Starting out as a freelance performing artist in 10 steps

Hello people! Missed us? Well, miss us no more because we’re back! We are continuing our article series on beginner tips for creative and artistic freelancers. In this particular piece, we focus on artists and creatives that work in the performing arts industry.

Like with the other categories we’ve touched on, it's good to note that there are some general steps artists/creatives across industries have to take in a quest to grow their careers. However, in this piece, we have tried to be specific in identifying peculiar steps that apply specifically to artists in the performing arts sector.

Here are some tips you may find helpful in kicking off your freelance career as a performer:

1. Stay Motivated!

This is the first point because it’s probably the most important! Do your best to keep your motivation levels up through the roof. Being talented at what you do is great but not enough to thrive within these hugely competitive industries. As a result, most successful freelance performers have to work their socks off. Building a career here requires commitment, effort and determination, and this doesn’t just apply to securing work. Once you get work, you’ll also need to harness the opportunity properly so you have a chance of staying hired, getting rehired, and getting recommended for other gigs.

2. Join Relevant Local Industry Groups

Build a network and regularly connect with as many people as you can. Join relevant local industry groups and engage with them. Attend events, and don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and what you can do whenever the opportunity may arise.

3. Enter Competitions and Contests

The benefits of competitions are wide-ranged. Many artists were first spotted, given new opportunities and an extra push up the ladder through entering competitions. Additionally, competitions are an avenue of meeting the right people and making invaluable contacts that could eventually elevate your career to new levels. Competitions give you the chance to win money, studio time, development help and more.

As artists pass through the various stages and processes of a competition, many of them end up being selected for future paid gigs and management from onlookers, audience members, or even picked up by labels, regardless of whether they are actually winners of the competition or not. If you get the chance to take part in a competition and you see some potential in it, give it a try and don’t let it pass you by!

4. Play Small Gigs

However small the audience may be, it’s all part of the journey. Like with most endeavours in life, you may dream big, but you would most likely have to start small. Although you probably won’t earn a lot from these, spots like local bars, community centres, weddings, and parties are good places to showcase. Even open mic nights, although unpaid, offer a chance to meet, connect and be seen. These usually lead to bigger and paid gigs.

5. Nurture your Brand

You are the company and brand; do the work. Be aware of and clear about what your unique selling point/expertise is. Keep your social media platforms up-to-date. Let people see you at work, know what you’ve worked on and what you’re working on. Building a portfolio and setting up a website would also help you do this well. It doesn't have to be something grandiose and expensive; starting small is perfect. Build your own website and add endorsements, case studies, portfolios, testimonials and more.

6. Host your own Plays/Shows

There’s no reason not to plan and execute your own events/shows. You can do this alone or with other artists in your network. You don’t always have to wait for an event organised by another party before you’re able to show off your skills to the public. Decide a price that works, and market to the people in your immediate circle and network. Tell a friend to tell a friend, and then do your thing!

7. Grow a Fanbase

It’s critical that you build your fan base and put in the work to retain and engage with them.

“If no one knows about you, or follows your gigs, or knows when and where you’re playing, where is your audience?”

A loyal fanbase is a valuable asset to be nurtured. In today’s world, there are so many ways to build this. Use social media, get your music or audio work on platforms and playlists such as Spotify, host regular live events, network with people at physical events, and reply to emails from your fans — in summary, keep all your platforms constantly updated.

8. Support and Collaborate

Support and collaboration are critical here. Support and follow other artists within and outside your field. Always seek collaboration with other artists in the industry if you see potential mutual benefits. If you can get a support slot with a more prominent name, then this means that their fans will also get to see you. Also, collaborating with others to offer a joint or broader service goes a long way.

9. Get an Agent

Get an industry agent if you can (emphasis on ‘if you can’, as they might be a little expensive at the beginning). Target individual agents and tell them why you want to be with them.

10. Exceed Expectations

People will always appreciate and refer others to you if you continuously exceed their expectations and do excellent work.

Master your craft. Do what you do WELL.