POLARIS NORTH
a membership co-operative of theatre artists
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polaris North ?
Polaris North is a non-profit membership co-operative of theatre professionals. We share the cost of a studio space on W. 29th st. We are funded completely by member’s dues and outside donations and are proud to say we were founded in 1976!
How can I become a member ?
Actor members audition for membership and are voted in by the Board. Directors interview with the Board of Directors who vote whether to select the applicant. Playwrights are voted in by other playwright members of Polaris North.
How many members are there ?
Just under 100.
What does the membership cost ?
Dues are $375 a year to be an associate member.
What is an associate member ?
Every member starts as an associate member. You are welcome to attend all events and take part in all projects as an associate member. After 6 months, you can apply to become a key member.
What is a key member ?
A key member can schedule time in the studio and sponsor projects. The cost of the key is an additional annual fee of $150.
What goes on at Polaris North ?
Members can use the studio to enhance their craft and professional career. The studio is always active with performances, readings, rehearsals, and workshops. The events page of this website lists upcoming workshops, readings and performances. The private activities of users are not listed publicly.
Who decides what gets done ?
Polaris North does not have an Artistic Director. All projects are driven by one of our key members.
Do you charge admission ?
There is no admission charged for any event at Polaris North, but we gladly accept any and all donations to keep our studio open. We are a 501 (c) 3 non profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. And thanks.
How do I find out more ?
Check out our Events page and stop by the studio. Ask some of the members who are sure to be there or email us at polarisnorthnyc@gmail.com
What is the history of Polaris North ?
Polaris North began its existence in 1976 as "Polaris Repertory Company" in a basement space at 455 Hudson Street in New York City. A dozen people shared the fifty-dollar-per-month rent and formed a cooperative of actors and playwrights, allowing them to use the space to hone their craft and foster their professional development while providing live theatrical performances to the community. Just as it continues today, the space was used for rehearsals, readings and performances and members were responsible for cleaning, repairs and improvements.
​​
Over time the group added members and started scheduling regular workshops for playwrights and working on monologues. In 1984 the group put together audition workshops in front of agents and casting directors.
​
In 1992 the activities had outgrown the basement. Some members split from the original organization and moved uptown to our current location in Chelsea, renaming the cooperative "Polaris North". With the larger space, membership continued to grow and activities expanded.
​
Thanks to the hard work of the founding members of the organization and all those who have joined the mission since, this unique organization continues to thrive and provide an artistic home to some of the most talented theater artists in New York.
​
We hope you will enjoy exploring this web site and visiting our studio to learn more about this amazing group.
​
If you have any queries about the site feel free to reach out to our website administrator and member, Basil Horn, at basilhorn72@gmail.com.