How to Start a Burlesque Troupe

Got the burlesque bug, but can’t find a local troupe? Or perhaps, the local troupes don't have roomer for one more peeler--a burlesque performer. Maybe you are an experienced striptease artist that wants to take their career to the next level. No matter, because now is the time to take control of your destiny by starting your burlesque troupe. Here is a game plan to be the next Kitten DeVille.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Create a name. The name of your troupe needs to be easy to remember and ooze with the **** that is burlesque. An Internet search on burlesque troupes will give you ideas. Also, search old burlesque performer’s names. The names of 1950s striptease clubs are a wealth of camp. Just remember that the troupe name is your brand. Branding is the core of your promotional and marketing plan.
2. Create a business plan. Although a burlesque troupe is a wonderfully exciting adventure that produces a cornucopia of interesting opportunities, it’s also a business. Business plan templates can be found on the web or in resource books. Call other troupe owners to discuss the costs and planning needed to start a troupe. Get to know the business as this is a venture in the entertainment industry that should be taken seriously.
3. Find rehearsal space. If you’re not careful, rehearsal space can be a very costly. Your rehearsal space needs to be large enough to house all of your performers and their costumes. Also, make sure that the space is large enough to recreate the venues that you will perform in. Ideas for cost effective rehearsal space include Unitarian churches, women’s clubs like the YWCA, empty classrooms or cafeterias, community colleges and gyms in community centers.
4. Recruit performers. Schedule a recruitment meeting to introduce your business plan to interested performers. There is a variety of ways to announce the meeting. Create recruitment flyers to hang in all of the local hot spots, college campuses and women’s locker rooms. Take an ad out in the local arts newspaper. Create a MySpace site and start making lots of friends. Also, post bulletins on MySpace at least three times a day. Create a press release to send to all of the local media outlets including newspapers and radio stations.
5. Network with potential venues. A burlesque troupe without any place to perform is a bored group of bawdy women. So, even during the planning stages, start networking with potential places to perform. Clubs that specialize in alternative music are often receptive. Make sure the venue has an elevated stage and dressing room.