Business Details
10 Years
experience
Community Theater & Arts Center in Minneapolis
Founded in 2016, The Hook & Ladder Theater & Lounge (FPAC) operates The Hook & Ladder Theater in historic Firehouse #21 in South Minneapolis. As a 501.3c non-profit, we provide inclusive performance spaces for artists across disciplines, hosting live music, theater, dance, and community events. Our mission prioritizes accessibility, sustainability, and amplifying marginalized voices through arts programming.With three indoor stages and an award-winning outdoor venue, we serve as a cultural hub for creative expression and community connection. Our team combines decades of experience in arts curation, venue management, and community outreach to support emerging artists and foster inclusive artistic ecosystems.
Services
Live music performances
Private event rentals
Community theater productions
Outdoor concert series
Artist development programs
Cultural workshops
Event production services
Accessibility accommodations
Sustainability initiatives
Arts education programs
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We operate Minnesota's only artist-driven theater in a historic firehouse venue
- Our three fully accessible indoor stages accommodate diverse performance needs
- We host the award-winning Under The Canopy outdoor concert series May-September
- Our spaces support private events from weddings to corporate functions
- We maintain solar-powered, low-waste operations for sustainable events
What people say
Unique historic venue
Diverse musical offerings
Community-focused programming
Sustainable practices
Memorable event space
Services
Live music performances
Our venues host diverse musical acts across genres, featuring local and touring artists. With three indoor stages and seasonal outdoor capacity, we provide professional production support for intimate shows and large-scale events. Our programming prioritizes emerging talent while maintaining technical excellence for optimal audience experiences.
Private event rentals
Our historic firehouse accommodates weddings, fundraisers, and corporate events with flexible spaces for 80-500 guests. Full technical production capabilities include lighting, sound, and AV systems. Our team provides event coordination support while maintaining accessibility and sustainability standards for all private functions.
Community theater productions
We support theatrical performances from experimental works to traditional plays, offering fully equipped stages with accessible facilities. Our programming includes dance, literary events, and multidisciplinary productions that reflect diverse cultural perspectives. Technical staff assist with set design, lighting, and sound requirements for community-driven theater projects.
Artist development programs
Our initiatives provide emerging artists with performance opportunities, mentorship, and technical resources. Programs include workshops, residencies, and collaborative projects that foster creative growth. We prioritize accessibility for artists with disabilities and support underrepresented voices through dedicated funding and platforming opportunities.
Outdoor concert series
The Under The Canopy (UTC) series presents seasonal outdoor performances May-September, featuring local and regional acts. Our award-winning outdoor venue combines solar-powered infrastructure with low-waste practices, offering a unique urban concert experience while maintaining environmental responsibility through sustainable event management protocols.
People
Chris Mozena
Founder/Executive Director
Music industry veteran with 20+ years experience in radio programming, record promotion, and venue management. Founded FPAC in 2016 to create accessible arts spaces. Previously worked as club GM and independent record promoter, now focuses on artist development and community programming.
Questions
What types of events does FPAC host?
We host live music, theater, dance, film screenings, art installations, and community events. Our venues also accommodate private functions like weddings and corporate events.
Can I rent FPAC spaces for private events?
Yes! Our venues accommodate weddings, fundraisers, and corporate events with capacities from 80-500 guests. Contact us for availability and technical specifications.
How does FPAC support local artists?
We provide performance opportunities, technical resources, and development programs for emerging artists across disciplines while maintaining accessible, inclusive spaces for creative expression.
Is FPAC accessible for patrons with disabilities?
All our stages and facilities are fully accessible with ADA-compliant features. We provide accommodations for artists and audience members with mobility, sensory, and accessibility needs.
What sustainability practices does FPAC implement?
We use solar power, host low-waste concerts, and implement eco-friendly operations across our venues while encouraging sustainable practices among performers and event organizers.
Reviews (6)
Ann Treacy
Nov 01, 2021
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Easy sight lines for bands, great sound, usually room to dance a little but the ethos of the folks there is the best part of The Hook!
Michael Czora
Oct 20, 2021
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Very left-leaning arts group. Bring your mask and proof of vaccination (Mask required inside regardless of vax status.) Outdoor concert seating area is sparse but the sound is good.
Amy Swann
Oct 19, 2021
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Intimate atmosphere. Appreciate that they are asking for proof of vaccination and masks. Absolutely loved the show introduced to The Jorgensens and Jill Solube!
Dave Oertle
Oct 07, 2021
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Got to see Zeppo in the outdoor "under the tent" setting. It was a really cool set up, but more sound deadening panels are needed on the opposite building wall as the sound was bouncing off that and creating a weird dynamic.. We moved out from under the tent to the open area in back and the sound was much better.
Mat Resist
Sep 24, 2021
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My first time here since before the pandemic was to see Slim Stone, and it was awesome. A couple days later, Liquor Beats Winter which blew me away. Shows are happening outside in what used to be a parking lot. There's a massive tent so shows can happen rain or shine I imagine. It still sounds great. There's a nice sitting area in back by the fence and usually a couple food trucks around. H&L has always been been a good place to see great music!
Angela Deeb
Aug 24, 2021
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The staff were so nice to me. Usually I get eye rolls and grumbles when I order a tonic and lime. I know I'm not the only sober person at events... But the bartenders didn't treat me as such.
