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TUE · OCT 6

Instructions for a Séance

ft. Katie Bender

RWB Milwaukee· 1044 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr
0+ · Tickets
Date NightGreat SoloCurious Minds
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Katie Bender's one-woman show mixes memoir and magic in a hauntingly funny exploration of life.

Part I

The details

About this event

"Instructions for a Séance" is a captivating one-woman show by Katie Bender that transforms the theater into a space of mystery and magic. Through a blend of memoir and live performance, Bender invites the audience into a world where the spirit of Houdini might just appear, alongside reflections on her own life. This performance is both humorous and haunting, offering a fresh take on themes of ambition and motherhood.

The Herro-Franke Studio Theater provides an intimate setting perfect for this unique experience. Bender's comedic writing and delivery keep the audience engaged, with unexpected turns that add to the excitement. It's a show that promises laughter and a touch of the extraordinary, making it a must-see for those looking for something different.

From the organizer

Step into an unforgettable adventure of mystery, mischief, and messy humanity. Katie Bender transforms the theater into an intimate DIY séance, daring to summon the spirit of Houdini—and maybe wrestle with the chaos of her own life along the way. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one-woman show fuses memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the craving to break free. Expect laughter and glimpses of the extraordinary hidden in everyday life.
— Diane & Clark Slipher

Getting in

  • Tickets

    Tickets available online

  • Registration required — must sign up

Pro tips

  • First-timers

    Arrive 10 minutes early to explore the intimate Herro-Franke Studio Theater. The seating is general admission, so early arrival ensures you get a preferred spot.

What's It Actually Like?

Energy3/5
ZenMosh Pit
IntimateExperimentalSpiritualRowdy
Conversational

Who'll Be There

Likely a mix of theater-goers, local creatives, and individuals interested in personal narratives. The audience may include parents, young professionals, and those who appreciate a blend of humor and deeper themes.

How the Room Feels

Seated throughoutLow light

What You'll Leave With

A memoryA shifted mood

Who It's For

Social style:
Comfortable solo
Energy needed:
Sit back and receive

Part II · The feel

How it feels

The details organizers don't always put in the description — pulled from the room, the crowd, and what people remember afterward.

The room

Dim and seated throughout. Intimate, slow-paced.

Seated throughoutLow light

The crowd

Low-key. You can show up alone, sit back, and receive. No pressure to mingle or perform.

You'll leave with

A memory
A shifted mood

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