Thread: Managing Burlesque events - anyone have experience?

Heylo all - bit of a random question for you.

I'm coming into my final year of uni and I'm starting to think about what I'd actually like to do with myself. My parents have mentioned event management which sounds a bit dull except that I've been harbouring the dark lust for being involved in Burlesque somewhere and that led me to thinking - what if I tried to set up and manage a few Burlesque events?

But aaaah the folly of youth - I know nothing about event management and Im very new to the world of burlesque. So my questions are - has anyone ever managed such an event? Have you attended one and can give me some advice as to what would be expected? Am I mad to even consider such a thing? Is there anything I should be doing in the Burlesque industry waaaay before I even think of event management? Anything - even general stuff - is useful to know. Please help a poor, misguided student trying to do something with her Literature degree lol

Thanks ladies!

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Hello there,

There are loads and loads of people on here who have experience of managing and promoting burlesque nights, and I'm sure a few of them will post later.

To start with try being a maid at a burlesque event. This basically involves making sure all the performers are ok, know what they're doing, setting up props etc and picking up the clothes/props left on stage after the act.

There are burlesque nights up and down the country so you should be able to find one near you to gain experience with. This should also help you see what makes a burlesque night run smoothly and effectively, and what isn't so great.

I haven't put on a night myself but feel free to PM me with any questions. I could give advice on what works well from a performer's view

Thank you - that's really helpful. I'd love to be a performer but it's just not going to happen for a variety of reasons but being a waitress/maid at an event sounds like a great idea!

Set your budget and stick to it. Only work with professionals. Always have your running order sorted way in advance. Get a runner and advertise, advertise, advertise!

contracts and research! go to as many events as you can and read up as much as you can on burlesque to ensure you are representing it properly. December has some excellent advice there for you on getting some hands on experience. there are plenty of performers out there looking for work but don't be scared to ask for references and videos of their performances - photos alone can leave you with some scary surprises on the night! and don't be upset if its a slow start on the money making.

good luck!