ABOUT OPEN MIC NIGHT
Wanna be a star?
Got something to say?
Or do you just need attention?
We need participants!
If you do comedy, theater, music, poetry, mime, porn, whatevah, you'll get six minutes to show it off, baby!
Open Mic Night was a chance for anyone who would like to perform to get on stage and do it in a beautiful, Berlinesque cabaret theater in the heart of Barcelona. It happened once a month in the Café Teatro Llantiol in Barcelona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the show like?
Lately, the Open Mic has achieved an Almodovarean flavor, thanks to the participation of a satisfying mix of kitschy "Air Metal" rockers, visiting British comedians, klezmer-playing cowgirls, and a satisfying dose of drag queens -- including one (Rakel Mandela) performs in a Mexican wrestler mask. But since every show is different, with a different mix of people, you never know what will happen until you're there. It can be hilarious, embarrassing, inspiring, heartbreaking, astonishing, genius, and annoying . . . for six minutes at a time.
What kinds of acts go on at the Open Mic?
Anything! . . . as long as it's not technically complicated.
Although hilarity often ensues, Open MIc Night is open to any form of self-expression: comedy, music, clown crap, poetry, porno, whatever, I don't care. Even though I've just revealed my utter contempt for clowns, which are taken quite seriously as an art form here. See the irony? Clowns, taken seriously -- get it? Have I made it obvious enough, like a big red annoying bulb strapped to some overacting mime's face? "Jesus, Rachel, you dipshit," people say, "you are hostile to clowns only because you've never seen any talented ones." You know what? Those people are probably right. The only real clowns I know of are Ronald McDonald and the President of the United States, and that is slim pickings indeed, my friends.
Are there judges or prizes?
No. This is not a competition. There are no prizes, except a complimentary packet of drugs from the neighborhood for those who finish before their six minutes are up. No record deals, no endorsement offers to sell tennis shoes or weak beer. Nope, just the glory of laying your soul bare for a room full of drunk, sweaty people who yell things in an adorable Spanish accent if they like what you're doing. And also if they don't.
Why aren't there judges or prizes?
Do I really have to explain?
Do I have to speak Spanish?
No. All languages are accepted, though most of the performers either speak Spanish or Catalán.
What language do you host the show in, Rachel?
I host the show in a kind of retarded Spanish, not on purpose.
How do I sign up?
You can just show up and tell me then, or you can sign up ahead of time by emailing me at
.
What if I just want to watch?
No problem. You'll have to pay regular admission price (12€ without reservation, 6€. with reservation). Reserve here.
I'm booked to perform. Do I have to pay admission?
No.
If I perform, what technical features will be at my disposal?
Microphones, jack and cannon entrances to the P.A. system (but keep it simple, please), a CD player, someone to push "PLAY" on the CD player (but keep it simple, please), a nice wide stage and beau-ti-ful lights. If you have special requirements such as a CD or instrument setup, arrive early and let me know before the show starts. Don't show up at the last minute and expect the poor tech guy to pull off a Pink Floyd light show for you!
Is there a bar?
Yes! And the drinks are cheap, too (3 euros for a beer or wine!). Heck, we'll even thrown in free toilet paper when you use the bathroom!
Is there food?
No, but there are many affordable Pakistani restaurants and take-out joints nearby.
Why aren't there judges and prizes?
(Sigh.)
Do people really ask these questions?
No. I just wanna look popular.