And hope to never see them again.
Just kidding, while sometimes you do have to cut ties, you don't want to make a bad rep with venue managers or owners!
Last time I performed at the venue where the above picture was taken (ehem, the "M" does not stand for "Motorco" in Durham, NC), I made the mistake of talking trash about the space while waiting in the bathroom....meanwhile one of the owners was using the facilities! My face turned red when she exited the stall to wash her hands---yikes! Backpedaling from there was hard.
Every performance needs something different out of a venue, but every venue needs essentially the same thing (a) a crowd that keeps coming back, and (b) money to run the business. It's hard as a performer sometimes to not be judgmental of a venue, because they never seem to get it just right. But part of your job as a performer is to be able to deal with it and find a creative solution for the problem. If there's no green room (room backstage for performers), section something off with a curtain or use the bathroom. If you can't get in touch with your original contact, talk to the manager or the #1 bartender.
Ok, this is turning into bullet points:
1. Always ALWAYS have a reliable contact.
2. Always keep a written (email is great) record of negotiations.
3. Always have your ducks in a row, and have friends who can help you keep your lil' duckies organized.
4. Take deep breaths, and don't take anything personally.
5. Have back-ups. Back-up helpers in case someone gets sick, back-up fishnets in case you tear a hole, back-up underwear in case you crap yourself (jk, but you get the point).
With those things in order, the rest will be easy as pie.
"Break a leg", and "pop a pastie",
Christy the Amazon
No comments:
Post a Comment