Starting a Burlesque Troupe? The Director of The Velvet Kittens Shares her Secrets
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The fame, the fortune and glory…wait, what? The sleepless nights, the squabbling cast, the flakey dancers, the injured dancers, the forgetful singers, and don't forget the costume and marketing expenses……ah, to be the producer of a live stage show!
Still wanna start your own burlesque troupe? It may seem like a daunting task, but you can do it. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. What is your vision? What type of show are you looking to create? Who is your audience?
My vision was to create a live stage show consisting of artistry and entertainment, and what I call "vintage nightclub entertainment." I wanted an old-school, old fashioned variety show and more than anything, an outlet for my choreography. I wanted to appeal to everyone—male and female, blue collar and white collar. My vision became a mainstream vaudevillian-burlesque variety show with cabaret aspects. Knowing your audience also gives you the basis of what venues to approach for performances. So before you get started, put pen to paper and sketch out your own ideas with these questions in mind.
2. Gotta have a gimmick!
There's a huge burlesque revival going on around the world, and there is a market for everyone. As they say in the Broadway musical Gypsy, you gotta have a gimmick. What makes your troupe unique and separate from the rest? What do you have to offer that no one else does? This is where you'll develop your marketing strategy.
3. Got a starting point? Good. Now go do your research!
As I mentioned, there is a revival going around. There are burlesque troupes, on-going shows, and solo acts performing all throughout the world. In your desire to re-produce a lost genre, shouldn't you understand the history of the genre? Perhaps you've been attracted to the idea of the glamorous solo acts who bumped and grinded their way into history. Or maybe you're more intrigued with the great comedians in history who displayed their talents on the best and worst of vaudevillian stages. No matter which era you choose to re-create, know and understand what came before, and where it went after!
4. Sequins and fringe don't grow on trees!
How are you going to pay for all of this? Costumes, rehearsal space, mics and amps — they all cost money, and that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to expenses. Are you going to take financial responsibility, or are you going to pass it on for the performers to share? When I started the Velvet Kittens I worked multiple jobs to be able to financially support the expenses of starting a show. My performers are only responsible for base costuming (fishnets, lashes, etc). I also own every sequin panty and fringe bra; this helps me keep track of costumes. And as a dance instructor, I have been fortunate enough to always have a rehearsal space from one of the studios. Renting out a dance studio room usually begins at $25 per hour.
5. On your mark, get set, make a budget!
Budgets are not important, they are necessary. In the beginning, your biggest expense might be costumes. For my shows, I'll check costumes at stores, online, and I will search until I find the best deal. One other thing to consider is which store will give you a bigger discount for bulk orders. These are some of the things that the producer, or the leader of the burlesque troupe should consider. Also, look into sponsorships. They're great if you can get €˜em! In sponsorships the relationship should be mutually beneficial; they'll give you a discount or free services/items in exchange for exposure and marketing from your troupe.
Note: you may find some people supporting the burlesque movement and excited to support you. But you may also find that you have to prove yourself worthy to fulfill the sponsorship relationship before anyone will help you.
We've only just begun to scratch the surface! I'll be back soon with the rest of my tips on how to start a successful burlesque troupe.
— Jana Edele
Director/Choreographer, The Velvet Kittens of Le Cabaret Burlesque
