Share Your Talent at Fall for the Arts: Sign up for the Community Open Mic

Every Great Performer Starts with One Step

One of this year's Fall for the Arts Festival events is designed with everyone in mind -- not just seasoned performers.

Whether you've been performing for years or you've always wanted to step onto a stage for the very first time, the Community Open Mic offers a welcoming place to share your talents as part of one of Downtown Columbus' biggest celebrations of the arts.

On Saturday, September 19, the Trackside District - Downtown Columbus will come alive with live music, visual artists, gallery exhibits, and performances throughout downtown. Alongside professionally scheduled musicians and entertainers, we're also opening the stage to local talent because the arts are strongest when everyone has an opportunity to participate.

What Can You Perform?

The Community Open Mic welcomes performers ages 8 and older and encourages a wide variety of creative expression. The goal is to create a supportive environment where both first-time and experienced performers can share their talents with the community.

Performance ideas include:

• Vocal performances
• Instrumental music
• Poetry
• Comedy
• Storytelling or book readings
• Theatrical monologues
• Dance
• Live Painting or other performance art
• Almost any other creative talent you'd like to share

All performances must be family-friendly, as audiences of all ages will be attending throughout the day.

How the Open Mic Works

Only 20 performance slots are available, making this a unique opportunity to be part of the festival.

Each performer will receive:

• One 10-minute performance slot
• A 5-minute transition period before the next performer
• Access to available stage equipment, including a sound system, microphone, an electric piano, seating and performance space as needed.

Performers are asked to arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled performance time.

How to Sign Up

Scheduling is handled in advanced by Open Mic Coordinator Jeanne Schieffer.

When you sign up, you'll discuss:

• Preferred performance time
• Your act
• Any special setup needs, such as keyboard access or additional performance space

While every effort will be made to honor preferred times, specific requests cannot be guaranteed.

To reserve your performance slot, email  Jeanneschieffer1982@gmail.com

Performers are limited to one scheduled performance prior to the festival. If additional openings remain on September 19, those will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

More Than Just a Stage

Even if you're not performing stop by and enjoy the atmosphere.

The Open Mic venue will feature:

• A comfortable performance area with seating
• Coffee, pastries, croissants and coffee cake from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• A lemonade stand with desserts from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Refreshments available for just $1 each, with proceeds supporting the Columbus Theater Renovation Project
• Space for local authors to showcase and sell their books when applicable.

Be Part of the Festival

Fall for the Arts is about celebrating creativity in all its forms. Throughout the day you'll discover local and regional artists, live music at venues across the Trackside District -- Downtown Columbus, gallery exhibits, interactive experiences and now an opportunity for community members to become part of the entertainment themselves.

Whether you're a singer who has been waiting for the right opportunity, a young musician looking for your first audience, a poet with a story to tell or someone with a unique talent to share, we'd love to see you take the stage.

The Community Open Mic isn't about perfection -- it's about participation, creativity and celebrating the incredible talent that makes Columbus such a vibrant arts community.

So mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19, gather your courage and sign up to become part of this year's Fall for the Arts Festival. You might just discover your favorite performance of the day is your own.