Thread: First performance nerves and considerations...

So, I have my first booking...

Someone I know discovered I have been learning burlesque and asked if I would perform at her birthday party in mid-March as she is having a sort of mini show with magicians, etc.

I said I would think about it and then talked to her again today and said yes. The reason I said yes is because I have two acts I have put together which I am loving and should have the costumes totally finished by then. It would also be great to perform for a non-paying audience so if it does go horribly wrong I won't feel like I've ripped people off, lol.
The reason I initially said I had to think about it is because it will be a small private crowd (20-ish people), and there maybe one or two people there that I know.

My only real practical consideration is the performing space - it's not going to be huge which means having to adapt one of my acts, which is fine, but as I said - a consideration. To me that's part of the fun though, working things out so it all fits.

And, at the moment, I'm not too nervous about actually performing ... I did performing arts and drama groups when I was younger and never suffered stage fright, so I'm hoping that continues... But the potential audience members has me more nervous than anything else.

Any words of advice more than welcome

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Congratulations!

You seem to have the right attitude, considering before confirming, already having two acts prepared...

I actually get more nervous when it's a smaller crowd and there are people I know... not sure why I'm mentioning that. It's probably of no help whatsoever

My advice is the same I give to everyone - go to as many and as varied nights putting on burlesque acts as possible. Actually going out there and watching as many performers as possible gives, in my opinion, loads more than any 'class' can. You'll learn loads that way.

Other than that, enjoy it, put your heart into it, be you, and good luck!

x

Funny to run across this post today. I just had my first public performance on Saturday. I was scared to death beforehand, but I had the time of my life. I ended up writing a post on my blog about the things I learned from my first time onstage. Maybe you'll find it useful:
Ten things I learned from my first burlesque performance Bubblybrunette's Blog

BTW, congrats and good for you!

LadyGrace, thanks for that link - it made me feel alot better! I've got my first performance on the 13th Feb, cant wait! Tiger Tiger, best of luck to you and let us know how you got on!

Originally Posted by Ginger La Rouge

Congratulations!

You seem to have the right attitude, considering before confirming, already having two acts prepared...

I actually get more nervous when it's a smaller crowd and there are people I know... not sure why I'm mentioning that. It's probably of no help whatsoever

My advice is the same I give to everyone - go to as many and as varied nights putting on burlesque acts as possible. Actually going out there and watching as many performers as possible gives, in my opinion, loads more than any 'class' can. You'll learn loads that way.

Other than that, enjoy it, put your heart into it, be you, and good luck!

x

Thanks Ginger

I've been to quite a few burlesque nights and have done classes /workshops. In myself I am quite confident, but it is the small crowd and knowing people in it aspect that's a little weird! >.<

Just found out today some more info about the venue itself though which makes me feel a lot more comfortable about it. I can do the act I had hoped to without having to comprimise too much on space. I'm starting to look forward to it! And really just want to finish work early so I can go home and practice the routine... if I only I wasn't constantly having to work late

Originally Posted by LadyGrace

Funny to run across this post today. I just had my first public performance on Saturday. I was scared to death beforehand, but I had the time of my life. I ended up writing a post on my blog about the things I learned from my first time onstage. Maybe you'll find it useful:
Ten things I learned from my first burlesque performance Bubblybrunette's Blog

BTW, congrats and good for you!

Thanks LadyGrace, that is a really good blog. And you're right, good live lessons anyway! Glad you had such a great experience , hopefully mine will be too