Our Values

[ID] A group of performers dressed in a variety of costumes poses onstage for a photo. A red velvet curtain is behind. They are all smiling. Some are standing upright with arms outstretched and another person poses sideways leaning on the ground in a pilot’s uniform. Photo credit JC Barger.

Bring the weird, make it magical.

We believe in stories. We believe in movement. We believe in you.

Stories

Each one of us has a unique story. Many of us have been told by society that we cannot be or do certain things because of our identities. Within Celestial Cabaret, we want to provide a space where you can tell your story, whatever it may be! No matter what part of your identity you wish to explore (safely!), we are here to listen.

Movement

Celestial Cabaret is a variety performance collective. We aren’t an exclusive club, repertoire company, or troupe. We believe that the way we connect with and move our bodies can be powerful. Whether you wish to explore a ground act or climb into the skies, your body is your home. By moving our bodies, we can also show our bodies love and respect, hopefully fostering a healthier relationship with ourselves.

You

You are a unique star in our universe. You are the only person who can tell your story, and we believe that you have the power to do so already inside you. No matter your background, if you want to tell your story, we are here to help.

Acknowledgments

Celestial Cabaret is based out of land that was forcibly taken from the Mvskoke (Muskogee and Creek) people. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded, and that colonization continues to this day. To learn more about the land you occupy, please explore the Native Land Digital Map.

We also wish to acknowledge and thank the sex work industry. Without their work of strippers and erotic dancers, our performance art would not be mainstream. We proudly support, honor, and stand by sex workers.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We cannot claim to hold space for all people without being transparent. Celestial Cabaret was founded by two straight-sized white performers. Our desire is to build a platform where voices and bodies that are different from ours are embraced and celebrated. We will continue to work towards a more equitable future by the following steps:

  1. Ensuring a BIPOC casting consultant is involved through all parts of the casting process for all shows.

  2. Having an anonymous reporting system for concerns. If you wish to report a concern, please click here.

  3. Prioritizing accessibility through ASL interpreters, captioning services, descriptive captions or alt-text, and other practices where possible.

  4. Never having requirements for body size or shape to work with us. There is no weight limit for our aerial performers.

  5. Supporting local communities, charities, and causes with our work.

Accessibility for Patrons and Performers

We are constantly growing, learning, and changing. This includes attending continuing education and ensuring inclusive programming from our self-identification in applications. From digital to in-person shows, Celestial believes in holding performances in accessible spaces not only for those who use mobility aids but also by reducing common triggers for others such as flashes, strobes, etc. All of our applications for performers include space for how we can make the performers’ experience better - from accommodations to ensuring a safe space (and what that looks like for the individual). For recorded workshops, we will strive to provide captioning. With people-first language and performer code of conduct, we believe everyone should have same opportunities to shine onstage and enjoy performances, unhindered by physical barriers to performance areas, seating, bathrooms, changing areas, and beyond. We feel we have a lot of work to do in our community and the spaces occupied for non-Equity houses - which are predominantly spaces used by our shows. We want to change that. We want folks to be able to show up without fear or frustration, and for their voices to be heard, not dismissed.

Please contact us here if you would like to share any feedback or comments.

For a web accessibility statement, please click here.

What’s in a Name?

celestial (adj.) late 14c., "pertaining to the sky or the visible heavens; pertaining to the Christian or pagan heaven," from Old French celestial "celestial, heavenly, sky-blue," from Latin caelestis "heavenly, pertaining to the sky," from caelum "heaven, sky; abode of the gods; climate,"[…] Transferred sense of "heavenly, very delightful" in English is from early 15c. 

cabaret (n.) 1650s, "tavern, bar, little inn," from French cabaret […] It was borrowed again from French with meaning "a restaurant/night club" in 1912; extension of meaning to "entertainment, floor show" is by 1918.

— etymonline.com