Thread: Mini Cabarets

Hi Everyone,

I'm a Jazz/cabaret singer and I've worked at various burlesque and cabaret nights over the past 6 months but up until now I've just sung a few songs, depending on how many the promoter wanted etc but now I'm thinking about developing my act into, well, more of an act, lol.

I want to put together some mini individual cabarets (probably lasting about 15 mins each) each with different themes (moulin rouge, show girl, smokey jazz singer etc)

If anyone has any advice or suggestions for me I'd love to hear them! Also if anyone has any suggestions on how much I should be charging for this sort of act that would be great also.

Big Love,
Scarlet Blush x

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Sounds good, I like the idea of a theme for the set rather than some slightly ramdom numbers that the singer just likes to sing (not that I have a problem with that). I prefer to restrict the number of songs within a given set to 3 songs, so it might even be less than 15 mins as an over long musical set within my events can sometimes have a negative effect the tempo of the show.

By using themes you can target specific events and offer a package that's virtually tailor made for them, the challenge will come when you have to come up with a set to suit the more unusual themes.

As I guide I offer £60 for a 3 song set, obviously it can vary greatly with other events.

Ah Pete I'm glad you replied, I was going to come to you for some advice anyway

I'm glad you like the idea. I was thinking about putting together about 4 set mini cabarets that people can choose from and then offering the chance of a bespoke cabaret that can be tailored to the clients needs (provided I'm given enough notice etc)

Very excited about putting it all together now

Scarlet Blush x

You might want to talk to Annies at Rubyz in Bournemouth. She and her girls do various themed mini shows so I'm sure she's have some great advice for you

cabaret sets are nice to have prepared when people ask.
coco malone does beautiful sets.
good contrasts too....
for the kings theatre on august 14th - shes doing one jazz early on, then BIG showtunes in the end.

so yeah - people enjoying having sets to pick from.

personally... i don't have sets. and just do the set of songs that work best for that particular audience.

if they're sat down and attentive, i'll do something piano based... and wordy.
if they're rowdy - usually i'll use something louder and a lot more aggressive/loud, like a big show tune or recognisable song parody.
tom waits always works really well on a rowdy crowd. scares them into listening...


as for money. thats your choice
whether i'm doing one act, or two. i charge according to my appearance there, not how much im doing (except if someone is taking the piss or wants 3 acts. or fire/sideshow/hosting)
cause it still needs to be worth doing the job - whether you're doing 3 songs, 6 or 9.

but hey ho! everyone works their business differently

Hi Scarlet,

I'm a jazz / cabaret singer, too (thank you Joe)!

I haven't intentionally put together themed acts, but I suppose I have done it by default! I do jazz sets, cabaret sets, I've just done a Vegas-style show girl set and I keep getting asked to do a Moulin Rouge style set (Sparkling Diamonds, etc). I tend to do what Joe does, really and just see what will work best with each show and I usually run my set lists by the promoters first, but I think what you intend to do is a great idea and I wish you lots of luck! It would be lovely to hear you sing sometime!

Coco xx

Thanks for the advice everyone I've decided upon 4 themes for now (which i've put up on a different thread on here 'my new acts) if you wanted to take a look. One of them is a Moulin Rouged themed set (I promise I didn't just steal that idea Coco, I was already intending on doing it a couple of weeks ago). Would love to hear you sing sometime too

Scarlet Blush x

There's no need to explain your choice of songs Scarlet! These songs are out there for everyone to sing! I know some people can get a bit precious about it but these are songs that are known world wide and personally, I love to hear different people's individual take on them : )

Oh and if there are any backing tracks that you don't already have, just let me know and if I have them, I'd be happy to send them over to you.

Take care, Coco x