The first post we created for Neighborhood Notes, a storytelling initiative launched by the Hamline Midway Coalition (HMC) to highlight the people, businesses, and organizations that make our neighborhood a dynamic and welcoming place to live, featured The Hive Collaborative, a theater and performance space in the heart of our neighborhood. 

We first visited Laura Rudolph Morris and Eric Morris of The Hive during their Halloween Open House in October 2023. At the time, they were just beginning to transform the former Dreamland Arts Theater into something new — a space where performance, play, and imagination could flourish. The name “The Hive” reflects their vision for collaboration: Like a beehive, they envisioned a place where many small efforts come together to build something vibrant, dynamic, and alive.

“Bees are nature’s ultimate collaborators, which is what we also want to be,” Eric said, “an open door for anybody to have conversations with us.”

Just under a year and a half later, we reconnected with Laura and Eric Morris to learn how The Hive has grown and to reflect on what spaces like theirs mean for the cultural life of the Hamline Midway. It has been a busy year, to say the least. 

“Last December, we both said, how cool would it be if we had something every day next December,” Laura remembered. “And this year in December, I think we maybe had two days in the entire month of December that there wasn’t something happening.” 

They’ve hosted a wide range of events — from monthly live music bingo and improv nights to full productions, cabarets, concerts, and sing-alongs. Being welcoming and accessible to neighbors has always been a central goal. For Eric, one of the most rewarding moments is when neighbors come through the door for the first time.

“We get really, really excited when neighborhood people venture over,” Eric said. “That would be our dream — to cultivate a community of patrons who come to events just because they’re happening at The Hive. Because it’s right here. Because they know it’ll be good, accessible, fun.”

Laura sees The Hive as part of the broader ecosystem of performing arts in the Twin Cities. While institutions like the Guthrie and the Ordway serve essential roles, smaller and mid-sized theaters are often where new ideas and productions get their start. As a collaborative space, The Hive can offer support in ways larger venues can’t—whether that’s helping with lighting or stepping in as creative partners.

“We are just so excited to be able to be part of the bubbling beginnings for so many people,” 

Still, even knowing they could play a unique role in the theater scene, the need for a space like The Hive has surpassed their expectations.

“I think we had no idea how needed a space like this was,” Laura said. “We’re making a pretty significant impact — not us personally, but the space. It quickly became an essential part of the community. We’re just really grateful to be part of the next chapter in this delightful little building’s legacy.”

That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In January, The Hive was named Favorite Theater Venue by the Twin Cities Theater Blogger Awards, recognition that meant a lot to Eric and Laura. But the most meaningful moments are often the quiet ones: neighbors sharing space and community.

“Whenever we can meet a new person that is excited about coming to share community in a an event and theater art space, those are the best memories,” Eric said.

“We’re so happy to be part of this neighborhood,” Laura added. “Hamline Midway is such a vibrant community. It’s really thriving and entering a new era. There’s a lot of excitement bubbling, and we’re just grateful to be here, to feel the energy, and to help support the growth of our community in whatever way we can.”

Coming up at The Hive:

16 Bar BINGO: 11 o’clock numbers
Part of the monthly 16 Bar Bingo series, we’ve got 75 16 bar cuts of your favorite 11 O’CLOCK NUMBERS! Think the biggest, most iconic songs from your favorite shows! 3 rounds of BINGO, with prizes for each round winner! Complimentary buzzy treats hosted by The Hive! Pay As You Wish starting at $5
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 7:00 PM

The Honey Jar: Improv at The Hive
A monthly improv variety show that brings the funniest troupes in town together for a night of laughs and fresh comedy!  The Honey Jar is hosted once a month on a Tuesday and features 2-3 troupes per night. Join us after the show for a community hangout to meet the performers, connect with other improvisers, and catch up on the latest buzz! 
April 29 and May 20, 2025, 7:00 PM

The Birds presented by THEATREX
THEATREX presents THE BIRDS by Conor McPherson, from the classic story by Daphne du Maurier. April 11-27, 2025
Set amidst a global crisis in which birds turn on humanity en masse, strangers band together for shelter and protection. As suspicion and paranoia take hold, the lines are blurred between ally and threat. Daphne du Maurier’s short story, also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is boldly adapted by McPherson in this gripping and unsettling look at human relationships in the face of societal collapse.
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 2:00 PM

Applause Community Theatre Presents: RED
Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Mark Rothko takes on his greatest challenge yet: to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting. A moving and compelling account of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century whose struggle to accept his growing riches and praise became his ultimate undoing.
May 1–3 at 7:00 pm and May 4 at 1:00pm

Would I Lie to You?
Get ready for an evening of outrageous stories, quick wit, and hilarious deception as six of Minnesota’s sharpest performers go head-to-head in a live version of Would I Lie to You? Can you spot the truth among the tall tales? Will our teams fool each other—or you? With a mix of comedians, storytellers, and local personalities, this high-energy show promises unpredictable laughs and a unique spin on the hit British panel game.
Sunday, May 4, 2025, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM

Melancholics Anonymous presents Bart & Arnie
Two pals making their way in the city. Existential dread and friendship. Puppets. Modern Dance. Whimsy. The financial difficulties of living in the big city and the highs and lows of art and commerce. It’s hard to want things. A Sesame Street-inspired look at the absurdity and not infrequent pain of living in the world. And some of the fun you can have. Maybe with your best friend. Directed by Claire Chenoweth, Assistant Directed by Samantha Miller, and featuring Hawken Paul and Clare Rolinger.
Friday, May 9, 2025, 7:30 PM and Sunday, May 18, 2025, 2:00 PM
See more upcoming events here: thehivecollaborativemn.com/events