Milwaukee Creatives Energize Grand Ave.

Three creative and established arts groups: Milwaukee Comedy, Inc., home to the annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival, along with Pink Banana Theatre Co., providing new opportunities in theatre, and Studio Kristelle an open artist studio, officially announce a new office/rehearsal/studio space in the Shops of Grand Avenue as part of the Creativity Works Here program.

Courtesy Shops of Grand Ave.

Three creative and established arts groups: Milwaukee Comedy, Inc., home to the annual Milwaukee Comedy Festival, along with Pink Banana Theatre Co., providing new opportunities in theatre, and Studio Kristelle an open artist studio, officially announce a new office/rehearsal/studio space in the Shops of Grand Avenue as part of the Creativity Works Here program.

Approximately 10,000 square feet on the lower level of the Plankinton building in the Shops of Grand Avenue, 275 West Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee will host the three creative ventures. 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, MO.

Milwaukee Comedy, Inc., founded in 2008 as the parent organization of the annual MilwaukeeComedy Festival, provides educational advancement, resources, performance opportunities and public entertainment in order to strengthen the community through laughter and positive forms of expression. Operations have expanded in 2012 to sponsor and produce more local comedy events, offer comedy-related workshops and enhance promotion of the local comedy community. www.MilwaukeeComedy.com

Pink Banana Theatre Co., founded in 2004, was created to provide professional opportunities to emerging artists. The company offers a refreshing alternative to the more traditional shows often seen in Milwaukee by presenting original works and Milwaukee premieres. www.pinkbananatheatre.com

Studio Kristelle began in 1990 as a small graphics arts business designing logos for Native American entrepreneurs. Today, Studio Kristelle aims to provide an accessible multi-creative environment for artists who need a place to share their creative talents with the community and a place for the community to enjoy exploring their creative self with passionate artists. www.studiokristelle.me