MN HF5454

Creates a Minnesota Live Musical Theater Production Grant Pilot Program administered by the commissioner of employment and economic development for live stage productions using Minnesota venues as launch pads for Broadway shows and national tours.

Eligible venues must be located in Minnesota with at least 1,000 seats and must hold a temporary theater lease agreement or confirmed space prior to applying.

Requires productions to hire equal numbers of local union stagehands, wardrobe, hair and makeup workers, and live local union orchestra players as nonlocal workers employed for in-state performances.

Grants cover qualifying in-state production costs including talent salaries, set and wardrobe construction, music preparation, facility rentals, advertising, and other direct theater production costs incurred within a six-month period.

Appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2025 with individual grants capped at $250,000 or 25 percent of in-state production budget, with 5 percent of funds available for program administration and independent audits.