Nō Studios

Nō Studios is a collaborative workspace + social community that offers an environment for creatives.

09/12/2024

Young filmmaker Jazmin Jones and her collaborator Olivia McKayla Ross put on their detective caps – possibly with tinfoil lining underneath – in the award-winning new film Seeking Mavis Beacon.

The “Mavis” they are seeking became a beacon of hope for people wanting to learn to type back in the day. The Mavis Beacon software – a CD-ROM kind of thing first released in the late 1980s – came in a box emblazoned with the captivating face of a businesslike Black woman, a model hired to represent the fictitious typing “helper.” Jones and Ross learned the model’s name was Renée L’Espérance, a Haitian-born woman who had seemingly vanished long ago. They wanted to figure out whatever became of her.

The cinematic sleuths join the latest edition of Doc Talk podcast to share why they were so intrigued by L’Espérance, and the larger truths they believe are revealed in the story of Mavis Beacon. They see her as one of the first “servile fembots” — the precursor to Siri and Alexa – and with remarkable sophistication, pick apart the cultural tropes embedded in the marketing of the software.

Listen to the new episode through the link in bio or on major podcast platforms including Spotify, iHeart, and Apple.

Photos from Nō Studios's post 09/11/2024

Nō Studios was thrilled to host a Presidential Debate Watch Party. photo credit Jane McMillan Photography.

09/07/2024

We've known this for a while now. Young people are eager to be on the front lines of the battles for our rights, but all too often, are left on the sidelines. It doesn't t have to be that way.

Enter: RISE University. Our RISE University program is hosted together with community partners and dedicated to training new young leaders as advocates for themselves, their peers, and their communities. With expert training and support, we are making sure that there's a powerful core of people prepared to fight for their rights and the policies that will improve their lives. Students who graduate from RISE University come away with the knowledge and skills to launch them into a life-long commitment to civic engagement in their communities and beyond. Rise University, is a free training program provided by Rise that educates students on being a change agent, the importance of civic engagement, identifying and organizing around issues important to them, and the importance of debate and dialogue in democracy.

Register through the link in bio to join us for a day of training.

📍:Nō Studios

🗓️: September 14th, 2024 1 PM - 3PM

09/03/2024

Printmaker Steven Hopkins carves intricate faces into wood blocks to create stunningly tender prints of family, friends, and strangers. Come out to Nō Studios for Gallery Night, October 18th 5-9 P.M. to peruse Steven's artwork while enjoying light refreshments.

Tickets are FREE! Register now through the link in bio.

📍: Nō Studios
🕔: 5 PM

08/28/2024

In the new episode of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast, TIFF’s chief documentary programmer Thom Powers joins the show to discuss the festival’s 2024 nonfiction lineup, including The Last Republican. The film “stars” former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, an ex-member of the January 6th Congressional investigating committee who turned on President Donald Trump after the insurrection and hasn’t let up since. Powers explains how Kinzinger ended up telling his story to filmmaker Steve Pink, a self-described leftie best known for 2010’s time-traveling hot tub comedy.

Powers shares how he and his programming team narrowed over 900 submissions to a very lean 21 final selections. He previews more buzz-worthy titles like Mistress Dispeller, a documentary about women in China who are hired to break up extramarital affairs; Space Cowboy, about a skydiving cinematographer who shot a car tumbling out of a plane; and Men of War, a documentary Powers describes as "Rambo meets Fyre Fest" that centers on a freebooting mercenary who tried to overthrow Venezuela’s government. Powers also shares his thoughts on whether the gloom is lifting from a documentary field in the dumps over the slow pace of acquisitions and tightening budgets.

Listen to the episode through the link in bio or on major podcast platforms including Spotify, iHeart and Apple.

Photos from Nō Studios's post 08/28/2024

Witnessing History

Nō Studios was honored to be selected as an official DNC Watch Party venue for the Convention last week. Attendees were beamed into the Union Center during Eva Longoria's speech.

