how to get started in cabaret

[stella985]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 11:38am

Well, as the subject line suggests I was wondering how one gets started in cabaret? I think it's a really cool medium (ok thats not really the right word but whatever), but I'm really clueless about how to get started in it because it obviously is more than just taking voice lessons and choosing some songs.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 4:31pm

MY simplified advice--others will differ, surely:

Create 45 min to an hour long show. Make it theatre more than concert--themes, monologues, story, and/or something more than just singing your greatest hits or telling your life story (unless you have a fascinating life story). Workshop the show--do a reading (even a capella) for friends.

Once you feel it's ready, you book the venue and hire the musician(s) (I say start with just piano). Be prepared to promote your show as the venue won't bring in many walk ins.

If you are in NYC, I think the best place to start is The Duplex--very user friendly and economical. They have a FAQ sheet they can email you to fill you in on all the business aspects of it (costs, tech, etc).

[luvliza89]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 4:58pm

I'm also very very very much interested in doing this, but it seems just difficult to dive in. I have some ideas, but everything seems so done before.

jrb, I've seen some of your clips before and they seem so fresh. I don't think I would be able to write anything funny or something like that. But I guess one just has to start more simple then that.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 5:20pm

JRb's advice is great. In the mean time while you're getting an act together, you might consider the many open mic nights around the city. They're usually on Monday nights and it can be a good place to try out material and get your stage legs back (if you've been away for a while).

[stella985]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 5:41pm

Thanks for all the advice! Yeah, I think I'd like to just try out a couple of songs someplace before I put together an entire act (just to make sure that I want to do it) where do they have open mic nights? Also, I feel like I read an article a long time ago in the NYTimes about classes you could take- anyone know anything about that?

[TomMonster]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 5:48pm

Hit EVERY piano bar in town and workshop your material. Also, get to know Sydney Meyer. He books a number of cabarets: "Rose's Turn" and "Don't Tell Mama" are some.

Be aware that Cabaret will COST you money, not make you money. You should still do it, be don't give up your day job!

There are also Cabaret workshops. Helen Baldassare is wonderful.

Check out Cabaret Hotline's website. Lots of info and people to guide you. Good luck!

[stella985]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 8:40pm

Do a lot of people use open mic nights to try out material? Also is there something in between going to open mic nights and actually having your own act where you are responsible for everything? Sorry I'm really new to this but the advice has been great!

[TomMonster]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 8:45pm

Open mic night (which many piano bars have every night) will get your feet wet. Mama's, Rose's Turn, Duplex, Monster, etc all let you get up and sing. Although it's good to bring music, don't expect everyone to be able to play it. Many pianists know a lot of the standard cabaret or broadway material. It's very informal.

I'm not sure what you mean about something in-between, but like I said most piano bars will let you sing. Don't forget to tip!

[PB ENT.]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 8:52pm

Most open mic events expect you present your program in its entirety ( backup/sound/tech) prior to presenting it to an audience. Not unlike a bigger paying gig. So upon approval, you should have control of your show. If you're doing music, I would mix it up 2 to 1. ( 2 familiar songs to 1 original) People are still more comfortable hearing more familiar tunes until they get used to you.

To get onboard with a bigger audience, try looking into special events, promos. seasonal fairs, charities etc. Offer your show, "dirt cheap". These avenues make for "excellent" exposure. A few of my clients have gotten good paying regular gigs from these sources. Once your name gets around a bit, keep track of all the events happening in your area. Offer to become an opening act, at little or no cost. It will pay off in the long run.

Just remember, you gotta start somewhere. JRB's suggestions are right on!

Updated On: 7/22/06 at 08:52 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 7/22/06 at 9:29pm

I agree that cabarets cost you money--not make you money. At least it can be that way at first. So only put out what you can afford to lose. That's one reason I suggest just going with piano. I went with full band, which artistically was awesome, but not being established, I just lost that much more money. lol

I'm sure once you develop an audience or if you have lots of friends and family where you are, you can make back your money or turn a profit.

edit for clarity

Updated On: 7/22/06 at 09:29 PM

[Charlayne Vivika]

Posted: 7/23/06 at 3:36am

Some of my best moments as a singer have been performing in Cabaret. Not the show, though I did play Sally Bowles before I turned professional.

[redhotinnyc2]

Posted: 7/23/06 at 12:08pm

I had a great time doing my show back in '94. It began with just me and my pianist getting together once a week to work on some songs, and over the course of a year (after throwing out a lot of material and reworking it a lot), we finally touched on a theme,and with the recommendation of a good friend of mine who does a lot of cabaret in NYC and all over the country, I got booked into the Duplex. It is a thrilling experience to actually be IN CHARGE of your own show, making all the executive decisions. Some people work well with a director, so if you have someone you trust, that's great. I took the other route, and near the end of the rehearsal period, I put it in front of some acquaintances who I trusted immensely, got their input and made some minor adjustments. As my dear friend Julie Reyburn always says - Trust Your Instincts. Do what feels right to you, and don't let ANYONE destroy your vision of what you want to create. This is YOUR show, all the way, so enjoy every moment of it.