Becoming a Burlesque Performer, Part I
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Hi, I was wondering how to become a burlesque performer and what does it take. Sincerely, K.B.
One of the most popular questions we receive is about becoming a burlesque performer. We will be answering this question through a series, covering the different aspects of burlesque, becoming a burlesque performer, as well as opportunities within the burlesque industry. If at any time we have missed answering one of your personal questions or you have a specific question for us, please contact us !
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UNDERSTANDING BURLESQUE
Burlesque is one of the many forms of theatrical entertainment in a variety show format. Performers and some elements included in the genre are: dancers, singers, comics, comedy skits, actors, parodies, musicians, strip tease, and specialty acts. Burlesque shows can incorporate all elements of burlesque, or can focus on one to a few of the fundamentals. This leaves quite a wide range of opportunity for anyone desiring to become a performer in modern burlesque.
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Step one to becoming a burlesque performer: do your homework! On-line research is fairly easy and convenient. There is also a multitude of burlesque books available, and great reference books available at your local library (yeah, it's old-school but extremely informative). I suggest reading works by historians for accurate and detailed information - not only the origins, but also the influences of the burlesque genre and the history of how burlesque evolved as well as its decline.
You say: I really want to get started, can I skip step one?
We say: Hmmm. No. But if you do (or have already completed step one), we'll give you step two.
Step Two: Decide what part of performing in the burlesque genre interests you most. Got it? Good. If no, there are video performances from all different types of performers of the burlesque genre. Watch a few; see what or who inspires you. Or catch a local show.
Step Three: Create your intention. If a comic, begin writing material. Test it out at open mic nights, discuss with other comics. Improv classes can be extremely helpful.
Singers and dancers: pick your music; decide the artistic direction you would like to take the piece. Decide what costuming you would like involved. It's best to know costuming before, as this can affect how you set your movement in the piece.
Specialty acts: Find your specialty! Design or write your act, rehearse it, and go to step four.
(Some areas have ensemble troupes, in which if that is your interest, skip step three and go to four to find out their specific qualifications.)
Step Four: Ready to take the stage? Find out who in the area offers performance opportunities, and contact them for qualifications to be cast in their show. If there isn't a show opportunity available to you, then you'll need to create your own performance opportunity. We'll cover that another time.
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Is it that simply, you ask? Actually, yes it is. We've supplied the skeleton steps to get you started on your burlesque performance.
In our upcoming "Becoming a Burlesque Performer" series we'll go more in depth on how to stage a number, becoming a professional in the industry, professionalism in the industry, and what it's really like to be a professional burlesque performer.