Thread: Advice on getting your first shows?

I'm currently in the last few weeks of my Burlesque lessons with the lovely Bella Besame. I know she'll probably have advice for us etc on the matter, but me being me and me being impatient, I want to start getting things lined up already!

I have some awesome ideas for performances and am in the midst of making some beautiful outfits for them.
But does anyone have any advice on how to get your first shows with no stage experience!?

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Originally Posted by KateyLauren

I'm currently in the last few weeks of my Burlesque lessons with the lovely Bella Besame. I know she'll probably have advice for us etc on the matter...

I'm sure that Bella will be the first to agree that you should pay your dues and start from the bottom and work your way up.

Bella will also be keen to impart to you that you should never, under any circumstances, fake your history to make you appear more experienced than you actually are and I'm sure that Bella will also be keen to impart that you should never spread malicious rumours and lies about other people in order to cover your arse.

I think that Bella will also be keen to let you know that you should avoid the cliques and anyone who tries to dictate where you can and can't perform.

Of course, any advice we can give here will probably not be as valid as Bella's words as she has over fifteen years of performing under her belt, and is easily the most experienced burlesque performer in the UK, if not the world.

I agree with everything you say, I think a lot of that I've learnt through modeling. I'm always willing to put hard graft in to get where I want to end up, and I'm not scared of working for experience.

I was reading this post and I think it's wonderful you are so enthusiastic and I'm sure Bella will give you lots of advice and help.

I do feel you need to work hard and pay your dues but at the same time if your good, then your good! the best thing to do is practice, practice, practice put together one routine first and then see if you can get a newcomers spot at a local show or even go to a local burlesque meeting to showcase it and get a little bit of feedback!
always [and i fail at this] get someone to record your routine when you perform them most shows want video footage of an act these days to even concider you to perform!

and even if you haven't got as much expirience as other it doesn't matter with practice, time and the expirience you'll gain you can only get better!
hope that helps some what and if you need any more help or advice don't hesitate to get in touch sugar!

Miss. VV
xx

Go along to Yorkshire BAPS meeting at Mook or come to the North West Burlesque Soc in manchester, good ways to meet people and find out about shows and newcomer slots etc . www.northwestburlesquesociety.co.uk xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Focus on what makes you smile and laugh; take it at a pace that means you enjoy it (it's not a competition) - and trust your instinct.Otherwise, what's the point?

As for etiquette.... in the main, don't undermine the industry (especially if you ever wish to enter it!) and be honest with your new cohorts, friends and yourself.

The community is here all day (and all night) so any queries, however small or odd they may seem, do just ask

Also, this might be of use. I compiled this FAQ for new performers some time ago:

FAQ You – A Guide for Modern Burlesquers | Curious Kittie

Ahh thank you all for such good advice!
Miss VV, I have my glamourous assistant (the bf) on hand for all recording purposes, which he is very happy and supportive of. I have my first (And rather controvercial routine in the making, costume is being designed and glittered and music is being chosen.) I will practise my butt off.

Kittie, thanks for the link, I had a good old read!!

It's really nice to know that there's a good community willing to help out.

Glorian Gray, I wish I could attend your next nw meeting, though I am already busy on that date and iit made me cry a little. And in the begining of September I will be moving to Southampton (eek) I will keep my ears and eyes out for anything local before then though and look into BAPS

I can't really add to what has been written before other than to contact established nights to see if they've got a slot for new performers (I always have an expenses-paid slot for new performers on the Bluestocking Lounge nights here in Wales), and yes, they will probably want to see video footage. And don't be tempted to perform everywhere that'll have you (be selective).

Also, for any new performer, don't forget that any stage time you get is still part of the learning experience. You can practise in the rehearsal room but how your act translates onto the stage and to an audience is a valuable learning experience in itself. As is how you conduct yourself at shows, both backstage, to members of venue staff and to the audience so it goes without saying that being a pleasure to be around is all part of it (as I'm sure you are!!)

Learning a few warm-up techniques before you go on stage will help you focus, calm nerves and feel ready for the excitement (plus stop the inevitable anxious wait which only leads to extra make-up application - when I first did theatre I used to go out looking like a drag queen as I'd add to the make-up while nervously waiting to go on stage!!)

Good luck!

Lilly XX

Thank you Lilly! Any space on any upcoming shows for a lil' ol' newcomer like me?! Ahah!

Thankfully through my modeling I'm used to waiting around to go, the warm up techniques will definitely help though.