Question 1

What is the Unprofessional Variety Show?

Accepted Answer

Unprofessional Variety Show is a quarterly queer cabaret-style night of live performance at The Parkside Lounge in the Lower East Side of New York City. Each edition features a different theme and a rotating lineup of performers including drag artists, burlesque performers, musicians, comedians, and performance artists. It has been running since February 2022, programmed and emceed by Maya Suess.

Question 2

Where is the Unprofessional Variety Show held?

Accepted Answer

The Parkside Lounge, 317 East Houston Street, New York, NY 10002. It is a dive bar and performance venue in the Lower East Side that has been catering to artists, musicians, and freaks since 1908. The bar is on the ground floor with a portable ramp to the performance space and accessible bathrooms.

Question 3

How often does the Unprofessional Variety Show happen?

Accepted Answer

The show runs quarterly, roughly every three months. Doors typically open at 7:00 PM with the show starting at 7:30 PM. Each edition has a unique theme with a different lineup of performers.

Question 4

How much are tickets to the Unprofessional Variety Show?

Accepted Answer

Tickets are sliding scale, typically $15 to $25. All money goes directly to the performers. Tickets are sold through Humanitix, where 100% of booking fees go to charity. The venue is 21+ with valid photo ID.

Question 5

Who is Maya Suess?

Accepted Answer

Maya Suess is an artist, educator, and arts administrator who programs and emcees the Unprofessional Variety Show. She was born on a small island off western Canada's coast, holds a BFA from Emily Carr and an MFA from Simon Fraser, and is faculty at Parsons School of Design at The New School. She makes drawings, installations, videos, performances, and other mischievous entities.

Question 6

How can I perform at the Unprofessional Variety Show?

Accepted Answer

Reach out to Maya Suess through Instagram at @MayaSuess or @unprofessionalvarietyshow. The show is built by its community and the door is always open to new performers with wild ideas.