Thread: Hosting with gimmicks or without?

Although primarily an act performer, I've started to host and compere shows again after a three year break. I'm enjoying it hugely and didn't realise how much I'd missed it!

In the past, I did street performance, obviously talking to the audience & holding their attention for a full 50min show and then hosted the odd cabaret show, comedy club night.

What I'm wondering is, how much has the hosting 'scene' changed? What's expected by the average promoter and what shows are actively looking for hosts? Is there a 'progression' route for comperes like in cabaret or is it just whoever will have you?

Do an audience expect the compere to sing/have a secondary talent?

I'm incredibly aware that I'd be starting as unproven but it would be in addition to shows I've already booked. I'd be looking at hosting with a few freakshow tricks as filler, costume change cover but is that actually required?

Any advice appreciated really; either publicly or via PM

Thanks!

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Hi babe
I think most promoters do expect the compere to sing/have a secondary talent? Especially if its a pure burlesque show. It breaks up the strips. I think my favourite compares are those that can sing or entertain.
Good luck with your not new but new again venture.
hugs
Diva xxx

I don't think it's necessary if you're witty and entertaining. There are plenty of people hosting that lack charisma and the ability to work the audience up if they're dead or fill in gaps if an act has gone down like a lead balloon. Compering is a very difficult skill and as such if not often done well. I would love to see more females hosting (a move I am moving into too, for this reason) but am concentrating on honing my craft with chat first and then considering adding extras into the mix. I think providing a good solid audience interactive base, which sometimes the burlesque or cabaret acts does not provide is the important bit as it keeps them under control or makes them feel included and special- half the charm of these evenings- and will not have changed muchover time. The likes of World Famous *BOB*, Murray Hill, Scotty the Blue Bunny and Miss Astrid stateside don't do it. They don't need gimmicks! You're charming enough, Soleil, so add gimmicks in if you wish but I don't think you need them!

i agree with Wild Card Kitty. the role of the host is threefold:

1. establish and maintain a connection to the audience that means they feel as though they are appreciated.
2. fill the gaps between the acts so that the audience's attention doesn't wander.
3. where necessary, change the energy levels or atmosphere so that the next act is able to shine. in other words, change gears.

if you are charming, witty, engaging, and switched on, that's all you need to do.

having said that:

as Diva points out, a lot of burlesque nights consist of one strip after another. if you can belt out a tune, do a tap dance, juggle, throw knives, etc, that can break up those acts. this is in fact part of your job under number 3. above.

one thing i would say is - do not ever treat a stage as if it were a street show. the dynamics are very different.

as an aside, there is no hosting 'scene'. the skills of a great host have not changed since Aristide Bruant.

so my answer in short-form is - yes, and no.

and i hugely look forward to seeing you cracking the ringmaster's whip!

dLx

Cheers Diva! I think my fave comperes do more than talk too

Originally Posted by Wild Card Kitty

There are plenty of people hosting that lack charisma and the ability to work the audience up if they're dead or fill in gaps if an act has gone down like a lead balloon. Compering is a very difficult skill and as such if not often done well.

To be brutally honest this is what had spurred me into actively looking for compere work. I've watched a few shows recently with not so great hosts and in my head finished lines, thought of cover gags etc and genuinely feel it's a skill in it's own genre. Hence asking if 'extras' are required.

Originally Posted by Wild Card Kitty

I think providing a good solid audience interactive base, which sometimes the burlesque or cabaret acts does not provide is the important bit as it keeps them under control or makes them feel included and special- half the charm of these evenings- and will not have changed muchover time

Deffo agree! This was the feedback I got from my last hosting gig that the show actually felt interactive to the audience and as a result the performers felt that the audience were more engaged.

Originally Posted by DustyLimits

3. where necessary, change the energy levels or atmosphere so that the next act is able to shine. in other words, change gears.

if you can belt out a tune, do a tap dance, juggle, throw knives, etc, that can break up those acts. this is in fact part of your job under number 3. above.

one thing i would say is - do not ever treat a stage as if it were a street show. the dynamics are very different.

Thanks Dusty!

I rarely get my point across well on the forum but I think that's what I meant by having street show experience; in understanding the timing to 'change gear' and by using short and sweet tricks/mini performances to pepper and continue interest.

I've seen some amazing street performers be rather hideous hosts, particularly on the overtly heckling side of things - it can seem too HOST V CROWD. I think this also echoes your first point.

Originally Posted by DustyLimits

and i hugely look forward to seeing you cracking the ringmaster's whip!

Teehee thanks! My tiny little 3footer is getting another outing next weekend, it shall be cracked merrily! I haven't been this excited about doing something for ages!!

xx