In just under a month applications will open for the 2010 Rogue Performance Festival. This means that if you are thinking about performing or showing in the fest… stop thinking and start moving. Here is some free advice toward that end.
THE BASICS:
1. DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW! The application period opens in less than a month (October 1) and are accepted on a “first received, first accepted process” – this means FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED, yo! Every year since this festival began there has always been a certain amount of sighing, moaning, groaning and teeth gnashing that folks didn’t get in. Well, if you drag your ass… the only thing you are probably gonna get are blisters on your butt.
2. GET EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR APPLICATIONS NOW! Yeah, all that information that the application needs, yada, yada… plus your fees! Here’s a tip… commit all that information to ONE place on your computer so that when the time comes all you are doing is copying and pasting.
3. DECIDE ON A TITLE OR NAME OF THE SHOW. Especially if it is a new work. Make sure it is catchy. BTW… nothing pisses off the data folk at Rogue Central more than getting a “title change” after the fact. Really, I’ve had this task in the past and there are several of you out there that have voodoo dolls (of your likeness) with pins stuck in it.
OTHER THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
1. PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL. Yeah, pictures, blurbs, etc. Also always factor in the cost of your promotional material… flyers, posters, video, etc… into you show budget.
2. BUDGET YOUR SHOW. Seriously, this is where a lot of folk fall flat on their faces. Here is primer to budgeting your show 101.
YOUR “BREAK EVEN” SHOULD NOT BE MORE THAN 50 PERCENT OF YOUR HOUSE!
* First take the capacity of your house (venue)… say 50 seats.
* Divide that by 2 = 25 seats
* Then multiply that number by your ticket price (let’s say $5) = $125
* Now multiply that by the number of performances (let’s say 3) = $375So, $375 is your “break even” cost. This means the entire budget of your show (application fees, production cost & promotional all added together) should not go over $375. This way anything past 25 seats in the audience per performance will be gravy… and that’s not counting possible “merch” sales.
3. FIND A SPONSOR. This can significantly cut down your cost. Here is an example: Approach a local merchant or business to sponsor your show. For $100 (that is a random price) they can put in an ad on your flyers or programs or whatever.
I think that is enough for you to absorb for now. There will be more of these posts from time to time on this blog. And no… I am not involved with the Rogue any longer… consider these posts friendly (but no nonsense) advice. BTW… click the pic for the Rogue site.
Cheers!