Paying to Perform?

Gehenna · #1 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 11:42 AM

In the last few months I'ce seen two threads in which performers are expected to pay to perform; a thread started by Katsomaya and another one about the LBF 2009 - and this has got me thinking and then wondering.

I'm after some general feedback from those in the scene, experienced, new and inbetween - would you pay money to work a show?

The Devil's Advocate within me, inspired by Vicky Butterfly, thinks that a registration fee might prove to be a useful tool - effectively weeding out the chaff who have applied for the hell of it, but then my other side points out that very few people make a lot of money from performing, so should they be expected to pay money on top of all the expenses related to performing? And does getting a fee paod to you at the end of the night make up for the fact that you had to pay the promoter/producer.head honcho in the first place?

Another thought in my head is whether the fee paid to perform is worth it for the publicity you could garner. I'm wondering if working for certain events can help to raise your profile if you are seen there, so does that justify the fee?

I have many questions and few answers, all I can say is that I have no plans to start charging people who approach my show to work it, although my show is nowhere near the size of the LBF or has the media contacts that Katsomaya talked of.

Your thoughts please.

Lola Pops · #2 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:21 PM

I'm happy to pay the fee for LBF as it's something I really want to do, and as it's already an established festival I know the publicity will be good. For a night that's popped out of nowhere with fees like Katsomaya was asking I have no interest whatsoever.

I say it is a great idea as long as you are giving perfromers a good enough reason to justify the fee.

x

Dee Itsy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:22 PM

Hi Gehenna,

I cannot respond as a burlesque performer, however in many other performance disciplines 'pay to play' is considered very sketchy ground. I would never pay to play/perform, nor be keen on attending an event or frequenting a venue I knew operated as such, I see it as explotative. However, I appreciate for professional burlesque performers large events with a tonne of publicity opportunities may be worth the expense for portfolio / CV opportunities (and £10 isn't over the top).

The events we run through the Itsy collective are run on a 'DIY' ethic to ensure profit is split fairly among performers (taking into account reasonable expenses and costs). We only work with venues that are comfortable with this ethic and allow us full creative control.

I know of promoters and venues (UK Wide) who request that acts sell a number of tickets in order to perform but am unsure of how commonplace this is with burlesque events.

I am also very interested to hear the thoughts of others on the Burlesque circut, as I appreciate mine are possibly a little one sided and come from a seperate (though related) discipline.

Dx

DivaHollywood · #4 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 12:24 PM

Hi honey
I got loads of work after doing LBF this year doing private parties that payed well and from promoters who had not seen me before.
I also made a lot of new friends and worked with some fab ladies.
I was a bit taken aback at first by the whole £10 thing but after a quick mail to Chaz as to the why he is doing this it makes perfect sense. Also if you have performed before and get your votes in your get your money back.
This year was a well run and fun experience for me with good backstage care, fun audiences and prompt payment. If the time and effort that Chaz has promised goes into next years one its an event that you will not want to miss.
I would highly recommend it,

Diva x

Lilly de Lure · #5 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 01:14 PM

I think it would depend on how established a performer you are - speaking as a newbie I would gladly pay a fee in order to get stage experience and exposure at a good show.

However I can definitely see why established performers, particularly professionals, would have a problem with doing so unless the show was known to be extremely good and very likely to result in offers for slots in other shows that would pay enough to make up for the original fee.

Gehenna · #6 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 03:35 PM

I imagine you did get a lot from the last LBF Diva, but I put that down to your natural gift of pure talent - had you been a quarter of the performer you are then I don't believe that amy exposure could keep you in constant employment for very long unless the media picked you up as it's next big thing.

But I'm biaised - if you haven't seen Diva Hollywood perform then you're missing out.

So, based on what I've read - do you feel that a time is coming when performers will have to pay money to get on the really big exposure shows?

Fleur du Mal · #7 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 03:42 PM

I think that Chaz's deposit is probably a good idea from a large promoter's point of view - after all, how many promoters have been let down by performers who are booked in advance and then don't turn up on the day? It happens a lot, in all arenas - and probably the other way round too - and costs people money and time and then requires last minute laterations which can be stressful. So a small deposit not only ensures that you have something to help cover any expenses if a performer doesn't turn up, but also discourages less serious performers to apply, as they could lose something if they change their mind and 'can't be bothered' on the day. If the performer's fee negates that deposit, or even better, includes a refund, I don't see why serious performers should be put off if it's simply a nominal fee.

Triple digit fees however, are ridiculous in my opinion - most of us wouldn't earn that in a week!

RedSarah · #8 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 05:22 PM

don't get me started !!!

why should i have to pay a tenner for the plasure of being entered into another voting poll whereby i have to hasstle all my lovely fans for votes in the hope of performing at the London Burlesque Festival . . .

just book the best that you have seen !!

this is not an awards ceremony its a commercial venture which will make money.

poooooo

Fleur du Mal · #9 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedSarah

why should i have to pay a tenner for the plasure of being entered into another voting poll whereby i have to hasstle all my lovely fans for votes in the hope of performing at the London Burlesque Festival . . .

Is that the deal?

I feel quite let down if it is ...

blitzgrrl · #10 (**permalink**) 11-13-2008, 06:13 PM

I think the thing that annoyed a lot of people about the Katsomaya one, is that the questions and points that were raised weren't responded to. Paying to perform when you don't know what you're getting out of it, what publicity there will be and the organisers respond aggresively to questions is a big no.

However the LBF I would pay for (or at least I would have until the voting was mentioned). It's recognised, you would get publicity and I'd assume make some good contacts. And as it's a yearly event it would be an exception.

Burlesque evenings I wouldn't pay to perform at, even as a beginner. Perhaps working the one before as a runner backstage, or in another capacity would be a fair demonstration of a commitment to performing when starting out.