Solo Performance Program

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!

Now, as you begin this journey, Maison Burlesque is here to guide you through your burlesque solo development process. And we believe two heads are better than one! All your sessions are run by two workshop facilitators - with 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!

Our goal is to provide participants with the tools and skills to develop their own creative works, as well as be there to provide you with mentorship and advice along the way. The program consists of 4 x group sessions (a total of 9 contact hours), opportunity to perform your solo act at a professional live venue in front of a crowd, a printed workbook, and ongoing mentorship and group support between sessions.

The Solo Performance Program runs in two groups, one on Fridays and one on Sundays, with a maximum of 8 participants per group to ensure a personalised learning experience. Then both groups come together to perform their solo acts 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.

  • 2 Hours: You will receive a welcome to the program, and your course handbook. This session focuses a lot on theory and tools behind solo development as well as an exploration and discussion around everyone’s individual acts

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

  • 2 Hours: In this session we explore more act development concepts then get more physical, and play and experiment with aspects of your act to help you with your creative process.

Session 3: Performance Workshop & Peer Review

  • 3 Hours: We discuss further elements of solo performance. Each participant gets to present their act in its current state to the group for feedback and creative brainstorming.

Session 4: Performance Workshop & Peer Review 2 * EXTRA SESSION ADDED IN 2026 BY DEMAND *

  • 2 Hours: Bring your refined act back to the group in the studio for further performance and advice on the final polish.

“Session 5”: 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 if applying as duo or trio)

  • Participants must commit to all 4 studio sessions + show performance.

  • 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 1-4, and be in Melbourne for session 5 (the performance). Please note that due to the interactive nature of the course, we do not offer recordings of the sessions.

  • Participants can also engage in discounted private lessons with Poppy, Whisky (or contact any other of our Maison Burlesque teachers) 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 personal 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!

2026 Dates:

FEB - APRIL PROGRAM - Registrations NOW OPEN!

  • "Group 1": Fri 6th Feb 6-8pm, Fri 27th Feb 6-8pm, Fri 27th Mar 6-9pm, Fri 10th Apr 6-8pm, SOLO SHOWCASE Sunday 19th April 4-10pm

  • "Group 2": Sun 8th Feb 3-5pm, Sun 1st Mar 3-5pm, Sun 29 Mar 3-6pm, Sun 12th Apr 3-5pm, SOLO SHOWCASE Sunday 19th April 4-10pm

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

Book Your Spot Now

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 2026 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 9 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 click here to fill out this form to allow us to try to support you on your solo performance journey!