How do I go about performing at events?

Miss Lucy Purr · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 06:24 PM

Thought learners was best place to post this as you're all wondering this too.. i hope?!?!

I've been performing for just over a year at the same places, which I adore of course!!! Myself and a few friends would like to dance in other places ie over the border to England. But how does one get themselves booked to perform at venues and events?
I'm guessing sending a written CV isn't the thing to do in burlesque lol!

Ava Loveless · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 06:52 PM

you might want to strike up a deal with a troupe say not too far away 1 hour or 3 drive away in a kind of talent trade

one of your girls performs at their night and vice versa that way both troupes get a new audience

LucilleBurn · #3 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:03 PM

Actually a CV is exactly the sort of thing I like to receive from performers; actors, dancers and other artists have CVs so why shouldn't burlesque performers?

Obviously we aren't talking about the sort of thing you would hand into the local temp agency but using a standard actors CV template is the right way to go.

A CV is a good representation of the body of work, if any, you've got and also allows you to include any training and a small statement of support.

Asides from anything else, a CV looks much more professional than simply sending an e-mail saying that you are entusiastically looking for work, these are likely to get over looked as most promoters/casting directors received hundreds a day and will only take the time over what they can take seriously.

I also can't stress enough the importance of a headshot or promotional image; it helps massively to know what you look like when casting for any sort of performance.

But I digress; to actually find out who you should be sending your CV to check the castings forum here at the MoB, spend some time adding promoters/events/club nights etc on MySpace so you can keep abreast of their casting calls and of course do some research by seeing who accepts unsolicited applications/CVs.

All the best!

x L.B x

Miss Lucy Purr · #4 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:06 PM

oh golly! what a splendid idea!
a talent trade! thank you!!!

that would be a great idea to do because there's a few big cities within 3 hour radius of cardiff!
much appreciated JoJo La Rouge

Beatrix Von Bourbon · #5 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss Lucy Purr

I'm guessing sending a written CV isn't the thing to do in burlesque

You'd be surprised! A CV shows promoters that you've got experience and take burlesque as seriously as any other profession.

Miss Lucy Purr · #6 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:14 PM

Thank you too Lucille Burn!

I'm very grateful for the advice! I really wasn't sure what the usual means was.
I agree, I didn't want to hound promoters/venues with emails because I wasn't sure how it would be received/ if it would appear unprofessional.

Yep, I need some photoshoots done because I'm afraid all my pictures are of live performances - and there's so many 'funny face pulling' ones lol!

Thank you again! All points noted!

Miss Lucy Purr · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:20 PM

Evening Beatrix Von Bourbon!
Yep, definitely going to get cracking on a CV now!
I'm thinking in terms of layout; brief and to the point intro about myself. achievements, venues i've performed at, what i can offer routine wise maybe? edit it to suit paticular promoter/venue in mind...

Its great to have an action plan in the making lol!

I know a few people in the same position so I'm going to show them this thread!

Thank you!!!

LucilleBurn · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 07:52 PM

You're very welcome.

Another good tip is to try and keep it to one A4 page, that's again a very attractive quality for the person receiving it. Concise and neat.

List your appearances like this;

Show--------Venue------Company/Promoter----Year

If you list your routines or acts try and keep the descriptions as concise as possible and also be sure to list any skills you have.

You should also link to any online promotional material you have; MySpace, Website etc.

If it helps have a look at the online resumes we have created to represent our agency performers - Rhymes with Purple Productions - Theatre, Cabaret, Burlesque - *Sexy, funny and sassy - she's*the ultimate*triple threat! - the information presented is the key facts and that's important to remember.

Hope all of this is useful.

x L.B x

Trixie Rose · #9 (**permalink**) 08-19-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LucilleBurn

You're very welcome.

Another good tip is to try and keep it to one A4 page, that's again a very attractive quality for the person receiving it. Concise and neat.

List your appearances like this;

Show--------Venue------Company/Promoter----Year

If you list your routines or acts try and keep the descriptions as concise as possible and also be sure to list any skills you have.

You should also link to any online promotional material you have; MySpace, Website etc.

If it helps have a look at the online resumes we have created to represent our agency performers - Rhymes with Purple Productions - Theatre, Cabaret, Burlesque - *Sexy, funny and sassy - she's*the ultimate*triple threat! - the information presented is the key facts and that's important to remember.

Hope all of this is useful.

x L.B x

This has been really helpful to myself as a newcomer, I am now going to make myself a c.v so that I can send that to promoters and events instead of a email. Which I do understand can be overlooked as they probably get loads a day.

Thanks Lucille.xx