See the link in the bio for the full event photo gallery.

08/25/2024

Nō Studios was thrilled to be selected an an official DNC Convention Watch Party venue for the final evening of the Convention. That's us being beamed into the United Center in the top row second from the left during Eva Longoria's speech.

The energy in the room was amazing.

Photos from Nō Studios's post 08/19/2024

It's not too soon to plan your holiday party! Take look at our holiday event packages. They include:

• FREE parking
• FREE signature cocktail or champagne toast
• Reduced event rental prices, and
• FREE festive decor

See the link in the bio for details.

08/13/2024

We are currently hiring for our Production Services team to fill roles in videography and video editing.

See the link in the bio to apply.

08/12/2024

Enjoy a free video recap of your event if the event is booked with a downpayment in August with an Event Date anytime in 2024. See the link in the bio to book an event or contact [email protected].

08/09/2024

Thanks to those of you who attended Dance Fest 2024 on Saturday. The weather was beautiful, we had a full house and the audience enjoyed performances by nine Midwest dance companies.

Thank you especially to our partners - NYC's The Joyce Theater, the Marcus Performing Arts Center and Morgan Williams from Water Street Dance Milwaukee. We look forward to working with you again next year!

Photos from Nō Studios's post 08/08/2024

Enjoy a free video recap of your event if the event is booked with a downpayment in August with an Event Date anytime in 2024. See the link in the bio to book an event or contact [email protected].

07/05/2024

Kevin Giglinto, president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and Morgan Williams, the artistic director of Water Street Dance Milwaukee, recently joined WISN 12 NEWS to discuss Dance Fest 2024 and what’s to be expected on August 3rd!

06/20/2024

This week’s Doc Talk podcast features Alex Gibney's discussion of his Emmy-Contending Paul Simon Doc, plus Elon Musk’s angry response to hearing the focus of Gibney’s next film.

Alex Gibney has Frank Sinatra to thank for his most recent documentary, which is a two-part Emmy-contending film In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon.

Simon, one of America’s greatest singer-songwriters, saw Gibney’s 2015 documentary Sinatra: All or Nothing at All, and liked it so much he approached the Oscar-winning filmmaker about potentially making a film of his own music career. Simon then sweetened the deal by inviting Gibney to his home in Texas to see him work on a new album, Seven Psalms.

Listen now through the link in our bio!

06/19/2024

Join us for the 2024 Dance Fest on Saturday, August 3rd at the Marcus Center Peck Pavilion! See dance companies like Nova Linea pictured below.

Now in its third year, Dance Fest has expanded to include premier dance companies from across the Midwest along with Wisconsin-based programs. Featuring a diverse array of genres including contemporary, ballet, African-inspired, salsa, and hip-hop, this celebrated dance experience brings together exceptional local and national talent. In addition to the combined performance, this all-ages event offers food and live music.

See nostudios.com/dance-fest-2024 or the link in the bio for tickets and information.

When: August 3rd ⋅ 6:30 PM
Where: Marcus Center Peck Pavilion

06/12/2024

Ticketing is open!

Join us for the 2024 Dance Fest on Saturday, August 3rd at the Marcus Center Peck Pavilion. Now in its third year, Dance Fest has expanded to include premier dance companies from across the Midwest along with Wisconsin-based programs. Featuring a diverse array of genres including contemporary, ballet, African-inspired, salsa, and hip-hop, this celebrated dance experience brings together exceptional local and national talent. In addition to the combined performance, this all-ages event offers food and live music.

See nostudios.com/dance-fest-2024 or the link in the bio for tickets and information. Enjoy Early Bird ticketing until June 24th. Group sales (10+ people) should be arranged through the Marcus Center box office at 414-273-7206 .

Photos from Nō Studios's post 06/03/2024

Nō Studios is proud to support the 2024 Fathers Making Progress Awards Gala.🥂🏅

The FMP Awards program recognizes the good work of those everyday fathers with a giving spirit who are making a difference in their families and our community. We have so many examples of those in our community who have stepped up and modeled Positive Fatherhood.

