BIndlestiff Family Cirkus "Open Stage Variety Hour" at Dixon Place: NYC experimental theatre for artists literary events reading events dance art

Celebrating works-in-progress, emerging artists and professionals trying something new, the Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Houris a nonstop variety show experience. Performances could include aerial artists, wire walkers, sword swallowers, physical comedy, Kung Fu juggling, clown bands, trained rats, stripping clowns, living cartoons, a Heavy Metal Magician, a cougar contortionist, and a cowboy from the Bronx. The evening is hosted by Bindlestiff Family Cirkus co-founder Keith Nelson. This night promises many surprises, with a different lineup of emerging artists and professional entertainers every month.

To sign up, e-mail Keith with "Open Stage" in the subject line and include a description of your act and the date(s) you are interested in performing.

The Open Stage Variety Hour continues May 7, June 4, July 2, August 6.... and on through the rest of 2012!

Since 1995 the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has traveled the world, bringing its unique hybrid of Vaudeville, Circus, Wild West Shows, Burlesque, and Sideshow to theaters, clubs, colleges, and festivals. The company has produced innumerable cabaret shows, custom performances for special audiences, all-ages and family productions, and sophisticated adult shows. Over the past decade the company has began developing more theatrical productions, including 2000's Down & Out in NYC, 2001's Off-Broadway Buckaroo Bindlestiff's Wild West Jamboree, 2003's High Heels & Red Noses, 2005's From the Gutter to the Glitter, and 2008's Kinko for President. In 2004 Bindlestiff instituted its children's performance program, the Cavalcade of Youth, in which young performers and technical staff (ages 3-20) have the opportunity to hone their skills with variety arts professionals. For more information, check out their website.

Photo credits: JIm Moore (Lorrine Lampert, top left; Jeff Seal, in text),