By now you should have everything set and ready… impatiently waiting for applications at the Rogue site to open. Feeling a little under the gun yet?
Wait! What? You’re still thinking about it? Applications open Oct.1, yo! Did you not read Part 1 from a couple of weeks ago?
I’m not going through all of that over again so I’ll wait while you catch up… (you may want to pay special attention to the “ass dragging” section).
Anyway, here goes for the second part…
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAILS
… IN THE “PAPERWORK”
The first way to do this is to read ALL the information in your applications, contracts… and any notices the Rogue sends out. (TIP: You may also want to “friend” them on Facebook and MySpace) Also, check their “updates” page as often as possible. Understanding all this information ESPECIALLY ANY DEADLINES & DATES will give you a serious leg up. Following instructions also causes less headaches on both sides. If there is something you are uncertain of… do not be afraid to ask.
… IN YOUR SHOW
I am of course presuming that you already have a show picked and ready to go… OK, at least picked. It is important to remember that the less your show requires in terms of props, equipment, etc… the less complications you are heaping upon yourself. So, as simple as you can make it in the “production value” area and still have an effective show the easier it will be. Make your show as portable as possible… I will elaborate why further down this post.
As you are rehearsing, pay careful attention to both the running time as well as make sure that setup and strike is also part of the process. Every show has a 15 minute limit to setup and strike. You really don’t want to run over this as it will cause irritation to groups coming up next, venue managers and audience members who have scheduled to see a show after catching your performance. Try to avoid all those bad vibes coming your way.
SPECIAL NOTE TO BYO VENUES: Starting ON TIME is paramount to the success of the festival on the whole! Rogue audience members often schedule other shows to see after they have experienced a show at your venue. Missing the other show because yours started late gets them royally pissed! The Rogue has 2 sets of start times Mainstage and Cafe… pick one and stick to it. Bad time management only reflects on your venue and can be a detriment any other shows playing there.
AVOID THE “GOOD ENOUGH FOR FRESNO” MALAISE LIKE THE PLAGUE!
First… it insults your potential audience who are a lot more hep than you give them credit for. Next… it insults yourself and your own potential… enuff said. A good rule of thumb to follow while you are nailing the whole shebang together is, “Would I pay good money to see this show… performed anywhere?” If the answer is “yes”… you’re on the path to a strong start.
Be Adventurous Part 1. Original (or obscure) over the tried and true (i.e. well known published works especially in the realm of theatre) is the name of the game here. The more successful shows in (Rogue) festivals past have all had that quality. The whole idea behind the creation of the Rogue (and fringe festivals of it’s ilk) is to encourage and foster new bold and original works. (Otherwise it would be called the “Same Old Same Old” or “Kinda Mediocre” Festival.) Audiences more often than not are looking for a new experience at the Rogue.
Be Adventurous Part 2. Seriously consider taking your show “on the road” after the festival. (This is the main reason to make your show as portable as possible.) For years the Rogue site has had one of the most complete list of (fringe) festivals on the world wide web. Use it… be bold, ambitious and take your show out! Commit to your craft! The more you do it the better you become. Shows on the fringe circuit have gone on to succeed with a wider audience.
In many ways the fringe circuit is “the new vaudeville”. Many of the out of town performers who come to the Rogue are active on the circuit… in fact, many of them make a living doing it. So, during the Rogue… go see their shows, invite them to your show, network and befriend them… pick heir brains.
Also, go experience other fringe festivals (in other cities)… if for nothing else, to experience something new. There are a few in our region in Boulder, San Francisco and next year a brand new fringe in Hollywood.
Be Adventurous Part 3. Give your show and/or company life after the Rogue. (This is really an extension of part 2… from a local standpoint.) Many companies/artists/musicians have been candid about the fact that their biggest audiences have been during the Rogue. Use that! Here are a few ways.
- Grow your mailing list whether it be the snail mail kind or via the internet. Make sure a sign-up is available at every performance. Make sure your web presence is listed in your promotional material… especially flyers. BTW. if you don’t have a web presence yet, you should get one now. It is one of the most effective and affordable ways of getting the word out. At the minimum have at least a MySpace and/or a Facebook presence (which is free)… for something with more information create a site on WordPress or Blogger (which is also free)… and if you are really serious about your craft get a Web Site (which is very affordable).
- Promote upcoming gigs/shows in the programs for your Rogue shows. The festival attracts new audiences every year and this is an opportunity to “harvest” new “regulars” to your season. (Yeah, I know… this involves planning ahead.)
- Strike up partnerships with other artists/performers/companies. This opens up the possibilities of co-producing “twofer” shows after the Rogue as well as exciting new collaborations down the line. Not only is there strength in numbers but more shows during the year also “grows the culture” in your community. This also gives you a further opportunity to tweak and “grow” your show to a higher performance level (see… be adventurous pt.2).
I think that is good for now. Is your brain swimming in circles or figure of 8’s yet?