How to become a cabaret performer

How to become a Cabaret Performer

Becoming a cabaret performer requires a combination of talent, training, experience, and networking. Here are steps you can take to pursue a career as a cabaret performer:

• Develop Your Skills: Start by honing your skills in singing, dancing, acting, or any other performance art you wish to specialize in for cabaret. Take classes, workshops, and private lessons to improve your technique and proficiency in your chosen discipline.
• Understand the Cabaret Scene: Familiarize yourself with the cabaret scene by attending cabaret shows, festivals, and open mic nights. Study the work of established cabaret performers to understand the style, format, and repertoire commonly seen in cabaret performances.
• Create Your Act: Develop your own unique cabaret act that showcases your talents, personality, and artistic vision. Consider incorporating a mix of music, storytelling, comedy, and audience interaction to create an engaging and memorable performance.
• Build Your Repertoire: Expand your repertoire of songs, monologues, and performance pieces to ensure versatility and flexibility in your act. Choose material that resonates with you personally and showcases your strengths as a performer.
• Gain Performance Experience: Seek out opportunities to perform in local cabaret venues, clubs, theaters, and other live performance spaces. Participate in open mic nights, talent showcases, and cabaret revues to gain valuable stage experience and exposure.
• Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with other cabaret performers, producers, directors, and industry professionals to build relationships and expand your professional network. Attend industry events, workshops, and conferences to meet people in the cabaret community and learn about opportunities for collaboration and performance.
• Promote Yourself: Create a professional website, social media profiles, and promotional materials to showcase your talent and promote your cabaret act. Utilize online platforms, press releases, and word-of-mouth referrals to attract audiences and book gigs at cabaret venues and events.
• Continue Learning and Growing: Stay committed to ongoing learning and growth as a performer by seeking feedback, taking classes, and pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Embrace opportunities for professional development and artistic exploration to continually evolve and refine your cabaret act.

Helpful Resources
There are several helpful resources available to support the career development and artistic growth of cabaret performers. Here are some recommendations:

• The Mabel Mercer Foundation: This organization promotes the art of cabaret through education, performance opportunities, and preservation of the cabaret tradition.
• Cabaret Scenes Magazine: An online publication that covers news, reviews, interviews, and features related to the cabaret industry.
• The Cabaret Listings: Websites like Cabaret Hotspot and Cabaret West showcase listings of cabaret shows, venues, and events across the country.
• Don't Tell Mama (New York City): A renowned cabaret venue offering performance opportunities, workshops, and open mic nights for emerging cabaret performers.
• The Cabaret at Germano's (Baltimore): A cabaret venue known for its intimate setting and diverse programming, including performances by local and national cabaret artists.
• Provincetown CabaretFest (Provincetown, MA): An annual festival celebrating cabaret with performances, workshops, and networking opportunities for artists.
• The Cabaret Performance Workshop (New York City): Offered by The Cabaret at Lincoln Center, this workshop provides training and mentorship for aspiring cabaret performers, covering vocal technique, stage presence, repertoire selection, and more.
• St. Louis Cabaret Conference: An annual event featuring workshops, masterclasses, and performances led by industry professionals, designed to support cabaret artists in honing their craft.
• Cabaret Hotspot: An online platform offering resources, articles, reviews, and listings for cabaret performers and enthusiasts.
• Cabaret Scenes Magazine Online: The digital edition of Cabaret Scenes Magazine provides access to articles, reviews, and features covering the cabaret scene in the US.
• Social Media Groups: Joining Facebook groups or online forums dedicated to cabaret performers can provide networking opportunities, support, and advice from fellow artists.
• "The Cabaret Artist's Handbook" by Bob Harrington: This comprehensive guide offers practical advice and insights for cabaret performers, covering topics such as repertoire selection, stagecraft, promotion, and more.
• "Cabaret Secrets" by Gary Williams: Written by a seasoned cabaret performer, this book offers tips, techniques, and anecdotes to help aspiring performers navigate the world of cabaret.