Money - Practical Guide

Burlesque and payment is always doing the rounds as a hot topic. There are always times where we regret decisions (almost instantly) when you go against your gut and perform at events that feel substandard or where you don’t feel valued....be it creatively or financially.

And generally anything that begins with "lots of free exposure for you" in the opening e-mail is not worth reading on for.

Money is really important. But when you are setting your rates you can also think about your values and your motivations. Are you happy, for example, to do a bucks party if the rate is your rate of pay? No shame if you do or don’t. But it might not align with your values. Similarly there might be brands or corporate events that you don’t want to support - regardless of outcome.

When I’m setting my budgets and booking functions, these are always my driving questions:

- Do I like/love the venue or production team? Am I working with other performers I like or that are easy to work with?

- Is the pay acceptable?

- What level of creativity do I have? Do I choose my act or exercise some control?

- What opportunities will be available to me? Are they genuine and not ‘hype’?

The balance of these guiding principles usually weights up the 'will I, won't I? debate.  The times when I've felt shit coming off stage are really when I have hated doing the event or felt devaluated creatively.

In contrast, I’ve done smaller shows in Tasmania where I might have reduced my fee but have felt really involved and appreciated by a community.

It should go without saying. But performing for free isn't okay, but there are also other intangible things that can shape the way you work as a performer - all things that are ultimately about your values and drivers as a performer. You can find a good balance between creative freedom and financial gain, and get the balance that works for you.