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How To Guides

Be A Showcase Performer

by Mark Ritchie
November 2004

Mark brings in-depth knowledge of clubland and the light entertainment scene to his work as a reviewer of light entertainment and showcases. His knowledge has been gleaned from his time as an agent, a show producer and a cabaret entertainer. Mark's work also includes representing the newspaper at light entertainment events up and down the country. He is regional representative for The Stage.

What is a showcase?

The trade showcase, during which a succession of acts present short sets demonstrating their range and ability, has become an integral part of the booking procedure for major companies over the last decade. If you aspire to be a performer who makes a living from the business, this will be one of your most valuable sources of work. Yet many entertainers have only a sketchy idea of how to secure an all-important place on a major showcase and be seen by light entertainment movers and shakers.

Showcall - The Stage showcases

The Stage newspaper itself produces the largest independent showcases in the UK. Our main Showcall Showcase, staged in November is held at Barry Young's Stardust in Bardon, Coalville near Leicester and features around 160 acts over five days. A second event, the Showcall Showcase II, is held in January and takes place at the Best Western Park Hall Hotel at Charnock Richard, near Preston in Lancashire and features over 70 acts across two days.

Acts appearing at both events are drawn from the Stage's publication, Showcall, launched in 1973. Those having an entry in Showcall can apply for a performance spot in either of the events.

The two Showcall Showcases also provide a great social outlet for the light entertainment community and their importance for networking should not be underestimated.

Other showcase events

With increasing regularity our friends in the agency business often organise their own showcase events. As one of The Stage's two main showcase reviewers, along with my colleague Derek Smith, I travel to dozens of such events every year. So here are my tips for how to pick the right ones for you and ensure you do your best on the night.

Which showcase is right for me?

The showcase season begins in September but gets into its stride by October, with November proving to be the most popular time of year. But bear in mind that the nature, purpose and timing of showcases depend on the area that the organisers operate within.

Autumn showcases are often there to service the needs of holiday centres and owner parks. These generally close their doors for the winter in October and often do not open again until the following March or April. The main booking season for holiday centre operators will be during the month of January, hence the autumn scheduling of the showcases, where company executives can check out prospective new acts.

On the other hand, if it is the cruise market which interests you then be aware that bookers in this sector tend to forever be on the lookout for new faces.

How do I get a place in a showcase?

To begin with, you need to secure representation with the right agent, one both willing and able to place you on their showcase event.

We have a How To Guide on finding an agent here.

You may also want to purchase a copy of Contacts, which is a book published by Spotlight, as this lists agents and managers.

You may also want to look up suitable agents for your style of act on the Agent Association or National Entertainment Agents Council websites.

How do I ensure I'm successful on stage?

First of all remember that you will face a very different kind of audience.

At many trade showcases you are only working in front of a handful of people who all work within the industry. However, at others you may find an audience brought in by the organisers to help fill the venue with the offer of a free show.

In both cases you may find it more of a challenge to work your audience. The agents are there for business rather than pleasure. Many will have heard most of the songs, many of gags and seen the illusions before. Don't expect they will necessarily join in the songs or laugh at loud - they're too busy assessing your performance.

Likewise public audiences at showcases can be raucous, so don't take it for granted they will give you their full attention. In both cases, look upon it as a test of your professionalism and ability to deliver a good set whatever the circumstances - it will stand in your favour with the experts there.

Who am I trying to appeal to?

To the agent who wants you to secure the work so that he can claim his commission, the booker who knows exactly what he/she is looking for and, finally, the reviewer, who the industry generally looks towards to provide an accurate impression of the showcase and make the necessary distinctions between a large number of entertainers all looking for jobs in a very crowded market place.

What should I avoid onstage?

Don't overrun - it's the first thing that induces bookers to strike a line your name on a showcase list. It suggests a lack of discipline and professionalism.

Don't waste time - most entertainers will remind us at some stage during their showcase set that "time is of the essence" and that "we must crack on as time is pressing". By time they have lost valuable stage time stating the obvious.

Don't always complain about the PA system - clubland acts are often reluctant to use any but their own PA. You need to show you are adaptable.

Don't forget to think about your choice of songs - every year certain favourites recur repeatedly within the space of single showcase. Bear in mind the attention span of the booker who has watched 40 acts in a row and has heard your number four times already that night.

Don't forget who your audience is - showcases sometimes run all day. Many bookers will travel from one to another in search of the right acts for their clients. Therefore shouting, charging around the stage and trying to whip them into a frenzy is always going to be a futile exercise.

What should I bear in mind before I go onstage?

Don't be too pushy with the sound crew - they are working too and you need them.

Be patient - showcases involve a lot of waiting around. So lay off the booze as, in my experience, it is never the answer to relieving pressure.

Remember the basics - training in stagecraft, proper stagewear, correct and well taught vocal projection techniques, and a 'properly prepared look' will stand you in good stead with bookers who have, let's face it, seen it all.

Finally, and like any normal gig, just do your stuff, know your lines, try to look as relaxed as possible and above all, do something a little bit different.