So... You have been loving classes at Maison Burlesque and you want to challenge yourself?

When you are ready to take your performance skills to the next level, it can be a daunting experience. There is so much to think about, and starting can be the hardest part. We are here to tell you that it doesn't have to be a daunting experience. It can be collaborative. It can even be a [small] group activity!

At Maison Burlesque, we believe it is important to get experienced teachers to assist and mentor you through the solo performance process. Now, as you begin this journey, Maison Burlesque is here to guide you through you first solo development process.

We the help and support of Poppy Cherry & Whisky Falls (and even the occasional guest!), we will give you a taste of what mentorship can look like, all in the aid of getting you on that stage as a confident budding solo performer!

Within this solo performance program, you will participate in 3 compulsory sessions before taking to the stage with your new solo act! The program will be split into 2 groups, one on Fridays and one on Sundays, all meeting to perform together in a Sunday performance at the amazing Howler in Brunswick in Melbourne.

Format

The sessions consist of:

Session 1: Stages of Act Development, Storyboarding, Character, Music & Costume.

• 1 hour lecture based, 1-hour practical time, split into 2 small groups to workshop with either Poppy or Whisky. Handouts included

Session 2: Exploration & Experimentation. Taking the act to the next level.

• 1 hour lecture based, 1-hour practical time, split into 2 small groups to workshop with either Poppy or Whisky. Handouts included

Session 3: Performance Workshop & Peer Review

• 30-60min lecture, 2 hours performance workshop

Session 4: Live Performance

• Technical Rehearsal and final performance at the Maison Burlesque Solo Showcase at Howler, including professional photography & videography of your act and the opportunity to debut the act to a thrilled and supportive live audience!

Participant Requirements:

• Group size: Min 6, max 8 participants per stream

• Performances can be solo, duo or trio (surcharge of $100 applies for each additional participant)

• Participants must commit to all 4 sessions.

• Participants must be current students at Maison Burlesque, participating in the past 12 months in performance courses and/or casual classes and/or online classes.

• Remote-access Option: Participants can be interstate or international, where they can livestream in for sessions 1-3, and be in Melbourne for session 4 (the performance).

• Participants can also engage private lessons with Poppy, Whisky or any other teacher to compliment the programme... Many hands make light work ;)

• We ask that all soloists abide by the following criteria:

  - This performance must be a debut of a new act or a significant reworking of an old act (it can be your first act or a new solo act that you haven't performed publicly before)

  - Your act must be between 3-5 minutes in length

  - No liquids, loose glitter, cream or other messy substances are allowed without prior approval

  What you get as part of the Solo Showcase Performance:

  - Each performer to receive a gift bag

  - 1 hour free rehearsal hire at Maison Burlesque (pending availability)

  - Professional photos and a video of your performance

  - 1 'Comp' ticket for a +1 to attend the show

  - Debut your act in front of a supportive crowd!

 2025 Dates:

JUNE-AUGUST PROGRAM - APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

• "Group 1": Friday 20th June 6-8pm, Friday 4th July 6-8, Friday 25th July 6-9pm, SOLO SHOWCASE Sunday 17th August 4-10pm

• "Group 2": Sunday 22nd June 3-5pm, Sunday 6th July 3-5pm, Sunday 27th July 3-6pm, SOLO SHOWCASE Sunday 17th August 4-10pm

Introducing: The Solo Performance Program Scholarship

We understand that sometimes finding the finances can make it hard to put yourself out there as a soloist. In 2025 Poppy & Whisky are offering, per show, 1-2 fully funded places in our Solo Development Program. Receiving this scholarship offers you free attendance at all 7 hours of the program as well as a guaranteed spot performing at the Cherry Poppers Solo Showcase.

If you would like to take part in the Maison Burlesque Solo Performance Programme, but have found the cost may make it inaccessible for you, simply follow the button below to fill out this form to allow us to try to support you on your solo performance journey!

For more information, please email us at: info@maisonburlesque.com.au with the subject line "Solo Performance Program"