Succeeding in the Performing Arts: Difference between revisions

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== Selling Merchandise ==

Selling unique merchandise before and after a performance can be an important source of income for a performing artist.

And it can be a wonderful and treasured memento for an audience member.

Generally speaking, it can compromise the integrity of a performance to "push" mechandise from the stage. In most cases, it cheapens the performance, can put the performers in an awkward place, and can make the audience feel uncomfortable ("Isn't what I spent on the ticket enough?")

Making a merchandise table or area obvious to audience members entering and leaving the performance space is sufficient in most cases to let them know that merchandise is available.

Second, it is a well-established fact that an artist who is gracious enough to sign autographs and say hello to audience members from the merchandise table will sell much more than those that don't. This is of course a personal choice: some artists need the time after a performance to unwind.

If you are able to greet your public, consider a modest change in appearance, from your "larger than life" stage look, to something a little more approachable. Garish makeup streaked with sweat and a soaked shirt may not be as attractive in the harsh light of after-performance meet-at-greet as it was as you split-jumped into that last power chord.

Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]

== Setting the Stage ==

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I am careful about the visual impression. In smaller places there can be artwork, kitschy decorations, light streaming through a door to a storage space, and the occasional mop handle intruding on the scene on stage. I try to clear all of that out of the way, or at least be aware of what might be peeking out from behind my head. I've played in front of some pretty strange artwork and the visual impression of some goth creature glaring down at me from behind was completely incongruous with the music.

Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your ~~L1™~~ just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.

Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1® just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.

In places with small stages, there may not be any controllable lighting. Do you bring any with you? I've noticed that LED lights looking relatively inexpensive, cool, and lightweight. Anybody using something like this?

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 {{:Scouting the Venue}}
+== Selling Merchandise ==
+Selling unique merchandise before and after a performance can be an important source of income for a performing artist.
+And it can be a wonderful and treasured memento for an audience member.
+Generally speaking, it can compromise the integrity of a performance to "push" mechandise from the stage. In most cases, it cheapens the performance, can put the performers in an awkward place, and can make the audience feel uncomfortable ("Isn't what I spent on the ticket enough?")
+Making a merchandise table or area obvious to audience members entering and leaving the performance space is sufficient in most cases to let them know that merchandise is available.
+Second, it is a well-established fact that an artist who is gracious enough to sign autographs and say hello to audience members from the merchandise table will sell much more than those that don't. This is of course a personal choice: some artists need the time after a performance to unwind.
+If you are able to greet your public, consider a modest change in appearance, from your "larger than life" stage look, to something a little more approachable. Garish makeup streaked with sweat and a soaked shirt may not be as attractive in the harsh light of after-performance meet-at-greet as it was as you split-jumped into that last power chord.
+Discussion: [http://bose.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6806048934/m/9991004135 Selling Merchandise]
 == Setting the Stage ==
@@ Line 380: / Line 396: @@
 I am careful about the visual impression. In smaller places there can be artwork, kitschy decorations, light streaming through a door to a storage space, and the occasional mop handle intruding on the scene on stage. I try to clear all of that out of the way, or at least be aware of what might be peeking out from behind my head. I've played in front of some pretty strange artwork and the visual impression of some goth creature glaring down at me from behind was completely incongruous with the music.
-Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1™ just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.
+Taking control of the aural experience (playing your tracks through the L1™ before you start) seems like a great idea. It certainly beats gesticulating wildly and mouthing a plea to turn down the stereo at someone behind the bar. But it also seems like a good way to set the tone of the room. It is so clearly different when the music is coming from one direction or another. Having the music come from your L1® just makes so much sense. So does choosing the music that you will follow.
 In places with small stages, there may not be any controllable lighting. Do you bring any with you? I've noticed that LED lights looking relatively inexpensive, cool, and lightweight. Anybody using something like this?