Rufus & Kittie are right, not only are Gypsy & Vivas classes excellent for boosting confidence and honing performance skills they are ideal networking opportunities. They've been working professionals for many years so would be able to offer good advice on the who's who and where to's.
In addition to that you meet other people in the same boat, find out about other events and who's looking for performers.
I believe that's how
Cheesecake came about, in a roundabout way. The promoters are graduates of The Academy of Burlesque so they've come together and created their own work, not bad!
Another good idea, if the scene in Stirling isn't so great, is to take a wee trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh and attend some of the events, get your face out there and start chatting up the people that can help.
It's all about the schmooze, baby
Wish your friend all the best from me and tell her not to be shy if she sees me at the bar, a few gins and I'm anybodys!
xxx Lucille B xxx