Grotesque Burlesque: Healing Art & Dance Studio Seeking New Members
Members of The Grotesque Burlesque in their former shared studio in Easthampton, Massachusetts. Photo taken by: Rachel Farley.
A Brief History
The Grotesque Burlesque isn’t your average theater troupe—it’s a healing arts collective, a queer burlesque cabaret, and a living experiment in erotic liberation. Born in the Connecticut River Valley (aka the Pioneer Valley, aka Western Mass, aka simply The Valley), the troupe has been igniting stages from Brattleboro, VT to Kingston, NY with immersive performances that blur the line between audience and cast. Alongside their shows, they host private performances and workshops that bring their signature mix of play, spectacle, and intimacy to smaller circles.
Their journey hasn’t been without struggle. For years, The Grotesque Burlesque called Easthampton’s Cottage St Studios home, sharing space with Moon Prism Art Collective (now disbanded) and Fortuna Major Press. But when rent hikes forced them out in 2024, the troupe didn’t slow down. Thanks to strong partnerships with CitySpace and the Marigold Theatre in Easthampton, they kept their calendar as expansive as their performances.
A New Chapter Begins
Now, the troupe is stepping into a new chapter: a fresh studio space in Holyoke, MA. This new home is more than a rehearsal room—it’s a creative hub and healing ritual space. With a dance floor lined with full-size mirrors, room for workshops and classes, community art supplies, and 24-hour access, it’s designed to nurture both performance and process. Artists who remember the old Easthampton setup will find echoes of that space here, but with even more room to grow.
The Grotesque Burlesque is once again opening its doors—this time not just to audiences, but to fellow artists. The new studio houses five rentable spaces for dancers, theater performers, and creative educators looking to join a community that thrives on joy, intimacy, and just the right touch of queer magic.
The Details
Cost:
Studio rentals are available for $190/month (with additional options available for less upon request). Only members paying the full $190/month are able to have 24-hour access.
Address:
295 Clemente Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts
How To Rent:
Reach out to Jupiter through text (413)-505-4621 or through email at thesanctuaryholyoke@gmail.com to establish your rental contract.