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.
Are you ready?
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Tomorrow night the Velvet Kittens grace the stage at Rembrandt's Dutch Pub for our final performance of YANKEE DOODLE CANDY! Show time is 10pm. Rembrandt is located at 703 McKinney Ave. in Dallas, Texas. No reservations necessary, but recommended. Admission: Free!
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Next week, July 30th, the Velvet Kittens return to Hyena's Comedy Club in Mockingbird Station (Dallas, TX) for a performance of the Velvet Kittens' original floor show SUGAR MOONLIGHT, featuring the VK dancers dancing to blues and jazz performed by the Shish Boom Band. Show time is 10:30pm for Sugar Moonlight, and admission is $5.00.
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In August the Kittens will be presenting BURNING LOVE (A Tribute to the King of Rock and Roll), featuring musical selections of Elvis. Show dates are August 1 and 15, 10pm, and no admission to our Rembrandt's Dutch Pub shows. In September (12 and 26) will be our VK Anniversary Celebration shows at Rembrandt, and in October (10 and 24) we bring you our annual Halloween burlesque spook-tacular! Reserve the dates!!
JOHN XII - New Show Dates Added!!!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Due to tremendous attendance and superb critical response MBS Productions has added two additional performances!
Tickets are now also available for Saturday matinee, August 1 at 2:30 PM, and Sunday matinee, August 2 at 2:30 PM!!!
Mark-Brian Sonna is the genius behind this masterpiece. JOHN XII is an intriguing true tale of corruption, greed, and controversy surrounding Octavius (John XII), and the eight years he ruled. Was he a devil or a saint? You decide. This comedic drama is based on the historical, outrageous, and controversial events surrounding John's ascent to the papacy.
This play is rated NC-17, containing adult language, sexual situations, and nudity. You must be 18 or older to attend.
Read on for what the critics are saying about this amazing production:
“visionary…
magic happens and the audience is transported to the year 955 to be voyeurs to a most interesting, sordid and purposely obscured piece of Catholic Church history….quite an accomplishment!€”
Amazing.”
Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, TheatreJones.com
“Absolute johnny on the spot! Consider it a sin of omission to not attend MBS Productions’ narrative drama John XII.”
Alexandra Bonifield, Examiner.com
“In the title role, Joshua Scott Hancock brings a world-weary, glowering erudition to Pope John XII. He has the right detachment… Kevin Wickersham as Adalbert gives the show its moral compass and conscience. Wickersham's performance is canny, inspired and emotionally rich. Cody Hinson brings much gusto and aplomb to his turn as the warrior Otto.”
Christopher Soden, Edge Dallas
“If you love power, sex, and murder, then Pope John the XII and his entourage are the ones to see. Sonna brings his solid, historical vision into a fascinating stage production…. Mr. Sonna’s picturesque writing and healthy balance of comedy and drama charms the audience from beginning to end…. From scene to scene, audience members sit poised, at the edge of their seats completely enthralled.”
Bianca Baidoo associate theatre critic for John Garcia’s THE COLUMN
“Amazing…Sinsational…[an] original Masterpiece”
Jana Edele, TheVelvetKittens.com
“What is it you people want out of original theater these days? What will make you come in droves to fill in rows of seats before yelling “Bravo!” and tossing all manner of cut flowers upon the stage? Mark-Brian Sonna had penned drama, personal accounts and comedy and had been met with positive feedback, sure, but this time, just wait. In telling the story of the controversial lover Pope Octavius, he may have hit upon the perfect pairing with his edgy brand of comedic drama.”
Merritt Martin, Dallas Observer
Tickets can be purchased at MBS Productions .
How to Audition for Burlesque Part II
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
"I auditioned, but didn't get cast. Now what do I do?"
Step 1: Contact the show organizer who auditioned you. Construct a polite email thanking them for the opportunity to audition, and you can request future audition dates. You may ask if there was anything in particular they felt you needed to work on for the next audition. This may or may not be answered.
Step 2: Seek out other shows auditioning performers, and start scheduling auditions.
Step 3: Seek industry professionals to help guide you with your audition piece or classes. For any type of dance, I recommend working with a professional choreographer with years of experience. If you feel your piece involves more acting than dance, then a working theater director can help as well. A hired choreographer or director's job isn't to change your artistic vision, merely to share their years of experience with you. Often new performers don't always realize that their intentions aren't being portrayed in a way a general audience can understand. Seek a professional with extensive knowledge in not only performing, but also instructing and choreographing. They don't have to be in the burlesque industry itself either; trained professionals can easily adjust to the genre and guide you to improving your performance. Comedians or emcees, check out comedy improv classes in your area, as well as performing at open mic nights.
