Burlesque bios - What are they and do I need one ?
“Half of your life as a performer will be doing admin”
A topic in my Act Development course of late has been the discussion about performer bios and introductions.
I don’t know if I shattered some illusions with my students by letting them know that this is only piece of the many facets of artist administration they are likely to encounter - even as an amateur or emerging artist.
There are so many aspects to performing that you often need to take into account when managing your time.
And it’s always a balance of deciding where you want to spend your time and energy.
But - from someone that works as a teacher, performer and producer - putting some space into having a biography (bio) and an artist statement are worthy of your tome.
And once you have done it, you might find it’s something you have to just maintain and keep it up to date. Like everything getting started is the hardest.
An artist bio: what even is it?
I would be also happy for seasoned producers and performers to chuck in their ten cents worth in the comments.
But to my mind, I always recommend to emerging performers that they build up a bio (biography). At some point you will need one.
And there is no exact formula. But they can read a few different ways - largely depending on your experience to date. A bio can be still fairly brief (250 words - 500 max) covering:
Your career or performance highlights and the experience you bring to the stage; and/or
Outlining how you see yourself as a performer - your aesthetic and inspiration points; and/or
Your inspiration and your journey to the stage
Where might you use or need a bio?
As a producer, this is totally something that helps me understand a performer. It can share with me where they are in their career (e.g early career performer through to a seasoned headliner), or it can give me some idea about what their style is - even before I’ve opened a photo or a video.
From this, I might be able to see if I have an event suited to them. I might be looking for a newcomer to spotlight through an event. Or I might have been approached to run a themed show, and I can tell from a bio that this performer might be a good fit.
AND. Really importantly, if I have information up about shows and events I can use the bio to really spotlight the performer. It gives me ready made web content or a fresh angle for a media release. Something that helps me share with a potential audience a bit more about the artist.
As a performer , having a bio is totally helpful too. So it’s not just a one way street.
You will find it handy for:
Applying for shows and festivals - there is nearly always a section that requires this. So having one on hand will save you lots of time!
Sharing information about me to potential clients - they might want a bit more background about me, or I might want to present myself in a particular way.
Eg, I might have a performer that I want to promote. In their bio they might talk about a career highlight of winning 'x competition' or 'festival performer' or they might be a spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. This information in their bio helps me to craft a media release or share some information to tell the audience why they are special or why they should come and see the show.
So it's win - win to have one prepared.
*A short bio or performer statement
What about an artist statement? Is there are a difference? Do I have to write one too?
Errr….. maybe.
So in burlesque, as a performer you will often get asked for something like:
Short bios
MC introductions
Artist /performer statements
The difference? It’s a bit more nuanced and I find you might get asked for one or a combination of any of these.
An artist statement or a short bio is the version that I always think is the ‘snappier’ version of your artist biography.
Your short version (25 - 50 words) should condense your thoughts a bit further.
It could be a great tagline or a snappy quote from a reviewer that really sums your style up
It might be more of a personal narrative, or talk more about your style or stage presence - rather than just a factual career highlights.
And …. it might get read out loud on stage (especially if you don’t get asked for any cues for an MC)
Make sense?
Remember, there’s always the saying that ‘all art is valid’. There isn’t a right and wrong way to approach your artist administration. But have in your back pocked a longer statement and a short one (that might get pulled apart by an MC or host of a show) and you will always have something to get you started.
I have also known artists who are super organised and have short 25 - 50 word statements about each of their acts, so they have them ready to send out to potential producers and clients. Smart, hey?
Again, that can come down to your own time management - start with the bare bones and go from there!
Helpful resources
If I’ve confused you or made you feel overwhelmed and like you don’t know where to begin, never fear. I have thought ahead and found some great reading and tip sheets to get you started!
Some of these are not specific to burlesque, but sometimes that is actually more helpful as you don’t end up falling into the trap of copying someone else’s style.
Writing an Artist Bio - Frame Destination
Artist statements - National Association for Visual Artists
A gallery’s guide to a good bio - Artland Magazine
Happy writing!