused interactions 
• Ability to adapt performance for different ages and abilities in the audience 

We would like to see the following groups better represented on our artist roster (as requested by our community partners): 

• Magicians 
• Native American music, theatre, and dance 
• Spanish-language performers 
• Acrobatic/Circus performance 
• Hmong music, theatre, and dance 
• East African performers 

Once the applicant has submitted the required information, the application will be considered for an interview that includes a 10-minute demonstration of a performance. 
We encourage people who identify as Native, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities to apply. We also encourage artists living in greater Minnesota, beyond the metro area, to apply.    

As an educational institution, we are looking for groups or artists that have a connection to the culture they are sharing. Performers set their own rates, can decline opportunities, and are not guaranteed work.

Performers and performing group applicants must include a cover letter, resume, work samples, performance statement, and work sample descriptions.  

Hiring Timeline  

Application Deadline: June 15  

Mid-July: Notifications of Interviews   

Mid-August: Acceptance Notifications   

Questions about becoming a performer with COMPAS and requests for application accommodations may be emailed to Jes Reyes at jes@compas.org. 

COMPAS is seeking teaching artists to join our roster. For 50 years we have been creating arts learning and experiences with community partners through performances, workshops, residencies, professional development, and more. Programs take place throughout the State of Minnesota during school hours, after school, during the evening and on weekends. Locations include schools, libraries, older adult living communities, parks and rec centers, youth program sites and other community settings. We consider ourselves matchmakers, bringing artists and partners together, to create impactful and inspiring experiences.  

Artists selected to join the roster join a community of other teaching artists and have access to benefits such as admin support, insurance, professional development, and more.   

While this an open call for all artists, we have a special need for the following: 

• Digital artists (digital art/illustration, graphic design, animation, etc.) 
• Electronic Media (photography, video, animation, etc.) 
• Visual artists  
• Literary artists 
• Spoken Word artists 
• Artists interested in K-12 classroom settings and out of school programs for youth 
• Artists interested and experienced working with people with disabilities 
• Artists interested and experienced working with older adults living in assisted living and/or memory care 

Desired Qualifications 

While we are open to a wide variety of artistic approaches and backgrounds, artists (including magicians!) with the following criteria have a higher chance of being interviewed: 

• A Demonstrated dedication to an artistic practice
• Prior teaching artist experience (ideally 2-5+ years) 
• Ability to fill a gap on the COMPAS roster 
• Demonstrated ability to model, breakdown, explain, and customize projects within their artform 

We encourage people who identify as Native, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities to apply. We also encourage artists living in greater Minnesota, beyond the metro area, to apply.  

Application Process Described 

Teaching Artist applicants must include a cover letter, resume, work samples, work sample descriptions, and a sample lesson plan to be considered.  

Once an artist has submitted the required information, the process consists of an initial round of consideration by COMPAS program staff, followed by finalists having a face-to-face interview with our Arts Advisory Committee consisting of community partners, artists, students, and COMPAS staff. The interview includes the teaching artists leading the panel through a 10-minute demonstration of an art activity, preferably from the lesson plan they submitted with their application.  

Teaching Artists selected to join the roster attend a New Artist Orientation, COMPAS’ Annual Teaching Artist Meeting, and individual training meetings with COMPAS staff, as needed (August – September 2025). 

Hiring Timeline 

Application Deadline: June 15, 11:59 PM

Mid-July: Notifications of Interviews  

Early August: Artist Interview/Panel Review 

Mid-August: Acceptance Notifications  

Questions about being a teaching artist with COMPAS and requests for application accommodations may be emailed to jes@compas.org. 

COMPAS Spoken Word Showcase

COMPAS is looking for youth in grades 7 to 12 who are interested in participating in a unique spoken word concert.

Participation includes a free workshop with COMPAS spoken word artist Frank Sentwali, a rehearsal, and a professional showcase for the community at the Capri Theater (2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis, MN 55411).

10-12 young artists will be selected from the applications received.

Sharing your work:

Please submit up to 2 spoken word pieces (a video file is preferred, but a Word doc or PDF attachment is accepted). You must include a short artist statement/bio with your name, school name, and grade. 

Timeline:

Deadline to Submit Work: May 17 at 11:59 p.m.

Submission Review: May 18-19

Lineup Decided and Young Artists Notified: May 20, 2025

Workshop with COMPAS Teaching Artist Frank Sentwali: May 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m., location TBD

Dress Rehearsal at location TBD: May 28, 2025, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Showcase at the Capri Theater: May 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. (participants arrive at 5:30 p.m.)

This program is a partnership between COMPAS and the Capri Theater. If transportation is a barrier, contact brittany@compas.org.