Venus and the Vixens: A new immersive musical seeks university collaborations

Venus (Caela Bailey) narrates the tale of Cupid & Psyche with her all-female band, The Vixens. Photo by Michelle Bates.

Next Steps for Venus by Martha Enson

Last year the mission was so clear. Make the show. Raise the money. Book the house. Sell the tickets. And boy did we do it! Venus and the Vixens: Games of Love was a sell-out hit for three weeks last June at Emerald City Trapeze Arts. The show took shape. People came and played and engaged with each other. I learned as a writer and director that we had, in fact, not made a piece of Musical Theater, but rather a piece of Immersive Theater. We had the most kick-ass cast and band. Have I raved enough??

And then we recovered. And it has taken most of a year to set the ship a’right. We had to contend with some accidents (but Kevin is healed up from ebike debacle!) and some staff changes (Mick is on to his own hilarious path with Clown Garage) but what now, dear Venus?

Some conventional wisdom says – remount the show, only bigger with better advertising and more production values! Great idea, but who is going to do all that again, one year later and just recovering from round 1? So, another approach is needed. 

Right now we are looking into university settings where we develop the production on student actors and musicians and workshop the creative at the same time. That seems like a great idea.
We are also looking into a short run of a more concert style performance (remember the Rabbit Box version in Feb of 2023?) at a local venue better equipped to handle the production values of the show and offer a full bar to the guests.

So here is our ask to YOU, our collaborating fans: Do you have contacts at any universities who bring in artists to work with their undergrad or graduate programs? We are actively seeking residencies and would love to hear from you if you have contacts at an Alma Mater or with anyone at the university level.

Until then, stay tuned. We have not abandoned Olympus. Just regrouping for another go at love.

A highlight reel from the 2024 productions of Venus & the Vixens featuring audience feedback on the games, and the experience.