Becoming a Burlesque Performer, Part II
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
One of the most popular questions we receive is asking how to become a burlesque performer. We'll be answering this question in a series. If you have a particular question regarding becoming a performer, or any questions for the Velvet Kittens, contact us !
You can read part I of the series here .
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Creating Your Character
This answer is geared mostly to dancers, but can also be applied to anyone looking to create a character or stage persona.
Step One: Create a name. If you are looking to perform in burlesque as a business, it's not a bad idea to pick a few names and get input from friends and family. If you don't have a name in mind, skip to step two.
Step Two: Create who you want your character to be. Are you saucy and sassy? Flirty and fun? Cool and seductive? Once you decide what persona you want to be on the stage, this can help guide you in deciding a stage name.
Step Three: Develop your character. Character analysis is a tool of the trade for actors. Actors can get very in-depth when building a character. How far you go into creating the background of your stage persona is up to you. It can include a complete background, from childhood to adulthood, family history, and life events. Or it can include just a few small and simple things: a favorite color or flavor of ice cream. Your stage character can be as different or as alike your own personality as you decide. You can even choose your character to be a different age if it tickles your fancy!
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Is a stage persona important or even necessary?
This answer is up to you. Anything you can learn or do that helps you perform to the best of your ability is useful. This is one of the options.
How can this benefit me as a performer?
One of the biggest benefits: Getting out of your head! Sometimes we're too aware of the lights, audience, even our emotions. On stage you need to be in the moment of your performance, and not involved in these exterior thoughts. Embracing your character can get you away from YOU, and back to the performance. Your character isn't concerned about these things; you're character only has one goal: to perform.
Nerves can also play big role in affecting our performance. Sometimes when nerves overcome a performer on stage, the deer-in-the-headlights look appears: a blank look in the eyes and a frozen smile. Or perhaps it's an off night, and you just can't get focused. Focusing on your "character" can help you to re-focus on the evening's performance.
You can also use your character background to artistically influence and inspire the performance numbers you will be creating.
Will the audience notice if I'm not in the moment and that my mind is some place else?
Yup.
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This is a very basic instruction on character analysis. If you would like further information, check with a local acting school for classes, workshops, and further reading recommendations. There are also many online resources providing character analysis worksheets for your convenience.