CALL FOR ARTISTS

A call for performance makers of all kinds to create, and present a new work, honoring the old Milwaukee tradition of the neighborhood bar. The Brick House MKE located in Riverwest, supported by Oculus 4174 in Kingston NY, is seeking to commission 6 performance creators to make an original work for production this summer at the Brick House Bar.

If selected you will be invited to create and present a new work which fits within these parameters. 

• Each work must be original

• Have no more than 4 performers/collaborators (including yourself)

• Be 30 minutes but no longer in length (not including 5 minutes for set up) and 

• Be performed in front of the bar

• The lead creator must be 21+ and a resident of Southeastern Wisconsin

All performance types are welcome. Theater, comedy, original or public domain music, clown, dance, all are invited to apply. You are encouraged to engage with our bartender who is a seasoned actor, and who will open the show with a monologue, or consider the role a bar plays as a community gathering place. 

Each performance will begin with the opening monologue from An Evening with The Bartender previously performed and written by the late and extremely great Randall T. Anderson. This is being done with knowledge of and encouragement from his partner who is now the owner and guardian of his brilliant creation. This new works project is inspired by the history of the neighborhood bar and those who create its colorful stories. It will honor Randall’s spirit, enthusiasm and endless support for the art of performance. 

The commission provides a $200 stipend for the creator(s) to develop their new work independently from table to stage. In addition, 6% of the final proceeds will be divided amongst creators and performers. Technical rehearsals, and the production venue are provided by The Brick House. Creative Workshop and production guidance and support will be supplied by Rebecca Holderness (UWM professor of theater emeritus), Amanda J Hull, and Amber Regan. Rehearsals are yours to conduct independently until tech week, with check in support from the team. Space can be reserved at The Brick House as available. 

The proposal or pitch for the work should be no longer than 400 words. Please describe your idea for creation, possible or type of collaborators, nature of performance and intended impact on the audience (delight, laughter, moving, thought provoking, sing along.) Please also provide a description of your previous creation experience of no more than 200 words. 

Please submit at this link no later than June 15th, 2026. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCELc1BWqkHKwMkoP9Lf53WY2gMFcz9z5-T6pQLgFLIf89kg/viewform?usp=publish-editor