In 2019, the Fathers Making Progress Awards were dreamed up by our organization’s members to recognize individuals, fathers, and groups in the community that mirror Fathers Making Progress’ values of “building stronger cycles”, “love and accountability, “never arriving,” and those who go above and beyond to make our community a better place. Nominations for the FMP Awards are currently open! The FMP Gala component was established as a primary fundraiser for Fathers Making Progress.

When: Friday, June 14th • 5:30pm
Where: Institute for the Preservation of African American Music and Arts

See the link in bio for tickets.

02/22/2024

Join us for our 4th Annual Red Carpet Oscar Night Watch Party!

Walk your very own red carpet and smile for the paparazzi in your favorite red carpet look. 📸

Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktails and a credit card bar while watching the Oscars live from our spectacular Screening Room.

UWM Student Milwaukee Film Member attend FREE 🎬

When: March 10th at 5pm
Where: Nō Studios 1037 W McKinley Ave

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/778686752037?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/15/2023

🎙️✨ Uncover the untold stories of underdog documentaries on the latest episode of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast! 🏆 Join Oscar-winning producer Diane Becker of "King Coal," producer Keith Wilson of "Joonam," and Bad Press co-director Joe Peeler as they discuss their groundbreaking joint For Your Consideration campaign. 🎬 Despite their award-winning status, these films face distribution challenges, sparking a unique collaboration to redefine the Oscar race. 🌟 Tune in to learn how these filmmakers are shaping a new era of documentary awards campaigning. Listen now! https://deadline.com/2023/12/documentary-movies-diy-oscar-campaign-1235653409/

💜 THANK YOU for a Successful Wakanda Wellness Week 2023! 💜 12/01/2023

💜Join us to celebrate Wakanda Wellness Week 2023's Success & Wrap Up the Year on Sat, Dec. 2nd @ No Studios! We'll have the Fashion Show Review, Meet/Network with the Speakers, Designers, Models and Community Partners!

👉🏾Here's the link to RSVP

💜 THANK YOU for a Successful Wakanda Wellness Week 2023! 💜   BIG THANKS to Everyone that Brought WAKANDA WELLNESS WEEK 2023 to LIFE!   DEMOCRACY: Guest Panelists Samantha Collier Founder/CEO, TeamTeal365 Lisa Jones Executive Director, MICAH Pastor Greg Lewis

11/27/2023

🔥✨ Spice up your holidays with a virtual BBQ experience! Join leadership expert Beth Ridley and BBQ maestro Greg Fischer for a flavorful adventure. Learn to make the perfect BBQ sauce, enhance your holiday dishes, and hear Greg's inspiring journey from combat veteran to entrepreneur. 🍖🎄 Join us on December 5th at Noon CT. Register Now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beth-ridleys-holiday-bbq-experience-tickets-744246058997

11/27/2023

🎧✨ Join us on the Doc Talk Podcast for an exclusive episode straight from the heart of IDFA – the world's largest documentary film festival! 🌍🎬 Hear from a fab five of filmmakers, including Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams, Oscar-nominated Nicole Newnham, award-winner Mohamed Jabaly, IDA nominee Maciek Hamela, and world premiere maker Juan Palacios. Immerse yourself in the stories that unfolded on the global stage. Listen here now! https://deadline.com/2023/11/doc-talk-podcast-idfa-report-1235631998/🎙️🎬

Photos from Nō Studios's post 11/16/2023

🎙 Exciting News! 🎙 The latest episode of Doc Talk, our podcast produced by Deadline and No Studios, features an exclusive interview with Director Michael Kirk, delving into the captivating world of his Frontline investigative documentary on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife, Ginni Thomas.

🔍 Uncover the intricacies of the Washington power couple as we explore Justice Thomas's failure to report luxurious vacations funded by wealthy Republican friends and Ginni Thomas's controversial efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 presidential election.

