Horse Trade to Kick Off Inaugural STEM Festival, Jan 7

Storytellers, comedians, burlesque performers, playwrights musicians and, yes, even scientists will show us just how entertaining the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can be. It might not have clicked in 9th grade, but now there's drinks and you're no longer in 9th grade. The inaugural STEM Fest will play UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place between 1st Avenue and Avenue A) January 7-18. Tickets to all shows ($3-25) are available online at www.horseTRADE.info.

Exclusive STEM Fest Shows:

This Week in Science
Wed 1/7 @ 8pm; Thu 1/15 @ 10pm $10
This Week in Science (TWIS) is a weekly web and radio show presenting a humorous, often opinionated, and irreverent look at the week in science and technology. In each show, the hosts, Dr. Kiki Sanford, Justin Jackson, and Blair Bazdarich, discuss the latest in cutting-edge science news on topics such as genetic engineering, stem cells, cybernetics, climate change, space exploration, neuroscience, microbiology, and a show favorite - Countdown to World Robot Domination.

Story Collider
Saturday, January 10 @ 7pm $15
We usually don't think of it this way, but science is a part of everyone's life. From adventures in the lab or the field, to the bizarre ways it crosses the path of people who haven't thought about science since the eighth grade, it's there. Join this special "best-of" edition of The Story Collider for four true, personal stories about science in people's lives.

Sci-Up
Saturday, January 10 @ 10pm $10
Mathematicians and Physicists and Engineers, oh my! We're pulling them out of the lab and on to the stage for a night of science-themed stand-up that's sure to leave you snickering about string theory, giggling about gigabytes and howling about Heisenberg. Jillian Thomas hosts the first edition of Sci-Up, featuring Bob Bell, Jack Dennis, and a special guest.

Music Night
Thursday, January 15 @ 8pm $10
Hosted by Killer Killy Dwyer, this night of comedy music will playfully explore scientific themes like cloning, time machines and gorilla love. Catch some of NYC's edgiest and funniest musicians bringing you science you can sing along with and find out if laughter truly is the best medicine.

Science Happy Hour
Friday, January 16 @ 7:30pm

Experiment Night
Saturday, January 17 @ 5pm $5

Buster Jangle Presents: The World of Science
Saturday, January 17 @ 8pm $15
Burlesque veterans Handsome Brad and Cherry Pitz bring you "The World of Science!" Handsome Brad is Buster Jangle, expert on a biology, physiology, technology and sexology and he is your guide to "The World Of Science!" His assistants include burlesque performers who work as scientists by day and ecdysiasts by night. Including Pinkie Special (molecular biologist), Clara Coquette (medical science researcher), Dandy Dillinger (molecular gastronomy -with a specialty in pastry and chocolate), Tiger Bay (Spokesmodel for Klawtex latex costume and couture and impersonator of famous astronomers) and Cherry Pitz (Her dad worked for NASA and sent her fingerprints into space on Voyager-2).

Astronomy On Tap
Monday, January 19 @ 7pm $5
Astronomy on Tap is known for combining accessible, engaging science presentations with eclectic entertainment, including, music games and prizes like Neil Tyson's Trash Treasures (TM)! As part of STEM Fest on MLK Day we'll honor the all-too-often unheralded contributions of minority scientists.

STEM Themed Monthly Shows:

The usual suspects will be mixing the world of science into their regularly scheduled programming, come and help us test out our theory that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Ten-Foot Rat Cabaret
Thursday, January 8 @ 10:30pm $10
Ten-Foot Rat Cabaret is Gotham's Premiere Variety Show: Comedy, Music, Burlesque, Vaudeville, and More! Hosted by Canadian import Jillian Thomas; featuring Bill Chambers and Gregory Levine - and a rotating cast of the entertainment cream of NYC, America and Canada. Created and Produced by Rob Dub and Gregory Levine.

Cabaret Showdown
Sunday, January 11 @ 7pm $12
Do you have what it takes to be a cabaret champion? Contestants compete for the chance to star in their own show or cabaret. Come out and join the fun! Whether you are a contestant or in the audience you are guaranteed to have a blast. STEM Fest Theme: Weird Science

Adam Wade from New Hampshire
Monday, January 12 @ 7pm $5
Moth storytelling favorite, Adam Wade, has put together many of his winning heartfelt and humorous stories for a special show. He'll also sing a few songs, and play video shorts.

Open Mic Downstairs
Tuesday, January 13 & 20 @ 9pm $3
At The Open Mic Downstairs the focus is the stage! Sign-ups get seven minutes to try anything in one of the most supportive rooms in New York. Whether it's a performance art piece, comedy, music, storytelling, dance, or something entirely off the top of your head, you'll find a home in the attentive welcoming community at UNDER St. Marks.

Sketch Block
Wednesday, January 14 @ 9pm $10
Sketch Block is a comedy showcase that gives sketch troupes an opportunity to perform without the pressure of bringing in an audience. Also, Sketch Block does not force their audience to pay for drinks. We believe that it's your choice to drink or not. It's about the comedy. Sketch Comedy meets Block Party. This monthly show features a guest host comedian, three guest sketch troupes and drinking. Come meet, mingle, and perform

Thank You Robot
Friday, January 16 @ 10pm $5
A showcase for independent and established improv teams. For each show, two teams join Thank You, Robot to perform sets of unscripted comedy, never seen before and never to be seen again.

Naked Girls Reading
Wednesday, January 21 @ 9pm $25
Naked Girls Reading NYC is the perfect intimate live event: a monthly nude literary salon featuring in the buff readings by local burlesque luminaries, professional librarians, authors and other Naked Girls.

HORSE TRADE THEATER GROUP is a self-sustaining theater development group; with a focus on new work, it has produced a massive quantity of stimulating downtown theater. Horse Trade's Resident Artist Program offers a home to a select group of Independent Theater artists, pooling together a great deal of talent and energy. It is also the home of FRIGID New York -- the first and only festival of its kind in New York City. For more, go to www.horseTRADE.info.