Actionable ways to boost your burlesque business
I feel like this post is basically part two of the “Excuses I hear all the time”. Sometimes that inner critic is also the voice that stops you being proactive and thinking about booking functions and events.
I don’t know if there is any way to write this post without sounding like someone’s 80 year old Nanna saying “back in my day”.
And look, I appreciate the burlesque scene and live performance environment has changed massively in Tasmania and Australia in the last 12 years.
But regardless, from newer artists I hear all the time the problems about not being booked or not finding work. Or that there aren’t enough shows around for them to perform in.
I’ve hosted a number of business- burlesque workshops and coaching over the years, and one of the pieces of advice that I consistently give is that you tread the line of being an artist and a business owner. So the main thing you need to focus on is building and creating your own opportunities.
I hate to break it to you, but if you only wait on call outs for events from burlesque producers, then you will find that you aren’t performing regularly and that you won’t maintain or grow a business - or an arts practice.
I want to reassure you that this is entirely possible. There was about zero burlesque when I started in Hobart. And while my output of work may not be in the league of many other heavy hitters in the business (and it’s definitely not!), I have a viable business and get to constantly explore my art form.
There obviously weren’t other events around, so I can say that many of the steps I’ve taken in my career are tasks you can easily do if you are serious about working more.
Have something to offer:
Think about refining two or three acts so that you have high quality performances on rotation. This might also allow you to up your costume quality or start to recoup any investment in costumes and props. Too many acts and you’ll find you aren’t actually making a profit.
Make one of those acts something “PG” or corporate friendly if you truly want to work more. If the striptease element is something you truly can’t lose, I respect that. But if you do want to boost your bookings, you will need that you can adapt to different audiences. I’ve done many a fan dance for a birthday, festival or rockabilly show - where sometimes the nudity just isn’t appropriate. You can also adapt some other skills like aerial; hooping; balloon pops; veil fans; isis wings into a more PG friendly version.
Have proper photos and descriptions of your acts. It’s hard for clients to visualise something - so have a studio head shot of yourself and a live performance photo at the bare minimum.
Obviously video footage is great. If you are light on in this space, consider creating a little showreel of video and photos. This worked well for me when I was starting out.
Have a CV that can fit on a page with some key performance highlights and/or testimonials. Something you can send as a follow up to a client
Have business cards or a handout to leave with clients. Make sure you are memorable!
Collaborate:
Sounds simple! It is! Rather than taking on everything yourself, consider your networks:
Visual artists that might let you perform at an opening or create a performance installation
Perform at other dance events and festivals
Local bands and singers can be a great avenue - most of us know someone working local gigs that you might be able to collaborate with
Community events and performances that a friend is running - see if they want to make space for you in their line up.
All of this means you can avoid some cold calling, and instead think laterally about the kinds of artists in your network that you can reach out to. Sure, they might say no - but you might also build a new relationship.
Talk to your existing audiences
Most of us all have some kind of social media profile. Start by engaging properly with your friends and supporters. You can easily tap into these networks either by getting valuable feedback - like recommendations or testimonials; asking what kinds of events you should perform at.
Or ask your audience for booking opportunities - see if they can tag an event or a business that would love to support you.
You can check out a post I did last year about a couple of quick tips to make yourself professional and more ‘bookable’. Being professional and easy to work with always goes a long way too.
And my last call to action would be to join Camilla Cream’s Facebook group - the profitable performer and get some daily or weekly tips and inspiration.
Does this actually help? Will any of these tips support you in your burlesque journey? What seems too hard?