OPEN MIC PROTOCOL
You should arrive early to get settled.
Check in with Kevin to sign up. Sign up beings one half hour prior to the open mic’s start time. The first twenty (20) singers who sign up (in person) are guaranteed a spot to perform one number. AS TIME ALLOWS, additional singers will be added but my agreement with the venue is to host a one-and -a-half hour show.
One song. Total stage time is a maximum of 3:00 - 4:00 minutes per person INCLUSIVE of your patter (song set up). If you ignore the rules, you will not be asked to sing again. NOTE: I plan to have a gong to cut off singers who abuse their time limit and I am not afraid to use it.
You need to bring your music IN YOUR KEY, three-hole punched, no books, double-sided copies. The easier you make it for the piano to read your chart, the better they play and the better you will sound.
I suggest that you bring copies of a few choices just in case someone who goes up before you performs the tune you were planning to sing.
There is no rehearsal with the pianist prior to being called up so be concise in what you need from them when you speak to them before singing. Ex: "One time through then you take 2 A's and I'll come back in at the bridge. We're doing a 3x tag at the end." OR "Exactly as written or noted on the music."
Do not overstay your welcome by talking too much to the host. Answer what they ask and move on. Have a clean, brief song set up…do not ramble. If you talk too much this could mean 2-3 other folks will not be able to sing. Be considerate!
You should be ready to go when your name is called. I will give you a heads up one person prior to your turn
Cut the instrumental/piano solos or interludes. The open mic is for YOU to gain experience.
While it is OK to have your regular pianist play for you, please let Kevin know beforehand as it takes time to shift things around and that’s time others can’t sing.
Keep your conversations limited to the time between singers. You expect the audience to listen to your performance so give your fellow artists that same consideration.
It is nice if you stay for the entire show to give fellow singers some support, but you may come and go as you please just do not leave when someone is singing…it’s kinda rude. Just wait until people are applauding and slip out.
Above all, I encourage everyone to “dare to fail.” Try new material. Take chances. Hone your craft. I will be letting the audience know that this is a place to experiment and get feedback. The singers are not necessarily presenting a finished product. The
purpose of this open mic is for each of you grow as artists in the cabaret genre.
BYOB + BYOC = TCOT
(Bring your own beverage + Bring your own cards = Take your own trash!
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Event Date
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12-28-2025 5:00 PM
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Event Address
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Venue: Bughouse Theater
Street Address: 1910 W Irving Park Rd
City: Chicago
State / Province: IL
Postal / Zip Code: 60613
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