If you are
finding it hard to build a following don't be too quick to blame others
- maybe you should take a good look at yourself! How many cabaret
shows by other performers did you go to last year? Did you take note
of what they were doing right - and what they were doing wrong? Did
you introduce yourself to the performer after the show? Did you leave
behind your name and address so you could be added to their mailing
list - and thus expressing a real interest in them?
When you
have a performance, do you try to thank each audience member personally
after the show for taking the time (and paying the money) to see your
show? Do you have a means whereby they can leave their names and addresses
to be added to your mailing list - thus reminding them that they are
important to you? And do you take the time, when you are making the
traditional thank-yous to the folks who helped you present your show,
to acknowledge other performers in the audience? The most beautiful
thing a person can hear is their own name - and they will always remember
your thoughtfulness by calling attention to their presence. And if
you happen to know about a show they might be performing in, a mention
of this would be extremely appreciated!
Are you friendly
and considerate of the cabaret room staff members? They get to meet
hundreds of other performers and audience members each week - I hope
that they are saying nice things about you and your show to them!
Those who write about shows, including myself, are often given tips
by the wait staff and the technical staff, especially when they have
a great show going in their rooms. They know that every cabaret writer
can only see a limited number of shows each week, and they can be
most informative in helping us avoid wasting our time.
Finally,
have you nurtured a positive relationship with the cabaret writers?
This means one simple invite - not a dozen faxes, e-mails, phone calls,
etc. This means having at least a song list for them before the show,
and possibly a brief bio and a few press clippings, if you have them,
of previous reviews and articles. It means a friendly smile and a
warm handshake after the show - and not a dozen questions. If the
writer wants to make a comment, it will come. Don't push for it. With
certain performers I have followed a practice of slipping away quietly
into the night. But if I really think your show is something special,
you can count on me letting you know immediately.
BACK
TO THE CABARET TIPS INDEX
If
you would like to receive a free e-mail subscription to CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE,
please click here:
