Guide to booking acts

It doesn’t have to be complicated, some smart planning and communication can make a huge difference to the quality and impact of your performance. Here is our step by step overview to help you glide through the process. A detailed, interactive treasure trove of advice, information and suggestions is available in our exclusive In-depth guide, and of course we are on hand to discuss your event.

1. Consider the aim of the performance.

Being really clear about what you want to achieve is the first step. If you know the effect or atmosphere you want to create we can work together to achieve maximum results. Do you want to grab attention or create a particular mood? Do you want artists to welcome guests and break the ice, or perhaps create a jaw dropping finale to a prestigious night?

2. Consider the space.

Different performance spaces offer their own unique opportunities and limitations. Gather together what information you can about the performance space, for example is it inside or outside? Will the artists be roaming in a large space or picking their way through tightly packed audiences? Do you have any interesting architectural features the artists could use? Staircases, trap doors, balconies or windows?

3. What form might the performance take?

Now you know what the performance needs to achieve, and what the performance space has to offer you can start planning the general pace, length, form and scale of the performance. You could have a Staged or Wandering piece, choreographed or improvised, or perhaps a mix of elements. The work could be interactive, or a visual spectacle. You might want to keep the performance short for maximum impact, or require longer ambient sets to animate your space or work a large area. Do you like the idea of having a costume change or multi-skilled artists who can perform an second skill? How many artists do you envisage using? If you are clear about the aim of the performance and the limitations of the space these decisions become easier, but as you can see there are countless combinations. Focus on the result you want to achieve, and feel free to ask for some guidance or to find out what your options might be.

4. What acts work for you?

When you have an idea of the purpose and form of the performance and potential limitations and features of the space, start having a look at Acts. You can use our advanced filter options to narrow down the acts available, but again, feel free to call us for recommendations or to discuss Styling, adapting or creating bespoke work. If you want, you can be involved in casting artists, selecting music and styling the final look. Whether you are really hands on or want to let us take care of it all, we are here to help.

5. Are you due any perks or extras?

Make sure you are aware of all the client friendly extras available. Ours are outlined on our Benefits page, and you also can find relevant information in our In-depth guide.

6. Holding the date

Tell us what you have in mind so that we can discuss any issues you may have, answer questions and create a quote. If you have an event date then we can hold the day for you. We can hold just artists if you are unsure of costume, or vice-versa. We will ask you to confirm or release the enquiry as the date approaches and if we have conflicting enquiries you will have first choice.

7. Confirmation

When you wish to confirm your booking, let us know and send us your contract if you have one. We will then issue our booking confirmation and safety documents, which tell you everything you need to know about working with artists on-site. After this we will confirm everything at our end.