Job Responsibilities
My job is quite unconventional in relation to most of the jobs out there.
When filling out forms and such it's often difficult to appropriately choose
from all of the options listed. I am a performer. My particular type of
performing requires aptitude in singing, dancing, acting, and playing an
instrument. It also requires an knack for business, public relations,
customer service and many other aspects that "real" jobs require. In
speaking of major resposibilities, I will explain a general idea of how one
finds work, does the work, and keeps the work. This incorporates all job
responsibilites because the performer is the one that does all of them.
It may take hours and hours of research on-line, networking with other
performers and calling agents before a possible opportunity comes up.
Often times work is only booked through an agent so one must tread
lightly as most agents know the other agents who book the same places.
Having strong organizational skills and developing a "system" of looking
for work helps a lot when it comes to this. After finding the opportunities,
it's time to send out promotional material. Usually, this must be in the form
of a VHS or DVD, sometimes audio. The video should be well edited with
quality sound and lighting. A digital camcorder and an editing program
on a computer will help save a lot of money if one can learn how to use
them. Also, an 8x10 photo of the performer, or band, should be sent with
a bio, songlist, etc. It just depends on what the hiring management wants
to see. After getting the gig, and doing all the necessary paperwork, the
performer should prepare for it. Find out what kind of clientele frequents
the place. In a musical setting, for example, is there a dance floor? What
is the age group? Learning new material is always a constant with these
kinds of gigs. So practicing, rehearsing, etc. becomes a full-time job. Most
people don't take this into account when thinking about this job. Often
times, one sees that a musician, for example, will work only four hours a
night, but they don't see the four hours they put in earlier that day to learn
new songs and write out charts and such. Also, they don't see the years
put into learning the instrument and getting to the point where they can
market themselves for work.
Once at the gig, every night becomes a customer service situation.
Not only does the musician entertain on the stage. Often times, it helps to
go out into the crowd and talk to the guests about specific requests or
whatever. Sometimes they just want to talk about their days. They come
there to enjoy themselves and they will keep coming back if they are fully
entertained. This can be the most tiring part of the job because it makes
the night go from what would seem to be 4 hours of work to about 8
condensed into 4. After the night, a performer can be completely tired out
if they put their all into it.
Well, that's about the summary of it all. There are a lot of resposibilites
involved in this kind of work because a performer doesn't only do one
type of thing.
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Job Requirements
The hiring/education requirements are a lot different than most jobs. It is
only required that one can sing, dance, play and instrument or act.
Sometimes these are learned in formal educational programs,
professional training studios, or just learned. It is not required to have a
degree in the field, although it helps if the performer wants a higher
position, ie. vocal captain, music director, line captain, but usually these
positions just require more clerical work and "babysitting" for just a little
bit more money.
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Downers
The worst parts about the job are when I have to perform when I'm not
feeling well. It's hard to keep up the energy and play to an audience
when you've got a headache, or are nauseas. Those are the nights I
really wish I could sit behind a desk and type for a living.
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Lifestyle
The lifestyle can be really hard to deal with. In one year, I'm actually only
"home" for about 1-3 months. And I'm always moving around, pretty much living
out of a suitcase. It's hard to maintain friendships and often times I have to
miss out on important events, like weddings, reunions, first-babies, etc. I will
never know how much money I will make each year so it's really difficult to
budget. It's can be nice however. I've seen a lot of places I probably would
have never gotten to see, and I was paid to see it. I've met people from all
over the world and have been able to keep up friendships through emails and such.
So, I would say the lifestyle would suit someone who is single, or can travel
with a loved one, with no children. Also, someone who always has a place to go
back home to. Because one never knows when the next gig will be, it's hard to
keep an apartment for just a short amount of time and hotels can be expensive.
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Compensation
Compensation is usually salary plus accommodations. It can range from
2000- 5000 a month, depending on where the gig is and what kind of
expenses they expect you to cover. They will often give you a place to
live and offer three meals a day. There also could be perks, such as free
laundry, and gym accessibility. Sometimes there is basic health coverage
as well.
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Advice to Jobseekers
The job outlook seems to be pretty slim with the rise of Karaoke. But
there are still many places who value live music. When considering this
field, one should really be flexible. Put yourself in the position so that you
can play as solo/as a duo/trio, etc. because there are trends. And there
are also so many different venues, if you're flexible, there's a higher
likelihood to finding a gig. Also, be very careful about who you hire.
Working a six month contract with an unreliable, egotistical, or just plain
mean person can make things much more difficult.
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