Thread: CV Help!

I've had trouble over the past few months getting booked for shows. I'm still performing, working hard on my acts and applying for festivals but every show I actually apply for (mainly shows listed on MOB & maybe a random show or two that aren't currently casting but hold regular shows) and literally no one gets back to me. When I say no one, I mean literally no one. The only shows I've been booked for are by people that I've worked with or have seen me perform before.

I can't help wondering whether its my performances that are bad or just my CV? I don't really know what to do to be honest and I'm not entirely sure who to ask. I was once told my CV was hard to read (I personally think its clear but then again I did make it myself!) and when I sent them a changed version of the CV (new font, etc) I still didn't hear anything back and they continued to openly advertise their performance slots asking for other performers to apply.
If anyone can help, I'd very much appreciate it.
Please be nice
-Georgia xx


Georgia Honey

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Hello there are you trying to get work locally in York .

Hello there I think the problem might be one of marketing I checked out your website and there is no CV on there also no video clips and no links ,I put your name in google and only one thing came up.I know its abit of a pain but you need to up your web presence check out the members on here who get lots of gigs and seem to work all the time you will see they have youtube accounts twitter feeds flicr accounts as well as blogs.I saw on your facebook page you have done some good gigs but if you dont shout about them the promoters wont know I know as a performer that you have to constantly promote yourself this in some ways is more important than the performing if you want I can look at you CV and give you my opinion for what its worth .thanks

TBH Georgia I wouldnt worry overly- if you imagine how many performers there are and how many applications shows get, it is a wonder anyone gets any gigs. I can email you my cv if you want for an example? If you do feel you are not getting booked, then having good promo can help: good shots of costumes, good footage, testimonials from places that have hired you etc. There are shows you can do to get more exposure, and having a good website doesnt hurt but not sure it makes a huge amount of difference. When I have felt like I am being overlooked, I have taken a pause until inspiration hits, and come back stronger, feeling more confident, with something that i can strongly market.

Thank you guys! This really helps!
Glorian, I should still have your CV from Cherry Pop, I'll have a look and get back to you
xx

are you doing any gigs in newcastle at christmas i thought i saw it mentioned somewhere

I'm performing in Newcastle on December 31st for a big New Years Eve celelbration xx

Iwill be in newcastle for crimbo I might see you there.

Hi Georgia,

I think every performer at some stage in their career has dips in bookings and wonders why and what they can do to change it. Here is some advice that I've collected over the years that I've found helpful:

• Promoters get inundated with requests and do not have time to reply to everything. You're a promoter yourself so I'm sure you know what I mean. Applying for a burlesque job is like applying for any kind of job - you send off your CV or application form, if they are interested in auditioning you, offering you an interview or hiring you, they'll let you know. If they are not at that time, they often won't. It can be annoying as a performer to not hear back from promoters, the same way it can be frustrating not to hear back from companies when you're applying for other jobs, but it happens.
  
  Today's application could be next year's job Promoters often keep CVs and applications on record. They may not have responded this time because your acts don't fit what they're looking for, or they've already got enough burlesque, or the event's actually not going ahead anymore because they can't afford it! The last one happens more often than you think. But in 6 months time, or next year, you may get an email from a promoter you contacted last year asking about your availability. This has happened to me more than once this year.
  
  Include at least 2 photos with your CV - one stage shot and one studio shot This excellent advice was passed on to me by a burlesque producer a few years ago when I asked her about writing good applications. I was advised not to overload my applications with photos, but one performance shot gives a promoter an idea of your stage personality, and one studio shot promotes your main act.
  
  Don't list every single event you've ever performed at on your CV Promoters won't want to read list of events they've never heard of. List the well-known ones eg. international burlesque festivals, or tailor your list to each promoter eg. well-known London nights for London promoters.
  
  Always include video with every application, even if they didn't specifically ask for it.Video is the most effective marketing tool for any live performer. Promoters will book acts they have seen live, or seen videos of, over the best-crafted application with no video. New performers may get away with having no video but if you're applying for any job above that of a newcomers slot, video of your acts is essential.
  
  Target and tailor your applications Many promoters ask for specific types of acts or acts that fit into a specific theme, and you should target your applications accordingly. Offer and promote the acts that fit, leave out the acts that don't. If a promoter asks for acts for a Victorian-themed night, don't say "I don't have any specific Victorian themed acts but I could wear a bustle and carry a parasol in my generic strip-tease act, will that be enough?" Similarly "I can create an act for any occasion" looks amateur and that you have no set style. Know where your strengths are and promote them. If you're not a classic striptease-style performer, don't apply for jobs that have asked for this specifically, it's a waste of time!
  
  Be careful with using quotes Quotes from national or international publications or companies or well-known online publications are fine, for the most part. Quotes from other performers or promoters are only as valid as the fame of the person quoting, or the fame of the show they represent. A quote about you from Dita von Teese, for example, would be worth using. A quote from Miss Dottycup Glitterknickers who's a member of your burlesque troupe will mean nothing to promoters.
  
  And finally - What is Your Unique Selling Point? Why should a promoter book you and not another performer with similar skills and experience? What act do you have that no one else does? This should be the main point of all of your burlesque job applications.

Hope some of this is helpful!

H x

Honey

Thank you for this (and your reply to my other thread re video). I feel SO much more prepared now.

Heidi Bang Tidy