Being a freelance performer, director or choreographer can be the most fantastically rewarding, yet extremely hard profession in which to build a solid career. Self motivation and a passion to be doing what you love are vital qualities in paving the way to success. You must be prepared to wear many hats and ultimately be responsible for sourcing and/or creating work as well as managing a good deal of administration yourself.
Here are some tips and tools that may assist you in taking yourself and your work to the stage:
Do Your Research
There are some incredible opportunities out there, you just need to find them and put yourself forward. Many grants are offered by government funding bodies and arts organisations, so do your research and create a database, noting key criteria and deadlines. Give yourself plenty of lead time when applying for a grant as a wealth of support documentation and budgeting are to be provided. Also research companies and artists you would like to work with and find out if they offer secondments or workshops. Check notice boards for auditions and make sure you are subscribed to industry e-newsletters.
Make You Own Work
Often the best way to showcase yourself is to create your own work. There are many elements to putting on a show such as sourcing performers, collaborating with musicians and designers, booking rehearsal space, finding a venue and promoting the show. It’s a good idea to start small, perhaps a solo show, to build up your experience before creating larger scale productions. Utilise your networks to find creative collaborators and make sure you invite key industry people to opening night.
Keep Your Creative Connection Alive
Build a schedule of classes and workshops that you attend regularly to deepen your craft, build on your skills and open your networks. See as many shows as you can and know what is going on in the industry by regularly connecting with your dance and theatre community.
Seek Advice – Find a Mentor
Seek advice from those who are doing what you are aiming to do. Finding a mentor to guide you through processes, talk through issues and generally assist with your career development can be very beneficial. Some organisations offer mentorship programs or you can always approach someone yourself. Discuss with your mentor what you are aiming to achieve and reach an agreement with an overall commitment that will suit you both.
Be Organised
As a freelancer, you need to organise yourself and manage your time well. A diary is essential to schedule your time each week. Record all income and expenditure of paid work and keep a copy of invoices, booking sheets and receipts. Find a tax accountant who has experience in performing arts and be aware of what expenses you can claim.
Utilise The Net
Be savvy with online resources. Build a website or blog with examples of your work and links to reviews. Utilise Facebook and Twitter to connect with the industry and promote yourself. Build profiles on sites where you can apply to casting calls and expand your exposure.
Finance Your Life
Find paid work that is flexible and, most importantly, that you enjoy. Budget how much you need in order to pay your bills and to live, as stress over how you are going to pay the rent can be detrimental to your creative psyche. Roles such as teaching, party entertainment, promotions or temp work can pay well and give you the time to dedicate to building your life in performing arts.
Set Boundaries
Create guidelines and goals for yourself and reflect on these after each project. You may choose to work for free on a project if it’s a good quality production or with someone you wish to work with. Choose projects that enrich your performance experience and know what your limits are. It’s an industry where unpaid jobs are rampant – know when and why to volunteer your talent.
Love What You Do
Do what you love and love what you do. Isn’t that what the performing arts are all about? It’s those moments of magic that make it all worthwhile. It’s a special industry to be a part of and one that may have its down times, but many spectacular highs. Enjoy the journey.
Tina Evans
Tina Evans is an Australian freelance dancer, actor and choreographer. She received an Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship and spent time Antarctica researching ice for dance work ‘Polarity’. She performs with Tony Yap Company and across a range of dance, theatre and film projects. Check out tinaevansperformance.com
Add to Google
Well said Tina,
Feelancers work is sometimes really hard and to have it organised and be part of community is essential. Thank you for your lovely article. In so many ways it is similar not just for dancers but for any artists….