Tired of endless scrolling on TikTok and Instagram? Unplug and experience the magic of live, analog storytelling at Flushing Town Hall’s Crankies Take New York!—a unique festival that invites Queens locals to discover the timeless art of crankie performances.
Running from Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 2, this unique festival celebrates an age-old art form that merges visual art, music, and narrative. Crankies, a form of hand-crank storytelling using illustrated scrolls, have a rich history dating back to 19th-century moving panoramas. Now, these captivating performances are being revitalized by contemporary artists for a modern audience.
Flushing Town Hall’s executive and artistic director, Ellen Kodadek, is thrilled to welcome back the festival for another year. “This festival celebrates the timeless power of storytelling, combining traditional techniques with contemporary creativity,” she said. “Whether you’re new to crankies or a longtime fan, you’ll be transported by the artistry these performances inspire.”
The festival at Flushing Town Hall, located at 137-35 Northern Blvd. in Flushing, will feature a diverse lineup of performers, including family-friendly matinee performances, workshops, and much more. Curated by Josh Kohn, a multidisciplinary artist with a background in puppetry and performance, Crankies Take New York! builds on the success of the annual Crankie Festival in Baltimore. “Audiences can expect stunning visuals, live music, and all sorts of surprises,” Kohn said. “If you love puppetry, storytelling, visual art, and all the things that are awesome, then you will love this show.”
The festival’s roster of participating artists includes Emily Schubert, a Vermont-based crankie maker, puppeteer, storyteller, and mixed-media artist, as well as other performers like The Lantern Sisters, Phoebe Potts, Charming Disaster, Boxcutter Collective, Nasaria Suckoo, Randy Chollette, and The Binoculars.
Generously sponsored by the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, Crankies Take New York! promises to be an unforgettable celebration of analog artistry and community engagement. Tickets for all events are now available on Flushing Town Hall’s website.
Festival Schedule:
Friday, Feb 28 at 7:30 p.m.
A lineup of artists and musicians presenting a variety of crankie performances.
Tickets: $20 Adults / $15 Members, Seniors, & Students w/ID
*While the content is family-friendly, this performance is geared toward adults.
Saturday, March 1
1 p.m. Crankie Workshop: A hands-on, family-friendly session where participants can create their own mini crankies.
Tickets: FREE for Members with a Performance Ticket / $5 for all others.
2 p.m. Kids & Family Performance + Q&A: A tailored performance for younger audiences with a smaller cast.
Tickets: $15 Adults / $12 Members / $8 Children
7:30 p.m. Public Performance: A lineup of artists and musicians presenting a variety of crankie performances.
Tickets: $20 Adults / $15 Members, Seniors, & Students w/ID
*While the content is family-friendly, this performance is geared toward adults.
Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Master Class with Katherine Fahey
A deep dive into the art of crankie-making with artist Katherine Fahey.
Participants will create their own miniature crankie using a matchbox as a storytelling canvas.
Tickets: $30 Adults / $25 Members (Adults only).
