I've been thinking about organising a showcase for interested artists - actors, directors, writers - but in a slightly different way.
I've looked up other showcases and they're usually quite expensive and I didn't manage to find a variety of choice at a reasonable price. It might be that I'm wrong - therefore looking forward to hearing more about those that are currently in place!
It got me thinking - how about organising a showcase that:
- happens say every 2/3 months
- allows the actor to choose what they'd like to do - write a piece themselves (mono or duologue), perform a monologue or a scene (2 people or more, but keeping it still fairly small),
- allows directors and writers to showcase their portfolio and skills as well
- and MOST IMPORTANTLY - keeps circulating a promotional leaflet that would do justice to those involved.
The promotional material would allow artists to be constantly on the radar of casting directors, agents, directors - anyone from "the other side". Very often it's about keeping in touch on a ongoing basis, popping up here and there in case a casting is in place where one of us fits the brief, and I believe this would not only do that, but also offer a chance for them to come in see people perform, meet them personally.
And - hopefully - not charge too much. This would depend on the venue booked (and that, of course on the amount of people interested in taking part), and organising the promotional material.
This is just an initial idea and I would love to hear your thoughts or questions.
That sounds like a wonderful idea! I don't really know of too many networking sessions the industry runs here in London, but that sounds like a really good way to get something started. I'm here on a visa from Canada, and back in Winnipeg (where I studied) they would hold monthly Salons focusing on varying themes to keep a conversation going about issues we should tackle as artists. The great thing about it was it helped you connect with the really involved community members and gave people a chance to test out new material in an environment that they could learn and improve so to develop a proper show out of it. They would do it on a monthly basis, so that if you met someone at the last Salon you wanted to work with, it would be possible to get something seen within a month. I hope this helps.
Definitely sounds like a great idea! I've been thinking about taking part in one of those paid showcases but yes, they are expensive and I wonder if they're worth it. At least your idea would be something that we could invite other professionals to. Have you had any thoughts on venues?
Thank you for your replies. It's good to hear people would be interested in this.
I'd need to research the venues, was thinking of Et Cetera Theatre, Leicester Square Theatre, Lost Theatre and reaching out to The Actors Centre - that's just initial ideas.
What I want most out of it is the constant promotion of artists delivered to the industry, something along the lines of a "magazine", but would need to find out if this would be useful with casting directors and agents etc. Wouldn't want it to become a spam in a way.
I think you can do this at the Actor's Centre and it's a really good idea! I'd love to be involved. On a side note, I've heard holding a showcase on a Friday afternoon with complimentary wine is a win win for casting directors.
The Actors Centre is ideal because it's so central and known. I think members get discounts when it comes to hiring the Tristan Bates but you'd have to double check.
It's a bold idea that you can do. Showcases build kudos by the quality so make sure that it's not just about money but about quality. Just one dodgy showcase and word gets around. Do it. x
And you're right Simeon - it needs to be well put together. Aside from the promotion factor I mostly see it as a chance to perform for everyone involved, after all - it's all we're after - an opportunity to act.
It may be a while before it actually happens, as there is a lot I need to plan out, but will come back here to ask who'd like to be involved again. Most likely later in the spring / beginning of summer, as I don't want to be shambles but something of great quality.
This sounds like a great idea, it's always hard to start a dialogue with an agent about possible representation if they haven't actually seen you work firsthand and I really like the sound of a regular showcase.
I'd love to get involved if you decide to go ahead!
just wanted to say I'll be organising a meeting for those interested in taking part in this - just an initial get together so we can all brainstorm - sometime in March, and so if anyone would like to receive an email about this please either write it here or PM me with details:).
Hi...yes...it's a great idea. I've thought about it many times and organised one or two...a long time ago mind you.
The hardest bit is getting
a) good actors.... strange but true. We had so many terrible actors that it was hard to pick out good ones that we felt were up to the mark for the invited directors/agents and cd's.
b) Getting a venue that makes it cost effective for everyone...and gives you a bit of profit to invest in the advertising etc
c) getting good industry folk to attend. They are always busy! (stock answer) The secret there is get really good actors to do the showcases...audition them is my advice.
d) Get a really good director on board
e) Think about doing duologues more than monologues..., I think it gives actors more of a chance to show their talents than monologues.
thank you so much for your feedback, that helps a lot! Most of this has crossed my mind, and I realise the first showcase most likely won't attract too much attention, but I hope if we get it right and it works, the word will spread and we get going.
...reply: Yes absolutely ....if you get a good reputation for being a good evening, with great actors in a central venue....the better agents and casters will come out hopefully.
Hi Eliza, This sounds like a great idea! I know some of my friends who've done paid showcases and it seems that the most difficult is to build a reputation - so that good agents and CDs actually come to see it. I guess keeping people in the loop with promotional materials etc is good. Maybe there could be some other unique selling points, to differentiate this one from the others?
I'm definitely interested in taking part. Also, if you need help organising/brainstorming, please let me know - I'll be happy to team up and start something good! Especially if you also want to include new writing in the showcase - I have some friends who write and may be interested in testing out the new venture.
Just a reminder - anyone who would like to meet up in March please send me your email address as I'm building a mailing list - either through here or PM:)
just to let anyone who would still be interested know there is a meeting happening to discuss the showcase this Friday 17th at 7pm at the Phoenix Artists Club ( that's The Phoenix Artist Club, 1 Phoenix Street, London, WC2H 8BU). I'll be there from 6.30pm onwards so pop in say hello if you'd like:)
Hi Eliza,
I'd be really interested in taking part in your showcase. Unfortunately I won't be able to come to the meeting on Friday as I am in Blackpool at the moment. Hope it all goes well :)
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