Applying to Burlesque Shows Like a Pro
A Tips and Tricks Burlshit Blog
When it comes to applying to burlesque shows, it can be a little confusing where to start.
How do you find the shows? How do you know if the producer is casting upcoming shows? Are they open calls or does the producer personally invite performers? Is it rude to reach out and ask?
The truth is, all shows have different application processes, so it is understandable to be a little lost. Producers usually find performers through invite only, referrals, or open casting calls. But no matter how they cast, they can’t cast you if they don’t know who the fuck you are or that you are interested. Here are a few tips to make sure that you are putting your name out there.
Make It Easy To Cast You
Want to get cast? Remove as many barriers as possible to make that happen. Be reachable. Have your email listed in your social media bios. Check your email inbox and your DMs regularly. And it helps to have your bio, tagline, some promo photos saved somewhere easily accessible and ready to go. Lots of producers will ask for a video to get a feel for your style. Make sure you have something available. This can mean video of your actual acts, rehearsal videos, or a sizzle reel (short flashy clips edited together to showcase lots of skills). If you are particularly proud of an act and want it to get cast more, get. that. shit. recorded. Not all producers will accept all forms of video. Some only want final, polished videos of the specific act you are wanting to perform. Build your video portfolio as you go.
Warm Outreach
Once you have your go-to info at hand, start researching producers and shows you are into. Go to shows and introducer yourself to the producer if you can. If you are short on funds, like many of us are right now, keep an eye out for cheap or free community events, follow producers on social media and interact, and introduce yourself there! Ask how they usually cast their shows. They may tell you where they post their casting calls, or ask you to send your info and videos over so they have them on file. This approach is most useful if you already have at least a degree of connection with the producer (so they know who the hell you are) or if you are traveling to a new place and want to let producers know you will be in town (in this case, be prepared to provide references too!)
Network and Be Referable
This is said a lot, but I will repeat it here. NETWORK. Talk with other performers about what shows they have loved being a part of. Pass around casting calls you find. Express interest casually and let people know what you are into or if you are available for bookings. If someone has enjoyed working with you (especially if a producer has enjoyed working with you) they can refer you to other producers who are casting. Essentially, be a consistent and reliable person to work with.
Fill Out Casting Calls
Once you see a casting call application, open it in a new tab in your browser or message/email it to yourself so you can find it again and fill it out. Some performers keep spreadsheets. Some just try their darndest to remember to fill it out on time.
Not sure where to find these? Here are a few usual places to look:
social media pages of the producer for specific shows
follow your favorite producer’s newsletters (Hey, you’re following mine! Thanks!)
Facebook groups (Burlesque Denver, Burlesque SoCo, Colorado Burlesque Association, Colorado Professional Circus / Dance / Burlesque Entertainers, Burlesque Events and Castings, Entertainment Gigs & Resources, and Traveling Burlesque Performer Casting are my usual haunts)
Denver Burlesque Hub casting call board and industry newsletter
FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
No matter what method of casting the producer has provided, for the love of god, FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU ARE GIVEN.
“What the hell, Alabaster, why are you screaming at me through your keyboard?”
BECAUSE THIS IS THE OBVIOUS THING THAT CUTS APPLICATIONS OFF AT THE KNEES. I have no idea what happens when looking at a casting app or instructions for how to send things for later review, but it becomes very clear, very quickly, that about 40% of applicants did not read the casting call in full. Pay attention to deadlines and requirements. Fill out forms to the best of your ability. Try not to leave any section blank (put N/A if the section is not applicable.) Incomplete applications are often sent right to the trash bin.
BE DETAILED
GIVE. DETAILED. DESCRIPTIONS. OF. YOUR. ACT.
“Ahhhhh She’s yelling again!”
YES, I AM. Don’t under sell your act. You worked hard to put it together and make it YOURS so SELL IT! The more description, the better. Tell a story. Make your act stand out. “A classic burlesque act with a boa and stocking peel” is not going to cut it. What is the vibe of the act? Do you have a super cool costume with impressive reveals? Is there a story or an emotion you are trying to evoke? Is this piece personal in some way? What are the things about this act that are unique to YOU and different than the 4 other classic burlesque acts with boas and stocking peels that also submitted? Lots of act ideas sound very similar on paper, so make sure yours doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.
Whew. Okay, I’m calm.
Ask for Feedback
Get rejected? That happens a lot in this industry. Asking for feedback on why your act was rejected could help you hone your applications in the future. It may be that your act just didn’t quite fit the theme or the producer wants it a little more polished. It could even be that the producer liked the idea, but other applicants gave way more details. Take what you learn with you to the next application!
Keep Hope
As mentioned above, rejection happens a lot in this industry. It can be very disheartening. But here’s the thing: rejection does not define your worth as a performer. If you get constructive feedback, take what resonates and leave the rest. If you are just getting push back for no discernible reason? Fuck ‘em. You probably don’t want to work with them anyway. You will not be for everyone and not everyone will be for you. Your style will fit some shows and not others. Sometimes a rejection is a “not right now” and other times it is a “not ever” and both of those are fine. Because you WILL hone your craft if you keep pushing, and you WILL find (or create) shows, spaces, and connections where you will shine!
Pop a Pastie, Babes
Now, I hope you are ready to get your booty out there and apply to shake it!
Can’t wait to see what you apply to next!