Producing a Cabaret Show with Actor/Producer Danny Bolero
1. Have Something to Say
Be clear about your message from the start. Whether it’s something simple like wanting to spend an afternoon with friends, singing your favorite songs, and having fun, or something more profound, like sharing your thoughts on global warming or paying tribute to Disney’s music, knowing your message is crucial. It gives your work structure, allowing you to create a beginning, middle, and end. With this clarity, you can craft a roadmap for your show that ensures everything aligns with your core purpose, making the experience more cohesive and meaningful for both you and your audience.
2. Find Your Voice
Find your authentic voice—the one that sets you apart from everyone else. This is the natural you, a voice that isn't manufactured or forced. Once you discover it, take the time to truly get to know it. Many people cringe when they hear themselves on a recording because they're so used to the way they sound in their heads. Hearing your voice played back can be a bit of a shock. Learn from that feeling. Become aware of your vocal quality and texture. What do you like or dislike when you hear yourself? Try to be objective. Embrace the unique characteristics of your voice, and learn to understand and appreciate its nuances.
3. Figure Out How to Say it
Once you know what you want to say, the next step is figuring out how to say it. Remember, the sky's the limit. You are the creator—it’s your show, and you have the freedom to do whatever you envision. When I realized that I could craft moments, both dramatic and comedic, tailored specifically for me, by me, it opened up a world of possibilities. Want to add a song using water sprinklers? You can, as long as the venue allows it. Want to include a section that honors all the dogs you’ve had in your life, complete with projected images during a song? Go for it. The key is remembering that you’re the creator, and in my case, also the producer.
4. Learn and Own Your Material
Once you've chosen the songs that will help communicate your message, it’s time to dive deep into them. Make each song your own—forget how others have performed it and focus on your unique interpretation. While there used to be strict rules about how to sing a song, many successful singers have broken those rules and found what works for them. Be clear about why you chose each piece and whether the tempo and style suit you. If you love several songs but only have time for one, consider creating a medley to combine them. It’s a powerful way to elevate your show.
5. Time to Make Some Decisions
Start by listing venues, considering location, cost, capacity, restrictions, and reputation. A well-placed venue with good foot traffic might be harder to book, but it can offer valuable exposure. A great venue can help promote your show. Different venues have various booking terms - Make sure you're clear on payment, guarantees, and cancellation policies. Capacity is key—too small, and you may not cover costs; too large, and you risk performing to an empty room. Check if they have their own sound and lighting or if you can bring in your own crew, and whether rehearsal time is included or available for extra fees. Filming your show is essential for future marketing, so ask about their video policies. Can you bring someone in, or do you have to use their videographer? Consider this as part of your promotional strategy—it’s your “business card” on tape. Once you’ve sorted the venue details, set your ticket price. Remember that many places have a drink minimum, which you’ll need to factor in. Next, Assemble your creative team. Finding a Music Director is crucial. Choose someone you trust to push you to deliver your best. They'll give you feedback to refine your performance and hire musicians and crew. Finally, design your marketing materials—flyers, postcards, posters, etc. Make sure to check the venue’s guidelines for required wording before printing anything.
6. Promotion, Promotion, Promotion
This is where your flyers, postcards, and posters become essential. Reach out to everyone you know and start promoting early. Hand out flyers outside the venue, introduce yourself to patrons, and personally invite them. You can also visit voice and music studios and leave postcards. Begin crafting your press release, keeping it clear and concise. Answer the four key questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE. Once your press release is ready, identify cabaret reviewers and send them the release along with photos and a flyer.
7. Run-Throughs
If you've done your homework and know your show inside out, this is your time to spread your wings and fly. Be brave, spontaneous, charming, and vulnerable. Practice connecting with your audience. Look them in the eye, and practice this during your rehearsals. On the opening night of my cabaret show, a few things went wrong. During a scene, there was a missed cue in a voice-over track, and it felt like an eternity waiting for the next line. I had to improvise to keep the show on track. Had I not known my show inside out, things could have gone much worse.
8. Trust Your Instincts
A director is there to guide you, and their vision is important, but there are moments when you must stand your ground. During the process of developing my show, we faced creative differences. Both my director and musical director strongly believed that two of my song choices should be cut. But I had a deep emotional connection to those songs and believed they enriched the storytelling. Even with the potential for negative reviews, I decided to trust my instincts and keep them in the show. Ironically, the two songs my team had wanted to cut ended up being the most praised, with multiple reviewers calling them the highlights of the show.
9. Beware of Rewriting
As both writer and performer, I found myself unconsciously rewriting. This made it difficult to learn the show and led to constant revisions. Beware of this pitfall. Set a deadline to lock the script and stick to it.
10. Enjoy the Ride
it’s a process of discovery and joy. Cabaret offers a rare chance to create a true star moment for yourself, unless you’re Bernadette Peters or Patti LuPone. I've done many shows, but nothing compares to the thrill of my first solo performance. Stay present—if a mistake happens, use it to your advantage and own the moment. Remember, you're the star. Be mindful of gratitude. Thank everyone who helped make the show happen. Even the audience. Everyone involved put faith in you and your talent. After the show, follow up with reviewers and thank them for attending. Keep track of your contacts and start planning your next performance. Good luck! I hope my advice helps. Once your first show is done, take a moment to celebrate what you've achieved. To quote one of my favorite lines from Sunday in the Park with George: "Look, I made a hat... where there never was a hat."