Step 4: Keep rehearsing!
Step 5: Audition. Audition. Audition. And…audition.
Most importantly, remember that auditioning for most isn't an easy thing to do. It takes guts and passion to audition and possibly face rejection. Auditioning not only as a performer, but also with an artistic piece that is your vision, is all the more difficult. But every performer goes through auditions, and those who are auditioning you are familiar with your feelings. Remember, we want you to succeed. Don't hesitate taking an acting class or workshop as well. Burlesque is theatrical entertainment, and the experience in acting classes for dancers can be immeasurable in constructing your stage persona and career as a budding burlesque performer.
If you have particular questions for the Velvet Kittens, or any questions you'd like us to assist you with, please contact us !
How to Audition for Burlesque Part I
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
Here is another question that's been posed frequently to the Kittens: how to audition in burlesque. Auditioning for a performance opportunity in a burlesque show is no different than auditioning for any type of show in the performance arts. Whether it's singing, dancing, acting or comedy, here are a few guidelines to help out any new burlesque artist starting out in the show biz industry.
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If you are auditioning with a solo piece:
~Prepare! Prepare! Prepare!
No matter how many jitters you have at an audition, preparation helps to build confidence, and muscle memory can often times supersede your nerves.
One of the best sayings I've encountered upon is the definition of an amateur and a professional in the arts: Amateurs rehearsal until they know their material, while professionals rehearse until they can't possibly make a mistake.
Rehearse your audition piece as though this was the final performance, and ultimately your audition is showing the producers what they can expect from you on the stage. Rehearse in front of people; get used to auditioning in front of an audience. Show your audition piece to an industry professional for guidance prior to auditioning.
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If you are auditioning for a specific role in an ensemble show:
~Be sure to research the particular entity hosting the auditions. Read up on background information, and if possible see one of the shows. Be honest with yourself whether or not you meet the qualifications listed in the audition information. Be prepared to spend the equivalent amount of time rehearsing at home as you do in each show rehearsal. Most importantly, be ready to be a team player. Ensemble shows are collaborative projects, and these performers don't have interest or time to deal with diva personas. The objective of an ensemble cast is working together toward the final project.
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Advice for all auditions:
~In burlesque or any variety show you can contact the organizer or producer and ask for specifically what they are looking for from their performers or for their show if it isn't stated in the audition information.
~Before the audition, be sure you have all the information you need to the find location, contact numbers, headshots/resumes if requested, etc. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the audition early, and run through your material before the audition.
~If you make a mistake during the audition, don't ask for a do-over. Soloists: know your material well enough to "vamp" or "freestyle" until you can recognize a familiar spot in your act. No one will know you messed up unless you show it. If you flub a group audition, smile with confidence as though you're not making a single mistake, and jump back into the audition number as soon as possible.
~If you are stopped during an audition, it doesn't mean you aren't doing well. It may mean the producer/director has seen what they need to in order to make a decision, or would like to add direction to your number.
~After the audition, thank those who auditioned you for the opportunity.
~Always, always, always maintain professionalism! If you're not right for one particular show, you could be called in for a future show or be recommended for another. Don't spread blame or be negative. There are countless reasons why someone may not be cast. Don't take it personally.
House of Funk Theatre Company's Upcoming August Performance!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The House of Funk Theatre Company will be performing at the Move to Groove Ball on August 22, 2009. The Move to Groove Ball is a dance showcase featuring works from Texas choregraphers. For more information regarding House of Funk, upcoming HOF classes and workshops, and to purchase tickets for this event, contact Cindy Capener at (469) 939-3581 or email houseoffunktheatreco@yahoo.com.
Just a reminder…Burlesque show this Saturday!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The Velvet Kittens return to Rembrandt's Dutch Pub for our final performance of Yankee Doodle Candy! This vaudevillian-burlesque production features comedy, singing, dancers…and in the VK style of burlesque.
Coming in August: The Velvet Kitten Burlesque Performance of BURNING LOVE: A tribute to the King of Rock n Roll! Show dates for BURNING LOVE are August 1 and 15th.
Also, we'll be returning to Rembrandt's Dutch Pub September 12 and 26th for our anniversary show, and October 10 and 24th for our annual Halloween spectacular!