👥 Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that goes beyond the headlines, offering deep insights into the complexities of power, politics, and the American judiciary.

🎧 It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss! Listen now and let us know your thoughts! Check it out here: https://deadline.com/2023/11/clarence-thomas-documentary-director-michael-kirk-interview-1235611892/

10/26/2023

Nō Studios is partnering with Chris Griese of Saké Story to launch their saké portfolio for the first time ever in Wisconsin! 🍶

Join us at Skyline Bar + Lounge for a saké tasting and pairing. Chris will be hosting the saké pairing with Modern Maki Sushi who will be offering a limited menu! 🍣

🗓️ Friday, October 27
6 - 9pm
🎟 available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sake-tasting-with-chris-griese-modern-maki-sushi-at-skyline-rooftop-tickets-689753420047?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/16/2023

🌟 Join the Nō Studios Team! 🌟

Are you ready to be a part of something extraordinary? Nō Studios is looking to expand its talented team with passionate individuals who share our vision.

🍹 Bartenders: Mix your creativity with our vibrant atmosphere!
🏨 Hospitality: Create memorable experiences for our guests!
🎉 Event Crew: Be the heart and soul of our events!

We offer competitive pay and exciting member perks for all employees. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our dynamic community!

Interested? Apply at https://www.nostudios.com/apply and let's create magic together. ✨

10/13/2023

❄️ Café Nō Winter Closure ❄️

Effective October 13th, Café Nō will be temporarily closed for the Winter season.

Don't worry, Skyline Lounge, exclusively available to our members and tenants, will continue normal operations! For more information on private events, check out www.nostudios.com.

We look forward to welcoming you back in the Spring!

09/19/2023

🗳️ & League of Women Voters Milwaukee County are hosting a FREE Dead Horses & Milwaukee Bucks’ Ambassador Wave Chapelle Concert at Nō Studios for National Voter Registration Day!

We’re extremely excited to help increase and support voter registration in celebration of this civic holiday!

The public can enter by checking one’s registration at the door with the option to register at the venue if they aren’t already. Underage and future voters are engaged and can enter by letting the venue know what election they will be 18 for and why they’re excited to vote. Non-citizens and those ineligible to vote enter by letting the venue know why they’re excited to attend.

The evening will open with a panel conversation featuring All Voting is Local Wisconsin’s Bianca Shaw and League of Women Voters of Milwaukee County’s Peggy Creer.

📍 Nō Studios + Online
Tuesday, September 19th
Doors at 6 PM
🎟 FREE FOR ALL AGES - Livestream can be viewed HERE
https://veeps.com/ivoted/5923af6d-203b-4107-ae04-4f25e63f46ef?preview_token=0b53b5a2-0d26-4129-8104-fa6a541acfca

08/30/2023

Meet Kara Hanson, she's a mezzo-soprano who received her Bachelor’s Degree in music with an emphasis on voice and piano with a minor in music theory and linguistics from the University of North Texas College of Music. As a performer, Mrs. Kara has graced the stages of Asia numerous times and across the United States.

Mrs. Kara began teaching at the Music Institute of North Texas, and in her 8 years there she was awarded “Top 20 Best Voice Teachers in Dallas, Texas”.

She'll be performing this Friday with Jake Brewer + Jillian Dawn 🎶

Friday, Sept. 1st
Doors open at 7PM
GA $10 • $8 Members
🎟 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/648345086607?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photos from Nō Studios's post 08/29/2023

Meet Jillian Dawn, she's an indie pop singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist.

Rising from Mansfield, MA, she now lives in Nashville where her style has evolved to dance-driven indie-pop and flares of country and rock. Currently working alongside Nashville’s brightest talent, Jillian kickstarted a new chapter with the pop-anthem of the last summer “Watered Down,” and her debut as an original cast member of She Believed She Could, a Nashville-based musical r***e. Since her graduation from University of Miami Frost School of Music, Jillian has toured with headlining acts and hit festival stages around the country, all while preparing for her own headlining tour this summer.

