● About
Why RECITAL?
RECITAL grew out of a 2022 conversation between Alyssa Noble & Chris Strauss in the space where all great ideas happen - Instagram DMs. Both artists had independently ideated the concept of a local variety show, but Chris made the official pitch:
“Wanna make an evening-length variety show called ‘recital’ where people just perform fun and exciting dances? I’m like 60% joking and 40% serious.”
We were just two people who love spreadsheets with a dream: get back on stage after two years of COVID devastating our local arts community.
It turns out that we weren’t the only ones who needed RECITAL. Our show filled an immediate need for a joyful, low-stakes performance opportunity for working artists. It was an invitation to reconnect to all of the ways that live performance and being in community are healing, and a chance to remember just how revolutionary it is to prioritize joy — especially as an adult and especially now.
We never could’ve predicted all of the love, joy, and creativity our series has inspired.
● Our Mission & Philosophy
Our Principles
● Joy at the Center
Artists pour so much of themselves into their art — time, energy, money, physicality — the list goes on. RECITAL is designed to help artists pour back into their cups.
● Accessibility for Artists and Audiences
Making art is expensive. Seeing live art is expensive. We do everything we can to remove financial and physical barriers associated with both.
● Pay Transparency
Being vague and cagey about money helps no one. We pay our admin team, performing artists, and producing teams, and we let folks know up front what they can expect to be compensated.
● Radical Creative Trust
Artists deserve creative freedom and trust as they build new works. We are thrilled to be a platform for so many brilliant local artists as they tap into joy and nostalgia.
● Our Story
How RECITAL has grown
Year 1: 2022 — 7 new works by 10 local artists. 60 audience members
Year 2: 2023 — 11 new works by 11 local artists. 130 audience members
Year 3: 2024 — 12 new works and 20+ performers, 200 audience members
Year 4: 2025 — 13 new works and 30+ performers, 300 audience members