I've been looking around this site, of course, and I've checked out other information sources. I still have some questions despite all that research. I'm not saying I don't know about burlesque, but I am aware that things are done somewhat differently in the U.K. I'm curious, what do people on your side of the pond take into consideration as far as what makes a great performer? I can't imagine there is much difference. I just wanna know how far my particular talents would take me in your part of the world since I'm considering moving there.

I know the general parts of being a good performer. Most are universal. Attitude, style, etc. Those things I'm clear on.

What type of talents do you all really enjoy seeing from an individual? Singing? Dancing? Stilt-walking? Fire arts? Juggling? Being an emcee?

These are all just examples of various talents applied in the burlesque world. Please include any talents I haven't mentioned or feel free to elaborate on the ones I have mentioned.

I'm a pretty well-rounded performer, but I'm always looking to improve and I don't want to be completely outgunned in the U.K. haha.

Just curious as to how things go over there.

Hi Herrgeist,

I'll be interested to hear what everyone has to say about this! My own two pennethworth is to say that I think the peculiar British sense of humour plays a big part in British Burlesque. There's a lot of making fun of ourselves and every act that I've really enjoyed has been full of a nice amount of silliness. (Whilst still being professional, of course). In terms of variety, there's plenty of room for all the types of acts you mentioned over here!

How're the plans going for coming over?

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Castlist - One Site To Rule Them All

Uhhhh well... not sure yet. Coming over is going to take a good deal of money so I've got to work for that first. It may be a short while before I get over there. I hope not too long.

I don't think I should have any problems with the humor and such. A lot of the stuff I love to watch is british and that sense of humor really appeals to me. Most of my friends can tell you that I'm very dry and sarcastic.

I didn't watch Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and such when I was growing up. I did, but not as much as things like (and I'm only giving examples) Red Dwarf, AbFab, Benny Hill, Monty Python/Flying Circus, The Young Ones, etc. Some were great. Some were okay. But I've always really identified more with that type of humor. American humor is full of fart jokes and poop humor and I just don't care. There are exceptions.

I even have a decent handle on some of the slang and such. Although Im sure I will be introduced to some very colorful language that I've not yet come across.

I just don't know how british audiences will respond to an American performer even if the humor is much the same, I guess.

I think people will respond just fine. After all you have been doing Burlesque in America and seem to have a good grasp of English humour.
I don't know if anyone videos the High Tease nights, that would probably be a good thing for you to see what British audiences are used to.
Saying that, it might be nice to have a different slant on things, variety is the spice of life!
x

Absolutely! It'll be a good chance for you to mix things up a bit!

I'm sure audiences will respond well, particularly if you've got the whole British humour thing going on. As long as your acts are relevant to a UK audience there shouldn't be a problem about where you're from. I do remember being a bit dissapointed with Murray Hill at Immodesty Blaize's Show last year because he just did his standard New York routine full of New York/American cultural references and it just felt a bit lazy not to come up with something that the audience could relate to.

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Castlist - One Site To Rule Them All

Those are great points! I shall do my homework. I believe that you have to play to your audience. Keeping your act the same for different cultures seems a bit arrogant to me. As if you're saying "I'm great and you should get this because I'm obviously funny."

Yeah.

Thanks for the encouragement!

HEY THERE

THATS ALL TRUE IF YOU HAVE REFRENCES TO AMERICAN CULTURE IN YOUR ACT...

WE DEFINATELY NEED MORE MC'S IN THIS COUNTRY AND MORE MALE BURLESQUE ACTS....

THE MONEY ISN'T GREAT THOUGH - VERY FEW OF THE PERFORMERS OVER HERE ARE FULL TIMERS MOST HAVE FULL TIME DAY JOBS.

BE SURE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO FALL BACK ON.

X
CAS

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www.myspace.com/casanovadragking

Haha! Well, I can see that there are definitely similarities between Burlesque in the U.K. and in the U.S.! Very few in America can live off of what they do as far as Burlesque performance. Most of us work in restaurants, tend bar, work in retails shops, and there are those who have degrees and have high paying jobs. Most of us are starving artists. But we do it for the same reason anyone in the world does it. We love it! Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of being on stage. This coming from a man who has jumped out of planes and off of bridges. I've driven some of the worlds fastest cars and played some of the rougher sports. But I always feel best when I'm performing.

I guess I'll do my best to fill the need for male acts and I might even emcee from time to time, but it's not my preference.

Thanks for the advice. I do appreciate it.

I think you will do great honey, I think if you have a few stories to tell and have seen alternative sides to life then you make interesting performances and therefore you are a performer people want to watch. You do sound like the kind of chap who has lead an alternative life. Also the whole accent thing will go along way I am from N Ireland and have a very soft accent but it has got me lots of jobs, difference can work for you.
Diva xxx

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Diva Hollywood - http://www.myspace.com/divahollywood

That's a great way to look at it. Thanks for the encouragement. One of the biggest joys of coming to the U.K. is going to be seeing all of you perform. I cannot wait.