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Center Camp Canopy Performance

Perform in the Heart of the City

The Canopy hosts four distinct performance environments. While common uses are listed, we invite you to reimagine them.

Apply to Perform
Blacklights illuminate a stage set decorated with painted wood and cardboard cacti and flowers.
The Canopy Stage (photo by Casey Kazmer)
An audience sits by a stage where a band is performing.
Speakers on the Performance Stage. (Photo by: Wang Bowei)

The Performance Stage

A 16’ x 36’ platform with a beautiful design.

  • The Vibe: High energy, front-facing, community-wide engagement.
  • Perfect for: Live bands, theater productions, the Speaker Series, fashion shows, and large-scale workshops.
  • Availability: Active 24/7.

The Spoken Word Stage

  • The Vibe: Close-knit, attentive, and evocative.
  • Perfect for: Poetry, storytelling, open mic nights, and small-group panel discussions.
  • Note: This stage is not equipped for live music amplification.
A person standing on a stage speaks into a microphone with an arm raised emphatically.
The Spoken Word Stage under the Canopy. (Photo by: Frank Roberto)
Person riding a 12-foot unicycle in the Center Camp Canopy.
Unicycling Unicorn’s 12-foot unicycle (Photo by: Susan Becker)

The Center Ring

  • The Vibe: Immersive, 360° audience, grounded movement.
  • Perfect for: Circus arts, dance troupes, marching band “march-offs,” and workshops that require room to flow.
  • Note: Open to the sky

The Aerial Rigs

  • The Vibe: Upward, outward, and gravity-defying.
  • Details: We provide professional riggers and ground crew to ensure your flight is safe and seamless.
Nighttime aerialist and acrobatic performance in the Center Camp Canopy with multiple performers and large seated audience.
Aerialist performs at the Center Ring. (Photo by: Hannes Haefele)

Times/dates can be pre-arranged via the Collaborator Interest Form, or just show up on-playa and schedule a time with our Stage Management team for any open slot (first-come, first-scheduled).

Technical Infrastructure

We aim to make plugging in easy. The Performance Stage comes equipped with a highly skilled crew of “instigators” and audio technicians, plus the following gear:

  • Audio: 16-channel mixer, monitor mixes (side fills and floor wedges), 7 vocal mics, 1 wireless mic, instrument/drum mics, and plenty of DI boxes and cables.
  • The Backline: We can share electronic drums, acoustic and electric guitars, a bass, and a keyboard.

How to Take the Stage

  • Pre-Schedule: Fill out the Collaborator Interest Form to reserve a prime spot and get your event listed in the official BRC schedule.
  • Spontaneous Magic: If you’re feeling the playa spark in the moment, just show up! Visit the Stage Management team under the Canopy to snag an open slot (first-come, first-scheduled).
  • Theme Nights: Keep an eye out for community takeovers and open mics throughout the week.

The Fine Print (Radical Self-Reliance)

The Canopy is a community-led vessel.

  • No Commercial Bookings: We do not work with booking agents or PR firms. We want to hear from the artists directly.
  • Gifting Your Art: We do not provide tickets, payment, or “perks.” Like everything else in Black Rock City, performance is a gift you give to the community.
  • Tickets: You must already have a confirmed ticket to Black Rock City to perform.

Questions? Reach out to our crew at Performers-CenterCamp@burningman.org

Other Ways to Get Involved at the Canopy

Volunteer with the Canopy

Fill out the Volunteer Questionnaire and join our fantastic team!

Volunteer Questionnaire

Bring your Art!

Muralists, 2D, sculpture, and gallery art are all welcome at the Canopy!

Bring your Art!