Jillian Dawn will be performing at Nō Studios with Jake Brewer + Kara Hanson this Friday 🎶

Friday, Sept. 1st
Doors open at 7PM
GA $10 • $8 Members
🎟 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/648345086607?aff=oddtdtcreator

Photos from Nō Studios's post 08/28/2023

Live Music this Friday at Nō ft. Jake Brewer

Jake Brewer is a songwriter and producer based in New York, NY, whose latest album "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" launched the young creator into a new era of indie-alt bedroom pop. The Seattle-native is a recent TedX speaker, founder of FRNDLY Media, host of the Groundbreaking podcast, all while selling out shows across the US since 2018, touring with bands like PREP and Jenny Kern. With tens of thousands following on social media, supported by collaborations with brands like HBO Max and Tommy Hilfiger, Jake is quickly gathering attention around the world as your new favorite "boy next door."

He will be performing with Jillian Dawn + Kara Hanson 🎵

Friday, Sept. 1st
Doors open at 7PM

GA $10 • $8 Members
🎟 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/648345086607?aff=oddtdtcreator or at the door

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Our Story

Nō Studios derives from nō 能, the Sino-Japanese root word for "skill" or "talent;" While in English, "No" is a familiar response to artists as they repeatedly confront and conquer it in pursuit of their craft. The desire behind our 40,000 square foot headquarters, is to create a collaborative workspace and social community that offers an environment for artists and art lovers to come together. Our historic building in the heart of the Pabst Brewery Complex, features offices, co-working space, a state-of-the-art screening room, performance stage, café bar, gallery, and rooftop lounge.

We sit at the intersection of two models under one mission: to house tenants active in the Milwaukee arts scene, and to create and foster a vibrant membership community, brought together by socializing with a purpose. Our tenant list reflects the full spectrum of Milwaukee-based arts organizations from academia, non-profit, production, advocacy, and investment. With residency at Nō Studios, tenants receive event hosting privileges to support our membership community.

The pillars of the membership program are accessibility and community. With this in mind, Nō Studios offers multiple participation options and ways to connect. Each membership level grants admittance to any Nō Studios programmed events. Our programming calendar spans music, visual arts, film, spoken word, writing, and dance. The intention is to explore the intersection between these media, elevate underrepresented artists, educate, inspire, and entertain. The calendar will be guided by the community and amplified by our Oscar winning founder, John Ridley.

Videos (show all)

We've known this for a while now. Young people are eager to be on the front lines of the battles for our rights, but all...
Printmaker Steven Hopkins carves intricate faces into wood blocks to create stunningly tender prints of family, friends,...
Enjoy a free video recap of your event if the event is booked with a downpayment in August with an Event Date anytime in...
Thanks to those of you who attended Dance Fest 2024 on Saturday.  The weather was beautiful, we had a full house and the...
Kevin Giglinto, president and CEO of the Marcus Performing Arts Center, and Morgan Williams, the artistic director of Wa...
Coming soon - a new episode of our mini-documentary series, Creating Milwaukee. Marquise Mays is an award-winning filmma...
It’s hard to believe that it’s been 5 years! We appreciate the support that we’ve received both within and outside of Mi...
Creating Milwaukee ft. Klassik is OUT NOW. Watch the 10 minute docuseries on our website or at youtube.com/nostudiosmkeT...
Sky Schools MKE is back again for another Morning Breathing Session 💨 Start your day with new energy, calm and focus.Mat...
NEW EPISODE of Creating Milwaukee releasing next month. Ep. 3 will feature the artist: Klassik.Klassik is an award-winni...
"This organization is giving victims a name, a face and a story beyond the headlines and that is so important." We are s...
Friday Night Live Music • Skyline Sounds ft. Fokused Band 🎹Fokused is a four-member, musical ensemble transcending conve...

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1037 W McKinley Avenue
Milwaukee, WI
53205

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