Act Development
Create Your Own Original Solo Routine!!
The spring 2024 GYAT series in 2024 will take place May 5 from 3-5 pm, May 12, 19, 26 from 2-4 pm, and June 2 from 3-5 pm, with a showcase on June 23 at 8 pm at DROM at 85 Avenue A.
Please note the varying start times of the classes.
Location: Playwrights Horizons, 440 Lafayette St, Manhattan, 4th Floor, studios 4D and 4C (buzzer says Playwrights).
We recommend you take Essential Burlesque before or alongside this series, but it is not required.
All styles of burlesque are encouraged: traditionally glamourous, subversively funny, politically challenging, and/or wildly experimental. Your vision is treasured in this supportive space.
There will be some limitations based on the venue's concerns, so feel free to ask about them. For example, no full nudity can be performed, and no liquids can be used on the stage.
Register using the paypal button below.
Please note, this class can sell out very quickly.
Dress for classes with comfort and movement in mind.
Bring a bottle of water to the space (no food in the studio, though a snack bar is fine)
Be prepared for optional additional costs related to costuming (you set the budget) and photography ($35-75 per person), video costs if available, or other costs related to your act.
Class meetings:
May 5: Performance Fundamentals: Stage Names, Music, Costume, and Choreography. Act Structure Worksheet Provided.
May 12: Bring worksheet and we’ll start talking about your act!
May 19: More guidelines, problem solving, and a performance exercise.
Music file will be requested at this time.
Music file is required before May 26, and by May 19 is even more helpful.
May 26 Run number as a sketch of what it will be.
June 2 Peer Review, Run Numbers with staging tips specific to the venue
Bio information will be requested at this time.
Bio information (worksheet provided) is due before May 26.
In order to participate in the showcase you must send music files and bio information in the time frame requested, and attend at least four out of the five classes. Jo will make it fun and easy!
June 23 Showtime! Meet at 5.30 at 85 Avenue A. doors to public at 7 show at 8
You may want to purchase a copy of The Burlesque Handbook to keep for reference during the series. It contains chapters on everything from getting inspiration to making pasties.
If you need to learn to fan dance, chairdance, or twirl tassels, you will not be learning that in this series, so to prepare you may want to take The Essential Burlesque Series or watch videos.
This series happens four-five times a year.
More School of Burlesque Classes
The calendar below is constantly being updated.