Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show 2025-2026

The iconic Bindlestiff Family Cirkus is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show for the 2025-2026 season, presented by City Tech Theatreworks. This captivating showcase of extraordinary talent will take place at the renowned Voorhees Theatre, located at 186 Jay Street in Brooklyn, New York.

The Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse world of variety entertainment, featuring a dynamic lineup of talented artists. A monthly open mic for variety artists hosted by Bindlestiff Family Cirkus co-founder Keith Nelson, this crowd-favorite features emerging performers and seasoned pros alike honing new acts in front of a live audience. A $15 suggested donation from each show goes into supporting initiatives like this that are devoted to the preservation of the variety arts.

The show’s 16-year history celebrates works in progress, emerging artists, and professionals trying something new - and always promises surprises. The season’s partnership with New York City College of Technology’s Entertainment Technology department — the only one of its kind in the Northeast and one of the few in the world — allows current students to utilize cutting-edge technologies of sound, lighting, scenery, video and show control during Bindlestiff’s in-person and live-streamed performances, thereby supporting emerging leaders of next-generation show creation and show production.

If you are unable to join us in person, please follow Bindlestiff Family Cirkus on YouTube and enjoy the performance virtually!

Photos by John Huntington

Video by Bryanna Gonzalez

Reservation requirements

All guests 18 and older must present a picture ID to be allowed into the venue.

City Tech guests, please bring your City Tech ID.

If you are a CUNY employee, please use your CUNY ID.

Non-CUNY guests, please bring photo ID.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher City Tech Theatreworks