Whether you're looking for your big break, want to perfect your live performance skills, or just want to perform live for the sheer fun, Open Stage nights at The Ark offer wonderful, warm audiences and a terrific stage on which to play.

Open stages at The Ark take place from September through April, typically on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, although we do occasionally book touring artists on those dates, so please check our calendar. We do not host Open Stages during the summer months.

A total of 15 performers are chosen to play each open stage. A group or performer is given eight minutes (or two songs) to do their thing. Sign up works like this: the doors of The Ark open at 7:30 p.m. At 7:45 we randomly select the names of those who will play during the first half. At 8:30 p.m. we draw the names for the second half. While it varies greatly, we usually get around 30 performers or groups looking to play. If your name isn't chosen on a night, bring your raffle ticket with you to the next Open Stage and you'll have twice the chance to play.

Ark Open Stages are hosted by Michael Shelata, a long time area open stage performer.

Entry at Open Stage cost $3 or $2 for Ark members, students, or seniors.

Open Stages are free to Ark members at the Solo level and above.