Thread: how to find work please help

I'm a little worried because it seems that all the work I get (what little of it) is for friend's events or through friends. Everybody I approach never gets back to me and what with not being selected for the newbie list for LBW I'm a little disheartened to say the least! Is there something I'm doing wrong? Something wrong with me?? its not a question of money either I just want stage time and worry about that later.
Please help me out!

Miss Bubbles x

WARNING

Warning: This is an Old Thread This discussion is older than 60 days. information contained in it may no longer be current

Hi Miss Bubbles,

1) Don't be disheartened! Not hearing back from promoters is something that happens to many of us, not just the newbies. Promoters often receive hundreds of applications and many simply do not have the time to respond to each one when they receive it. Not being selected for a particular event is often not a reflection of your talent, but more that your act does not fit a particular theme or feel that the promoter wants for that specific event. This doesn't mean they have dismissed you however - I have had promoters keep me on file for months before contacting me when they think I might fit one of their future events.

2) Presentation. How you present yourself to promoters can mean the difference between them offering you a slot and putting you at the back of the pile. I would suggest reading Beatrix von Bourbon's excellent article about this for tips on how what not to do when applying to perform:

21st Century Pinups Blog Archive BVB: How NOT to Apply for a Burlesque Job…

I would always recommend looking into creating a performance CV, and definitely investing in good quality promotional pictures as well, if you haven't already. There are several threads on this forum on creating CVs for promoters

3) If you're looking for opportunities to perform as a new performer, London has loads. I suggest you try:

Finger in the Pie Perform With Finger in the Pie
Tournament of Tease
Burlesque Against Breast Cancer
Ministry of Burlesque's Movers & Shakers (keep an eye on the forum for when the next one is on)
The Freddie Valentine Show

And check the performer jobs on this forum! If you're willing to travel there are loads of opportunities to perform unpaid for charity and other events.

It is hard work getting started and there is no easy way, but if you're willing to put the effort in, there are a lot of opportunities out there.

Chin up and good luck!

H xx

With my illustration work, if I send out promotional material to potential clients they don't always reply - but just keep on sending stuff out to the same people. Not excessively so, just every now and again if you have something new to promote or you have more on your resume... they might not always have a slot for you, or an event that they think is appropriate for your style. But if you're persistant and send out postcards or whatever every few months, they'll keep you in mind. You never know when you're going to get a call from someone xx

Agreed with Honey Wilde- it can take months for people to get back to you, usually just as youve given them up for a non-starter. If you put in the work, time and effort you will most likely get a return, just maybe not within the time frame you were expecting.

Also, you will need an act that sets you apart from all the other people in the same position as you.

I took a look at the video on your profile and apart from the terrible scratchy sound (which in itself will put off most promoters), the act didn't really go anywhere.

Sorry if this sounds a bit harsh, but it's supposed to be constructive criticism.

Essentially your act involved you dancing around in a corset. You have to ask yourself why would people choose you dancing around in a corset instead of the fifty other videos of girls dancing around in a corset that promoters receive each day.

Develop a couple of signature acts - things that can be identified with you and you alone. This is the ONLY way to get noticed.

Thanks to Honey Wilde, Miserabelle and Glorian Grey for helping I'm definitely going to try those things out and be more patient.

And to James, I've taken on board what you said about my video and taken it off but theres alot to that act that is more than a girl dancing in her corset. You definitely need to hear the music though and also my bubble machine broke on that night! The people in the crowd always look like they are enjoying themselves and I have had a number of people come up and complement me after the show on each night. I guess you have to be there!

But it just gos to show how much presentation counts. Thanks to all of you, see what happens in a few weeks, months...

Miss Bubbles xxx

Hey!

I think one of the main things is to develop a thick skin! I'm naturally quite a sensitive person, but with performing I've learned to let things go over my head if they don't go the way I planned. For every 20 messages I send out to promoters, I may get 1 or 2 bookings and I also applied for LBF, for the cabaret section but didn't get chosen. The way I see it is that there is something else equally as fabulous (or even better!) that I should be doing at that time!

I definately agree that each performer needs to develop their own individual signature routines that set them apart from others, it's those ones that stick in my mind (ie. Vicky Butterfly's 'Victorian Butterfly and Joe Black's.....well, just Joe, really!).

Just try and remember not to take things too personally, take on board any advice and constructive criticism that's offered and most of all, have fun!

Much love and hugs, Coco xx

Originally Posted by Miss_Bubbles

And to James, I've taken on board what you said about my video and taken it off but theres alot to that act that is more than a girl dancing in her corset. You definitely need to hear the music though and also my bubble machine broke on that night! The people in the crowd always look like they are enjoying themselves and I have had a number of people come up and complement me after the show on each night. I guess you have to be there!

The thing is, as a whole lot of promoters haven't been there and haven't seen it in real life, the act has to look good and look bookable simply from the blurb, pictures and video. You can't rely on getting bookings from people having seen you perform.