Three creative and established arts groups: Milwaukee Comedy Inc., Pink Banana Theatre Co. and Studio Kristelle will lease 10,000 square feet of space in the Shops of Grand Avenue in downtown Milwaukee for a new office/rehearsal/studio space. The space will be part of the Creativity Works Here program at the mall.
Milwaukee Comedy Inc. is home to the annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival. Pink Banama provides opportunities in theatre. Studio Kristelle is an open artist studio. Each organization will operate independently of one another, but will share spaces and resources including marketing, box office services, etc.
“Working together makes sense, economically and creatively.” Said Matt Kemple, founder of Milwaukee Comedy Inc., and Artistic Producer of Pink Banana Theatre Co. “Each company has different strengths that can be utilized in unique ways.”
The three companies will each offer different workshops, space rental and artistic undertakings along with administrative offices. Milwaukee Comedy and Pink Banana Theatre will both offer rehearsal space and small performances. Studio Kristelle will focus on music, dance, writing and art and allow the public the opportunity to stop in and visit her studio and observe art in progress.
“The true avenue for success for a small non-profit is collaboration, and Creativity Works Here and The Grand Avenue Mall have offered us the unique opportunity to do this. We could not be more ecstatic about this venture and the future of Pink Banana Theatre Co.” said Pink Banana Theatre Founder and Managing Director Juanita Schuelke.
Businesses including Art Milwaukee and Spreenkler Talent Labs currently occupy spaces in the Grand Avenue through the Creativity Works Here program, an effort to attract artists, creative companies and entrepreneurs The model was developed by management firm Jones Lang LaSalle, at a mall in St. Louis.
