The Story: 

Minnsky’s Theater is the third part of a Vaudeville Circus Fitness love affair that began with ExperTease Fitness in 2010. 

Part 1: ExperTease Fitness is an alternative gym where people of all genders come to improve their physical and mental health through dance and circus based fitness. Once they have completed their program they are given an opportunity to showcase those skills for friends and family. Our mission is to instill self confidence in every one of our students.

Part 2: If students wish to continue with their performance journey they can audition for our professional troupe the Wicked Wenches Cabaret. We have performed all throughout Minnesota including at: the Minnesota State Fair, Minnesota Pride Festival, Aria, Southern theater, Mixed Blood, Intermedia Arts etc. We produce a full length theatrical performance every 8 weeks and have gained a strong following in 5 years.

Part 3: As we have expanded we have come to realise that we have outgrown available performance spaces. We are creating 30 shows a year and are looking to add more. We are ready for our own home which is why we are bringing Minnsky’s to life.

As the vaudeville/circus community grows in Minnesota and the Midwest, we want to create a space equipped to handle these aerial and variety focused performances. With tall ceilings, safe rigging and an intimate setting. As a part of the NE arts district Minnsky’s is poised to be a center hub for all the circus schools and troupes springing up. 

We are also working on another collaborative project to add to our roster: Cirque De Lune. It would be a intimate cirque style performance group that created family friendly works to give Minnesota a permanent and ongoing cirque style show to attend. We would bring memorable fairytales to life and create original works based on the history of our amazing state. 

We would also welcome outside dramatic works, traditional dance and experimental theater. We want to foster creativity with an accessible and affordable space for the independent theater companies.  Minnesota needs additional space for theater groups to use on a rental basis. 

Finally, we hope to create a beautiful and glamorous setting for the people of Minnesota to utilize. We feel there is a niche for more intimate spaces to host weddings and special events. One that can work within reasonable budgets but still create a sense of magic, elegance and wonder. 

What We Have: 

A Space: We are in final negotiations to take over an active theater in NE Minneapolis . It has 17′-19′ ceilings, seating for 100-200, free parking and is already set up as a performance space. 

The Works: Luckily we have been collecting items big and small for 3 years working toward this goal. We already have: Risers, staging, lights, lighting board, sound system, lounge furniture, curtains, decorations and mirrors. 

The Labor: We also have a HUGE host of volunteers ready and willing to jump in as soon as we can give the green light.

What We Need: 

Chairs- enough seating for 200 people

Tables- 30 or so for special events.

Linen- for performances and special events. A base set in black and white.

Dimmer Packs- the last piece to the lighting system. These provide the power and control for each individual lighting instrument.  They are essential pieces of the puzzle and because we want to use only high quality & safe equipment- quite expensive. 

Remodeling: The space is currently unfinished and would need some elbow grease and finishing material such as: wallpaper, lighting fixtures, flooring, cleaning supplies, signage etc. 

How You Can Help:

Thank you for taking the time to view our project. Please consider donating to this amazing art space. We want to continue to grow our community of collaboration and inspiration, but we need your help to do that. No donation is too small and if you cannot give monetarily please consider sharing this project with your friends, family, social networks and artistic communities. 

Thank You! 

Photo Credits: John Lombardi , Nick Kozel, Todd Koenberg and Lions mane Photography.

Source: Icrowdnewswire