About Us
Are you a Philadelphia-based dance artist?
We invite you to join Mascher Space Cooperative!
You will get – regular, affordable studio hours.
You can use the space for rehearsals, workshops and performances.
Participate in a supportive, vibrant dance community!
-3000 Sq ft.
-12 ft ceilings.
-South facing windows.
-50 seats.
-Lights on dimmers.
-Finished wood floors.
-Stereo w/ cd player and ipod hookup.
-Parking avail.
-4 blocks from the Berks stop on the Market/Frankford line
Reduced rate work share and non-work shares available.
For more info email: mascherdance@gmail.com
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Mascher Space Co-op grew out of the dream of Liza Clark and Rebecca Patek to share a workspace with other artists interested in improvisational processes, experimentation and collaboration. They wanted a cooperative space that could be used for rehearsals, classes, workshops, and performances and that would be affordable for young dance artists living on limited incomes. They found a studio in Lower Kensington in the summer of 2005, and put out an open call to the community in the fall of 2005. With a small group of artists committed (Meg Foley, Loren Groenendaal and Jenny Roe Sawyer) they were able to locate a nearby space that would better accommodate our needs. Together they re-finished the floor so that it would be suitable for bare feet, purchased and hung lighting and set up utilities. With the space ready for use, more artists committed to leasing shares and they opened the doors in April 2006. Since then, over 40 independent artists and small companies have been in residence at Mascher Space Co-op. The membership broadened to include artists who’s practices are not necessarily improvisational or experimental, as the founders were. What binds the current membership is not aesthetics, but their common commitment to working cooperatively and sharing administrative tasks towards the creation of a space where movement based artists can flourish. Through pooled resources Co-op members are able to develop their artistic work and their skills in a nurturing, supportive community.
Numerous other artists have used the space for rehearsals and performances on an hourly basis, or have participated in Mascher’s member-initiated programs, IN FLUX Performance Series and Philly Dance COSMOS, contemporary dance class series with live music. With the assistance of Philadelphia Dance Projects, fifty mounted theater seats were acquired from the Annenberg Center in the summer of 2006, making Mascher into a comfortable, informal performance venue. Mascher Space Co-op has been the recipient of several Professional Development grants from Dance Advance for members to study with master artists such as Katsura Kan, Deborah Hay, Miguel Gutierrez, and Kira Kirsch and was a 2010 Philadelphia Cultural Fund recipient. Mascher Space Co-op was named the “Next Collective Art Space” by the Philadelphia Weekly in March 2007, and the “Best Experimental Dance Lab” by the Philadelphia City Paper Choice Awards in October 2007. The Co-op has begun the process of incorporating and applying for 501(c)(3) tax status, which will open new avenues of funding programs and member projects.
How it all works
Here’s the summary rundown on Mascher’s new organizational structure.
You can now be a Mascher member/Artist-in-Residence at one of three different share options. Each share is 16 hours per month. Additional hours can be purchased at a rate corresponding to your share option.
All share options enjoy the convenience of set rehearsal times, guaranteed monthly rehearsal hours, and the ability to use Mascher for performances at no additional cost.
Option 1: Pays $100 per month, holds an Administrative Position, and is responsible for approximately 10 hours of work per month.
Option 2: Pays $130 per month, takes on a Work Role assisting the Administrative Positions, and is responsible for approximately 5 hours of work per month.
Option 3: Pays $160 per month, has no obligations to the cooperative, and is not required to attend the Co-op’s bimonthly meetings (but is welcome to do so).
Outside Renters pay $12/hr for rehearsals and $20/hr for public use (performances, classes, workshops, etc).
For more information or to become a member, email mascherdance@gmail.com!
