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Dear John

How do I adapt my act to make it suitable for cruise ship work?

Question:
How do I adapt my act to make it suitable for cruise ship work?

Answer:
Giving practical advice on this question poses something of a challenge. Normally, the first tip I pass on to artists aiming to break into any new market, is to make themselves part of the audience at one of the events in that sector to discover from an audience perspective what works and what doesn't. However, while it shouldn't be too much trouble for a prospective talent show contestant to get themselves along to one of the earlier heats in a competition they are in themselves, or for an aspiring TV warm-up to get along to some live recordings, market research in the cruise work area may be more daunting, given the nature of many performer's finances. But the cost of most cruise holidays should in itself be a clue to what bookers and audiences will be seeking - a high standard of performance and presentation to justify the money they have spent. Here are two performers who represent that standard.

What the experts say:

Chris Bylett

Chris is a hugely experienced ventriloquist and magician who, together with dolls Desmond and Charlie, has made many TV and radio appearances worldwide, including Casualty, TFI Friday, The Big Breakfast, Guys 'n' Dolls and The Weakest Link. He is also a seasoned and still very much in demand cruise entertainer.

"I think the key phrase in getting cruise bookings and - just as importantly, getting asked back again - is customer service. It's what the passengers are paying for, what the cruise directors will have as their top priority, and so it should be top of the agenda for the entertainer.

Each cruise company is different, as is each audience, so you need to do as much homework as you can to know what will go down best for this particular booking. Don't make the mistake of assuming you are playing to a captive audience. Having played some of the top liners around, I can assure you that on any given night, there will be plenty more shipboard activities than just the entertainment to attract passenger attention, so just as you would on land, if you want the audience to come and see you, you'll need to put on a show that's worth watching.

An aspect of cruise work that newer performers often forget is that many cruise directors are keen on the entertainers interacting with audience outside show times, such as in meet and greet sessions, judging of talent shows or perhaps even doing workshops for kids.

As a close-up magician, I'm used to that kind of interaction, but for some performers who may be less comfortable one to one, it is worth bearing in mind that having your audience get to know you a bit better during the day helps rather than hinders your ability to connect with them when it comes to showtime, and helps even more when they're filling in those all-important feedback forms as to what they liked and didn't like at the end of the cruise.

JD Adams

Outright winner of the British Resorts Award 2005, vocalist JD has already built a huge reputation and following in clubland, hotels, theatres and cabaret. She recently decided to target the cruise market in addition to her ongoing work, something which has paid off already with a booking from a prestigious company, one which, given the favourable response her act has had from seasoned reviewers such as The Stage's own Mark Ritchie, is unlikely to be her last.

"As Chris says above, the first thing I did when I knew I was up for consideration for cruise work was do my homework. I knew this was a big company, so although my act is already themed towards the great vocal divas, I made sure I pulled out all the stops to provide the kind of big show that would justify such a prestige booking.

I also bore in mind that a cruise audience is likely to be more international, so even though I'm proud of my natural Hull accent, I made a point of watching my diction and pronunciation to make sure I was communicating as clearly as possible.

A further point, which may seem like common sense but I've found can make all the difference whatever market you are promoting yourself to, was to think very carefully about my showcase set. I chose three songs from my repertoire which were most likely to appeal to the widest possible audience, which had that 'big' feel I wanted to create and, most importantly, which I knew well enough that I could give absolutely everything when I performed them. I'm delighted it paid off, and I'm really looking forward to delivering the kind of show on my first cruise outing that will keep audiences and bookers coming back for more."

John sums up

In speaking to Chris, JD and to many other cruise entertainers young and old, it was noticeable how often that 'customer service' phrase popped up. Another point that is quite obvious is that in any particular area of work, there is one very particular customer you need to satisfy to have a chance of success - the entertainment booker, in this case for the cruise line you want to work for.

Put yourself in this individual's place for a second and you'll realise that running a tight ship applies as much to entertainment as it does to the rest of the cruise. Depending on the company, there are likely to be numerous and very specific guidelines for what is required of performers, both in terms of material and presentation. If you are the kind of entertainer who likes to do your own thing and don't take direction well, you may find an ocean-going direction is not the best one for you to take. If, on the other hand, you can kick your ego overboard and concentrate on your presentation and people skills, it could full steam ahead in this exciting career path.

* Chris Bylett and JD Adams can be contacted - and booked for cruise and other work - via www.showcall.co.uk

* The Stage's annual Cruising and Ferries Supplement is in this week's paper - issue dated 21st June 2007 (No: 6583)

* Feedback/queries are welcome to dearjohn@thestage.co.uk
Please note that letters will be assumed to be for publication unless otherwise indicated. Name and address must be supplied but can be witheld on request.

Also on The Stage Online:

* How To Find Cruise Ship Work

* The A-Z of Cruising and Ferries

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