Katie Bender: Instructions for a Séance

Katie Bender—Harry Houdini enthusiast, mom, struggling artist—says she’s been leaving her house after the kids go to sleep... sneaking into TPA's rehearsal studio, stealing items from the prop shop and artifacts of Houdini's from the Harry Ransom Center. She's attempting to contact Houdini himself. So far, she has failed. But for one week in April 2026 she's inviting you to try it with her.

In this unique immersive theatre, DIY experience—created and performed by writer/artist Bender—the audience is invited to summon the spirit of escape artist Harry Houdini and maybe, in the process, break free from the traps in their own lives. Instructions for a Séance is a playful yet poignant exploration of motherhood, artistic ambition, and the urge to disappear. Inspired by the Houdini archives at the Ransom Center, Séance is a 70-minute theatrical gem: compact, gleaming, and utterly unforgettable.

You may also like the following events from Texas Performing Arts:

• This April, 3rd April, 07:00 pm, The Sleeping Beauty by International Ballet Stars in Austin
• This April, 17th April, 07:00 pm, Rude Mechs: Not Every Mountain in Austin

Also check out other Arts events in Austin, Theatre events in Austin, Literary Art events in Austin.