Take the Stage at Fall for the Arts: Open Mic Invites Community to Perform
Have a song you’ve been practicing? A poem you’ve written? A story to tell? Maybe you play an instrument, love to sing, dance or have another talent you’re ready to share.
Fall for the Arts is giving you a place to take the stage.
As downtown Columbus comes alive with artists, musicians and performers on Saturday, Sept. 19, the Fall for the Arts Open Mic at Henry on 11th, 2521 11th St., will give members of the community an opportunity to become part of the celebration.
The Open Mic will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and performers ages 8 and older are invited to participate.
And you don’t have to be a professional performer to take the mic.
The Open Mic is designed to provide a supportive, family-friendly environment where people can share their talents, try something new and experience what it feels like to perform for an audience.
Musical performances can include singing, instruments and more. Those who prefer the spoken word can share poetry, comedy, readings, monologues or storytelling. Dance, painting, performance art and other artistic talents are welcome, too.
Whether you’ve performed dozens of times or this would be your very first time in front of an audience, there’s a place for you.
Want to Perform? Reserve Your Spot
Those interested in performing are encouraged to reserve a time in advance, as only 20 performance slots are available.
Each performer will receive a 10-minute performance slot, with approximately five minutes between performances for transitions. Performers should plan to arrive 15–20 minutes before their scheduled time.
To reserve a spot, email Open Mic Coordinator Jeanne Schieffer at Jeanneschieffer1982@gmail.com. Jeanne will schedule your performance time and can discuss any needs you may have for your performance.
Performers may reserve one scheduled slot in advance through the day before the event. If any openings remain on Sept. 19, those slots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
So if you’ve been thinking about performing, don’t wait too long to claim your place at the mic.
Downtown Becomes the Stage
The Open Mic is just one part of a full day of creativity during Fall for the Arts, happening from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout downtown Columbus.
During the event, downtown businesses and public spaces will be transformed into galleries and performance venues, allowing visitors to move throughout the district discovering visual artists, musicians and performers along the way.
The businesses become the galleries. Downtown becomes the stage.
And at Henry on 11th, part of that stage belongs to the community.
Even if performing isn’t your thing, everyone is encouraged to stop by and support those who do take the mic. Come watch a performance, enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on friends, neighbors and perhaps a few first-time performers.
Henry on 11th will also have coffee, pastries and coffee cake available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by lemonade and desserts from 2 to 4 p.m.
So dust off the guitar. Warm up those vocal cords. Bring the poem tucked away in your notebook. Practice that comedy routine. Encourage that young performer who has been waiting for a chance to get in front of an audience.
Or simply grab a seat and enjoy the show.
Come watch. Come cheer. Come be inspired.
Better yet — come perform.
Fall for the Arts Open Mic
Saturday, Sept. 19
11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Henry on 11th, 2521 11th St., Downtown Columbus
Open to performers ages 8 and older
To reserve a performance slot, email Jeanne Schieffer at Jeanneschieffer1982@gmail.com.
Fall for the Arts continues throughout downtown Columbus from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with artists, musicians and performers at participating businesses and public spaces.
Learn more about Fall for the Arts, participating artists and musicians, schedules and event updates at Fall for the Arts.
