After more than a decade of creating space for Atlanta’s burlesque community, Metropolitan Studios, the Candybox Revue, and the Atlanta School of Burlesque will close this summer.
Roula Roulette, a burlesque performer and owner of Metropolitan Studios, posted a community letter on Feb. 3 announcing that the business would close on June 30.
“These decisions were not made lightly,” Roulette wrote. “I want to be very clear: The change reflects positive growth and thoughtful evolution, not conflict, crisis, or a lack of support. I am choosing to close intentionally, while the work is strong, the studio’s community is vibrant, and what we’ve built together is something to celebrate with deep care, pride, and gratitude.”
Roulette formed Metropolitan Studios in 2016 with Ursula Undress, the founder of the Atlanta School of Burlesque and Candybox Revue, and Talloolah Love, the leader of the Burlesque Atlanta Society. The business has been a space for burlesque performers and newcomers to express themselves by learning and performing within the art form.
According to the letter, Zara Estelle will operate a new studio business, Atlanta Creative Arts, which will include a burlesque program, the Atlanta Burlesque Academy. Plans for future projects and a new collective by members of The Candybox Revue are still unfolding, according to Roulette.
“While the physical spaces and productions I’ve built or overseen are coming to a close, what was created here does not end,” she said. “The impact of The Atlanta School of Burlesque, The Candybox Revue, and Metropolitan Studios lives on through the artists who trained, performed, and connected here, and through the communities they continue to shape.”
Additional details about timelines and transitions will be shared directly with students, performers, and renters. All questions and official communications regarding the closure should be directed to Roulette at rentals@metrostudioseav.com.
Metropolitan Studios’ final season will include Love Bites, a Valentine’s burlesque show on Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. as well as Burlesque Academy classes for all levels through April. To learn more, visit metrostudioseav.com.
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