Casting

Performance opportunities, professional development and funding for circus and variety arts

Artist Submissions

Bindlestiff is always seeking professional performers interested in being a part of the Cirkus Cabaret Season, summer tours, and various short-term projects. Compensation depends on project.

For over a quarter a century, Bindlestiff Family Cirkus has presented some of the best variety acts working today, including an amazing array of world class entertainers, sideshow marvels, and New York legends. Over 600 artists are a member of our ever growing showbiz family. If you want to send us your material, please do.

Promotional materials can be sent to:
Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
PO Box 386
New York, NY 10009

Email cirkus@bindlestiff.org with promotional material, questions or information or let us see it live. Showcase your act at the next Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show, first Monday of every month at Dixon Place.

Cavalcade of Youth

Performers under 21 are invited to take the stage in this special circus and variety showcase. Produced twice a year in conjunction with Playful Productions and Coney Island USA, the show is a chance for the stars of tomorrow to take the stage today. Jugglers, clowns, aerialists, magicians, musicians, dancers, acrobats, or other performers, if you’ve got an act, show it off! There is no cost to participate and performers share the proceeds from a hat pass.

To find out more, submit your aerial audition video, or sign up to perform a ground act, please email Viveca Gardiner, viveca@playfulproductions.com.

Bindlestiff First of May Award

Bindlestiff offers the annual First of May Award, which grants $500 to $2,000 to a variety artist and/or group of variety artists to support their development of an original full-length production. Please see bindlestiff.org/firstofmay for more information.

Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show

Bindlestiff’s Open Stage Variety Show is a non-stop variety show experience that may include world famous magicians, gender bending jugglers, circus legends, trained rats, clown bands, aerial artists, wire walkers, sideshow performers, stripping clowns, living cartoons, physical comedy, contortionists, performance artists, emerging burlesque starlets, and more. Hosted by Keith “Bindlestiff” Nelson, the show celebrates works in progress, emerging artists, and professionals trying something new, this night promises many surprises.

If you would like to be on the stage, please submit your act using this form: Bindlestiff Open Stage Variety Show Act Submission