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Empire Stage is a well-known performance venue located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, primarily recognized for its unique blend of nightclub and theatrical experience. Established in 2009, Empire Stage quickly carved out a niche for itself by focusing on offering a home for contemporary theater with an emphasis on LGBTQIA+ themes and independent productions. Unlike traditional nightclubs, Empire Stage expanded its repertoire by hosting plays, stand-up comedy nights, cabaret acts, and various experimental performances, making it a cultural hotspot for both nightlife and live entertainment.
Over the years, the venue gained a positive reputation for being an inclusive, welcoming space that promoted local talent and provided opportunities often missing from larger, commercial venues in South Florida. The venue is housed in a modest, retrofitted warehouse building, which has, over time, been updated with better lighting, sound equipment, and interior modifications to accommodate more diverse performances, though it remains largely at its original location. Empire Stage’s cultural significance is best seen through its support for emerging artists and its role in fostering a vibrant arts community in Fort Lauderdale, serving as an incubator for new works and queer voices that might not otherwise have found an audience.
Its unpretentious atmosphere, affordable ticket prices, and willingness to push boundaries have made it beloved by regular patrons and visiting tourists alike. While not a traditional music nightclub, Empire Stage has occasionally featured musical acts, drag artists, and comedians of notable acclaim, providing a dynamic mix of entertainment that stands out in the local scene. Notable artists and performers who have graced the stage at Empire Stage include acclaimed drag queen Nicole Halliwell, actor and playwright Ronnie Larsen, comedian Julie Goldman, and local favorites such as Larry Buzzeo and Michael Leeds.
The venue has also hosted touring productions from artists associated with off-Broadway theater and musical revues, giving both international and local talent a spotlight in South Florida’s bustling arts landscape.