Menagerie of Misfits Productions was founded in 2022 by Scarlett Mustang, following her work producing The Bewitched Variety Show and Nerdlesque. The name “Misfits” was inspired by the classic 1964 film Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, specifically the “Island of Misfit Toy”, a place where toys that didn’t fit in anywhere else were given a home, purpose, and the chance to shine. Scarlett was inspired by the story’s underlying message: that those who feel different or overlooked have unique gifts and deserve a space to be celebrated. This philosophy became the foundation for Menagerie of Misfits: a space where performers can explore, experiment, and express themselves fully without fear or judgment.

After taking a hiatus in 2020 to have a baby, Scarlett returned with renewed purpose: to build a supportive, inclusive, and empowering community for performing artists within the burlesque and cabaret scene. She envisioned a space where performers could fully embrace their creativity, boldness, and individuality.

In 2024, Teeni Banhmi joined, bringing expertise in pole and drag performance. Together, Scarlett and Teeni produce bold, creative, and diverse shows that celebrate individuality, artistic exploration, and community. Under Scarlett’s guidance, Misfits are encouraged to challenge themselves, broaden their skills, explore new forms of expression, and push the boundaries of their creativity and performance. Teeni supports this by bringing his signature blend of practical, no-nonsense technique and specialised skills, helping performers develop both confidence and mastery while remaining true to the Misfits ethos.

Menagerie of Misfits (MoM) embraces all forms of artistic expression, including burlesque, drag, cabaret, pole, music, and performance art. Nothing is too bold, too daring, or too unusual—if anything, we embrace it. The leadership of Scarlett and Teeni ensures every production, decision, and interaction supports creativity, inclusivity, and the wellbeing of performers.

Check out our Lead Misfits and check out our upcoming Events.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region. We pay our respects to Elders both past and present, and we’d like to extend a special acknowledgement to all LGBTQIA+SB Elders. Recognising the continuing connection to lands, skies, waterways and communities. Always was, always will be Aboriginal Land.

We acknowledge that our styles of artform have roots stemming from the pioneers of exotic dance. We pay our respects to all the Trans Women, Sex Workers, Strippers, and those in the adult industry that have pave the way and made it available to the mainstream society.