NYC Open Mic & Workshops at Lincoln Center

We are looking for NYC theatre artists and acoustic performers ready to bring intimate, original live work to the stage.
About this Event

Help Fund NYC Artists on the Lincoln Center Stage

We are looking for NYC theatre artists and acoustic performers ready to bring intimate, original work to the stage.

The Art Meetup is seeking acoustic singers and musicians, actors, poets, spoken-word artists, storytellers, dancers, movement artists, comedians, musical theatre performers, and multidisciplinary artists for our final open mic of 2026.

Performances should be concise, prepared, and able to work acoustically or with minimal amplification, props, equipment, and setup time.

Saturday, September 12, 2026
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center
Public and donation-based

Who We Want to Feature

• Acoustic singers and musicians
• Monologues and short scenes
• Poetry, spoken word, and storytelling
• Dance and movement
• Comedy and musical theatre
• Original, self-contained live work

Solo performers, duos, and small ensembles may be considered.

Your Donation Builds the Stage

This performance can only happen with community support.

Donations help cover sound, microphones, production support, seating, staffing, transportation, promotion, artist care, and the labor required to create a thoughtful performance experience.

Please contribute $5, $10, $20, $50, or any amount you can give when you RSVP.

Every donation helps independent artists perform inside a Lincoln Center cultural institution and helps The Art Meetup continue producing accessible creative opportunities across New York City.

No donation is required to attend. Those who contribute help keep the experience accessible to artists and audience members who may not be able to give.

Donate and support the event.

Experience the Stage

This will feel more like an intimate theatre showcase than a traditional loud open mic.

Expect acoustic music, stripped-down vocals, monologues, poetry, storytelling, movement, dance, comedy, and original performances from emerging NYC artists.

This is a room for artists to be heard, audiences to be present, and new creative relationships to begin.

Performer Selection

Performance slots are extremely limited.

Submitting the performance form or joining the performer chat does not guarantee a place in the lineup.

Artists may be considered based on:

• Performance quality and stage presence
• Professionalism and preparedness
• Suitability for an acoustic format
• Variety and fit within the lineup
• Available time and technical capacity
• Previous attendance, volunteering, performing, or support of The Art Meetup

The final setlist will be selected on the day of the event at the discretion of Lailani Gibson.

RSVP and Support

Your presence fills the room. Your support makes the stage possible.

Follow The Art Meetup
Join the open mic performer list
Discover more NYC events
Subscribe for NYC jobs and creative opportunities

The Art Meetup exists to bring artists, musicians, performers, and creative people together offline in real life. Good energy, live performances, conversation, and community. RSVP while tickets are still available.

Agenda

🕑: 01:00 PM
Doors Open, Check-In & Open Mic Sign-Up

Info: Meet artists, performers, and creative professionals before the show. Open mic sign-up begins at 1:30 PM. Spots are extremely limited, with priority given to returning artists.

Welcome & Free Giveaways

Info: We'll officially kick off the afternoon with a brief welcome to The Art Meetup. The first 100 attendees will receive free giveaways from our community partners while supplies last.

Open Mic & Community Mixer

Info: Enjoy live performances from poets, musicians, singers, comedians, storytellers, and other creatives sharing original work, while also connecting with fellow artists and creative professionals, exchanging contact information, discussing collaborations, and building meaningful connections.