~All Velvet Kitten burlesque shows at Rembrandt's Dutch Pub (703 McKinney Ave) are free to the public. Reservations recommended, but not required. Show time begins at 10:00 pm (we will hold the show for large parties with reservations during special events downtown or extreme traffic issues…just call Rembrandt and let them know).~
6th Annual Modern Dance Festival at the Modern
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The 6th Annual Modern Dance Festival at the Modern runs until August 2, 2009. The festival offers a variety of modern dance experiences, including choreographer's showcase, performances, film, and lectures. All events at the 6th annual Modern Dance Festival at the The Modern are free.
From Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth's website:
This summer, the 6th annual Modern Dance Festival at The Modern will once again celebrate the connections between modern dance, art, and music at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, TX 76107). Produced by Contemporary Dance/Fort Worth in collaboration with the museum, the festival features new dance works from CD/FW and a variety of guest artists, a lecture and book signing by choreographer and former Merce Cunningham dancer Jeff Slayton, and a dance shorts film and video festival, among other events.
Visit CD/FW
for a complete schedule of events.
MBS Production's John XII :: Discount Season Ticket Info
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
The Kittens were treated to a performance of Mark-Brian Sonna's newest production, John XII. The only word we have to describe it….AMAZING!! The actors were sinsational, the writing and direction by Mr. Sonna was simply superb.
A few words about the play's main character, the historical John XII, from Mr. Sonna: "Who was John XII? He is always cited as the worst pope that ever lived. For centuries the Catholic Church didn't quite know what to make of their most controversial leader. A few scandalous historical facts about his life have been known but much of it was suppressed. Though he was exceedingly corrupt and immoral, the Church and most modern democracies owe much to this man. To say that he was revolutionary is an understatement."
Is it all that we say it is? Well, you have until August 1, 2009 to view this original masterpiece by Mark-Brian Sonna of MBS Productions .
SPECIAL DISCOUNT FROM MR. SONNA & MBS PRODUCTIONS:
SEASON TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR MBS PRODUCTIONS 2009/2010 SEASON!
NORMALLY THE SEASON TICKETS ARE $100….
BUT IF YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS BETWEEN NOW AND AUGUST 1, 2009 YOU CAN PURCHASE THE TICKETS FOR ONLY $90!!!
YEP 6 SHOWS FOR $90!
TO PURCHASE GOTO MBS Productions .
AND CLICK ON THE SEASON TICKETS TAB!
See you at the Theatre!
Posted by Jana Edele | Filed under News
It's Friday night, and no Velvet Kitten shows insight! On our weekend off the Kittens will be attending a performance of the MBS Production, John XII.
Who was John XII?
A backstabbing, conniving, manipulative, sexy, lustful, and wickedly funny man that changed the world. His real name was Octavius, and for 8 years he ruled the world. He was a lover of women and men, and he was appointed Pope at the age of 18. Was he a devil or a saint? You decide. This comedic drama is based on the historical, outrageous, and controversial events surrounding John's ascent to the papacy.
The play is written by Mark-Brian Sonna, the insane writer and director that also brought you the comedies Kiss the Boys, The Beulaville Baptist Book Club presents: A Bur-less-Q Nutcracker! and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Delights, or Love.
This play is rated NC-17 for adult language, and male frontal nudity. You must be 18 or older to attend.
The show will run July 9 – August 1, 2009 at the Stone Cottage Theatre, 15650 Addison Road , Addison TX 75001 . Show times are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 PM with an added matinee on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 2:30 PM . Tickets are available at www.MBSProductions.net or by calling 214-477-4942.
What the press has to say about John XII:
“visionary…
magic happens and the audience is transported to the year 955 to be voyeurs to a most interesting, sordid and purposely obscured piece of Catholic Church history….quite an accomplishment!€”
Amazing.”
Gregory Sullivan Isaacs, TheatreJones.com
“Absolute johnny on the spot! Consider it a sin of omission to not attend MBS Productions’ narrative drama John XII.”
Alexandra Bonifield, Examiner.com
“If you love power, sex, and murder, then Pope John the XII and his entourage are the ones to see. Sonna brings his solid, historical vision into a fascinating stage production…. Mr. Sonna’s picturesque writing and healthy balance of comedy and drama charms the audience from beginning to end…. From scene to scene, audience members sit poised, at the edge of their seats completely enthralled.”
Bianca Baidoo associate theatre critic for John Garcia’s THE COLUMN
“What is it you people want out of original theater these days? What will make you come in droves to fill in rows of seats before yelling “Bravo!” and tossing all manner of cut flowers upon the stage? Mark-Brian Sonna had penned drama, personal accounts and comedy and had been met with positive feedback, sure, but this time, just wait. In telling the story of the controversial lover Pope Octavius, he may have hit upon the perfect pairing with his edgy brand of comedic drama.”
Merritt Martin, Dallas Observer