0
Buy Tickets 0 Cart Donate
Buy Tickets 0 Cart Donate

Instructions for a Séance

  • Written & Performed by Katie Bender
  • Directed by Lily Wolff

October 6 – November 8

Herro-Franke Studio Theater
Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets Call Ticket Office
Houdini, Motherhood And Mayhem

Step into an unforgettable adventure of mystery, mischief, and messy humanity. Katie Bender transforms the theater into an intimate DIY séance, daring to summon the spirit of Houdini—and maybe wrestle with the chaos of her own life along the way. Equal parts hilarious, haunting, and heartbreakingly honest, this one-woman show fuses memoir and live magic to explore ambition, motherhood, and the craving to break free. Expect laughter and glimpses of the extraordinary hidden in everyday life.

“A funny…haunted exploration of ambition, legacy, and familial responsibility.”
— The Austin Chronicle

Approximate Running Time:

70 minutes with no intermission

Content: Blends mystery, humor, and the supernatural. Click here for more specific content information.

Seating Chart

Synopsis

Below are more details about the show. If you prefer to experience the story without knowing any plot details in advance, we recommend closing this window.

Katie Bender, a mother in her forties, attempts to summon the spirit of Harry Houdini using instructions she found online, inviting the audience to participate in a DIY séance. She guides us through rituals, games, and moments of theatrical magic that reflect Houdini’s legacy as an escape artist and his historical connection to spiritualism, including the séances held after his death. As the séance unfolds, Katie reflects on her own desire to escape the pressures of her life, including motherhood, artistic ambition, and societal expectations placed upon her. The boundaries between illusion and reality begin to blur as she blends magic tricks, storytelling, and audience participation, with an unexpected presence arriving to make their voice heard. 

Accessibility Information

Milwaukee Rep offers a variety of accessibility services and seating options to help ensure a welcoming experience for all guests. The Checota Powerhouse features wheelchair, wheelchair transfer, companion, bariatric, and no-step seating. Look for the accessibility key on the seating chart when purchasing tickets.

To learn more about our accessibility services, explore our full Access Program or contact our Ticket Office at 414-224-9490.

Audio Description:
Thursday, October 22, 7:30pm

American Sign Language (ASL):
Friday, October 30, 7:30pm

GalaPro Captioning:
Wednesday, October 14, 1:30pm
Tuesday, October 20, 6:30pm
Saturday, October 24, 3pm
Wednesday, October 28, 1:30pm
Thursday, October 29, 7:30pm
Sunday, November 1, 2pm
Presented by Diane & Clark Slipher

Associate Producers
Julia Ihlenfeldt
Sandy Laedtke
Jennifer & Mark Niedfeldt

Part of the Four-Four Foundation Herro-Franke Studio Season

A John (Jack) D. Lewis New Play Development Program Production

Bender clearly has a knack for comedic writing and delivery… the play takes abrupt turns that keep the audience on edge.

— Fort Worth Weekly

A funny…haunted exploration of ambition, legacy, and familial responsibility.

— The Austin Chronicle

Playwright & Performer Katie Bender
A Conversation with

Playwright & Performer Katie Bender

Cast

Katie Bender

Playwright / Performer

Creative Team

Lily Wolff

Director

Collette Pollard

Scenic Designer

Mieka van der Ploeg

Costume Designer

Paige Seber

Lighting Designer

Kathy Ruvuna

Sound Designer

Pre-Show Experiences

Make a night of it with special events and activities before the performance. All events held in the Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center.

Magic Workshop

Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center
Ages: 7+
Cost: $50 per person

Ever wondered what it feels like to be a magician? Join us for this family-friendly workshop inspired by the theatrical magic of Instructions for a Séance. Learn beginner-friendly magic tricks, uncover the secrets behind a few classic illusions, share some laughs, and take home a little magic of your own.

Dinner Dialogue

Sunday, November 8, 4:30pm
Location: Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center
Cost: $30 per person, excludes Séance show ticket

Belief Systems
What shapes what we believe? Explore the influences of faith, science, tradition, and personal experience as we examine how beliefs are formed, challenged, and strengthened. Consider the balance between holding convictions and remaining open to new perspectives.

Post-Show Experiences

Extend your theater experience with special events and activities after the performance.

TalkBacks

The conversation continues after the show. Stay in your seat for a post-show TalkBack with members of the cast. Free with your show ticket.

Wednesday, October 14 after the performance
Wednesday, October 21 after the performance

Panel: Escape vs. Responsibility in Parenthood

Post-Show - Tuesday, October 20

What do parents owe their children—and themselves? This compelling panel featuring parents and family experts explores the tension between personal freedom and parental responsibility, examining the difficult choices, sacrifices, and expectations that shape family life.

Dinner Dialogue

Sunday, November 8, 4:30pm
Location: Herzfeld Foundation Education & Engagement Center
Cost: $30 per person, excludes Séance show ticket

Belief Systems
What shapes what we believe? Explore the influences of faith, science, tradition, and personal experience as we examine how beliefs are formed, challenged, and strengthened. Consider the balance between holding convictions and remaining open to new perspectives.

You Might Also Like These Productions

John Proctor Is the Villain

January 12 – February 7, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

A sharp, hilarious Broadway hit where students clash over truth, power, and whose voices matter—provocative and timely, a must-see theatrical ride.

The Cherry Tortured

February 26 – March 28, 2027

Ellen & Joe Checota Powerhouse Theater

A witty, modern Door County take on Chekhov’s classic—love, legacy, and family collide in this fresh, hilarious and heartfelt World Premiere.

Penelope

April 6 – May 9, 2027

Herro-Franke Studio Theater

A witty, music-filled journey reimagining a mythic woman’s wait, blending humor, heartache and modern grit with live music and fierce emotional honesty.