Live entertainmnet featuring the best in burlesque and variety, live music and more.
The Slipper Room is a performance venue in the old New York tradition, every night is a unique live show featuring great performers from around the world, comedians, acrobats, dancers, singers, musicians, contortionists, strip-tease artists, arialists, sword swallowers, jugglers, and more. prepare to be amazed.
Keywords: burlesque, variety, live theatre, performance art, comedy.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1999, but we are temporarily closed while we build a whole new theatre on the same corner of the Lower East Side that we've occupied since then. We anticipate re-opening with a much improved facility in summer 2011.
What is your primary product or service?
The Slipper Room is a performance space and cocktail lounge. We feature a very diverse schedule of entertainment but our primary focus is on Neo-burlesque and variety. Our shows are retro, it is adult entertainmant, racy but not raunchy, thought provoking satire and good honest live entertainment featuring artists from around the world, comedians, acrobats, arialists, strip-tease artists, jugglers, sword swallowers, and much more, all presented with live musical accompaniment.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Owner and Artistic Director James Habacker founded the Slipper Room because he saw a need in New York City for a great bijou stage downtown that's well equipt for the kinds of shows he was producing and performing in. An intimate, warm, friendly atmosphere where live performance can flourish.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Unfortunately there really aren't any other venues like the Slipper Room. a fact that has been proven by the great dip in the neo-burlesque scene's activity while the theatre is closed for re-modelling. But don't worry,we will re-open this summer with a new facility that will take the scene to a whole new level.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
There is only one Slipper Room, and we have no plans to expand beyond that number. The venue is artist run and is a labor of love, it is not a business that lends itself to the franchise model. It is authentic and unique.
Provide detailed directions to your location
The Slipper Room is located on the corner of Orchard and Stanton streets, one block below Houston street, on New York's Lower East Side. The closest subway is the F. Get off at the 2nd Avenue stop and if you are at the front of the train you will come out on the corner of Houston and Allen. Orchard street is one block east, and we are one block south on Orchard. Although we are just a block off the grid, we are easy to find, and the neighborhood is bustling with real old New York flavor. There are lots of great restaurants in the area. Any cab driver will know exactly where we are, and the cabs line up on Orchard street late night so its easy to get home after a night of revelry.
What type of payments do you accept?
The Slipper Room accepts cash, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Which areas do you service?
We have a core fan base that is mostly from the neighborhood, as well as upper Manhattan and Brooklyn, but The Slipper Room attracts patrons from literally all over the world. Our crowd is more diverse than you will see in most New york venues, young and old (though it is 21+), tourists from Europe and the US, neighborhood types, anyone who is interested in seeing great live entertainment.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The Slipper Room was founded by James Habacker, who runs the establishment in the classic theatre tradition of artist/producer. He can often be seen on our stage performing as a variety of comedic characters. We have a small, very dedicated and friendly staff, all of whom work at the Slipper Room because they love it and believe in its mission. The Slipper Room harkens back to a time in New York before all of the velvet roped clubs and snooty attitude that you often find anymore. We are a very welcoming place.
What are your hours of operation?
The Slipper Room opens every night at seven and closes at two early in the week, and at four later in the week. Occasionally we are open earlier, as on weekends when we present our children's theatre during the afternoon. Check out www.slipperroom.com for more exact information.