Showing posts with label Performance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Performance. Show all posts

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Poetry in motion


• Poetry in motion

Being an entertainer is a struggle. It becomes a battle after every failed audition, bomb on stage, lack of ticket sales, and of course any expression of art turning to a flop. Even when you don't feel your creative juices flowing, that can push you to hide. There comes a point when it feels easier to run away and get a “real” job, than continuing on. Every performer has ups and downs. It comes with this job. You must have your “A” game every night, every day, every moment... oh, and you are told you should also come prepared with new material each time. Some of us are even self destructive. So, Why want this life? Is there a point if in the end we can't handle all our failures? And if there is such failure, why try at all?

Recently Robin Williams had passed away by a self inflecting end. He and I suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, and the need to make others happy despite our own impending frail sadness. I suppose recently I've been considering my end game. Not to end my life, or to give up. But, the idea that, if Robin Williams couldn't take the world anymore-- Or rather, his life within this world, what chance do I have? He was a standard in life. A person who brought purposeful glow to those sad, afraid, or people committed to a finality of any given situation. I am not here to speak about Robin's death, or why he killed himself. I am here explaining that even the unknown, and known, have their battles.

I suppose I am saying; if you can, and are willing, keep on failing upward. We will have trails and tribulations. When we lose fellow soldiers of entertainment it is our job to remember what they gave to make it possible for us to fail within a business they helped nurture. When we are on stage, respect all those who had/have been on stage and those who wished they had strength to be up on stage. A fearlessness to break free of excuses and become apart of that magic. If you can't see yourself being successful, stop, breathe and rethink your plan. If you are not Networking, Marketing and Practicing; then you are standing still in your amazing, awesome and unique talent. Poetry alone is nothing if not in motion...

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” ~ Robin Williams

Make A Right Left Here (My official page website)
BBR Productions Inc. (Direct company link)
Top Of The Bottom Pile (Comedy Tour I Am On)

Monday, July 7, 2014

The Trap


• The Trap

In performance entertainment there is a thing I call “The Trap”. It is as dangerous as getting stuck in quicksand. Mind you, at least quicksand may kill you. “The Trap” will let you live jaded to what was once fun! A few forms of this trap are out there but ultimately they are all the same. You can place yourself into the trap. You could be tricked into the trap by others. Worst case scenario you convince yourself that being caught in the trap is a good thing. There is a future out there for people in entertainment. Trust me, I know. I am living proof. My fear is that people forget they have a choice. There is opportunities out there that will lead them into the unknown world of success!

Most commonly “The Trap” is any performance you are asked to bring people or for you to buy pre-sale tickets to perform at said venue without being compensated. Pay to Play is illegal because you must be compensated for your time or in this case, service. Bring 10 people + 4 performers = 40 person audience. You brought 10 + $10 door + drinks and food ($20 more) = $30 a person. You earned $300 and are paid $0.00 for your performance time. If this makes you happy, then throw a BBQ for friends and family, feed them and perform for a charge of $5 a person. You earn 100% for your time! If friends and family come to see you that's not building a fan-base. That and a real fan base is done through marketing, not performing. (kind of).

If you feel you will make a killing by asking your friends to perform and they will bring 10 people each you are falling for the same trap, except you are setting up THE TRAP for them. Feeling you will grow your audience because each performer is bringing 10 people is delusional unless you have marketing/branding material to hand out after each show. Even a “visit my site” business card does wonders for you! Let them remember you with an item. Most of the time, friends and family of other performers don't even want to be there let alone want to see you perform. Break free of THE TRAP. Know your rights, and know your value. Be the cause of your worth through Networking, Marketing, and Practicing!

There is more to the business of entertainment than performing. The performing is the fun part, not the business...

Make A Right Left Here (My official page website)
BBR Productions Inc. (Direct company link)
Top Of The Bottom Pile (Comedy Tour)
Twitter (My personal twitter)
Youtube (I make stupid videos)

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Top Of The Bottom Pile (Comedy Tour)
Make A Right Left Here TV (My web based TV show)
Lord Telmorn Altayon (A character I write about, the first God)
Altayon (My Theatrical Progressive Metal Band)
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