Penny's Open Mic


Possibly the best venue in New York City for performers who like to take risks, Penny's Open Mic at Under St. Marks Theater features some of the most eclectic and talented performers to grace the New York scene. Spoken word artists, musicians and comedians combine aspects of several art forms such as dance and theater to create memorable performances for New York audiences. --CBS New York
AboutCast and Crew
"Possibly the best venue in New York City for performers who like to take risks, Penny’s Open Mic at Under St. Mark’s Theater features some of the most eclectic and talented performers to grace the New York scene. Spoken word artists, musicians and comedians combine aspects of several art forms such as dance and theater to create memorable performances for New York audiences. The atmosphere is very supportive and hostess Penny Pollak has amazing energy and enthusiasm. Performers can count on musicians Mike Milazzo and Dan Ricker to accompany them upon request. Remember the three most important rules: no heckling, no fire on stage and no glitter."
- CBS New York

Also featured in New York Magazine, Backstage magazine, village voice, Time Out NY, The New York Press and New York Times Local.

Since 2007 without fail EVERY TUESDAY Penny’s Open Mic has been a home for any and all artist to come, workshop, experiment and share their art 7 minutes at a time. The audience is here to listen and support, there is a back garden for talking and smoking, a bar for drinks including $4 Budweiser tall boys, there is a green room for the performers on deck to prepare before they go on stage. On this stage anything is welcome…except for heckling , fire and glitter.

The focus is the stage and the person on stage does not heckle the audience. With the help of the many talented artists who grace this stage Pennys Open Mic has become an inspiring atmosphere where people feel free and safe to grow as artists and as people.

Every week has a different theme a featured special guest and free raffle prizes!
We have the best house band in NYC!
Mike Milazzo and Dan Ricker are here to help, collaborate, back up, and assist musically and technically to any artist who asks.

Mike Milazzo and Dan Ricker lead our HOOTENANNY Spectacular at the break where we invite anyone and everyone to play, sing and dance on stage to two different Hoot Songs chosen every week.