Burlesque Performance Fundamentals
December Intensives
Instructor: Jo Weldon,
Author of The Burlesque Handbook
Get to the next level. Become a true burlesque insider as you learn all about the anatomy of a burlesque routine and career!
Six classes, December 6 and 13
$15 each, $69 for all six.
Persona, Music, Costume, Choreography, Staging, and Professionalism.
PAST CLASSES. DO NOT REGISTER.
Did you miss the December 6 sessions? Email Schoolofburlesqueatgmaildotcom for recordings.
All classes are listed in Eastern Standard Time. When you register for a class, be sure to add it to your calendar in your own time zone. You will receive your Zoom invitation the day of the class. If you did not receive your Zoom invitation, please let us know BEFORE the class begins, rather than emailing us afterward to let us know you did not get it.
What makes a burlesque performer excellent? Mastering fundamentals!
These sessions will help you understand the building blocks of burlesque: persona, music, costume, choreography, and staging. In each class, we'll discuss coherence among these four elements, as well as how to remember to connect to the audience when you're juggling all these logistics!
We will be continuously discussing self-confidence and audience connection.
Fundamental 1: Persona, December 6, 1-2 pm EST
You willll learn how to choose the best stage name for you, how to develop a persona for an act or a career, and do exercises to develop and strengthen your ability to express intention and emotion. We will talk about performers who have become successful because of their personas, and the differences between character and persona. We will also discuss why it is critical to remain true to yourself in the face of pressure, both real and imagined, to conform for commercial purposes.
Fundamental 2: Music, December 6, 2.10-3.10
We'll discuss the difference between vintage and contemporary music selections, how to choose music that works for your persona or theme, and how to use music to make the audience believe in you. We will also discuss why the pleasure you take in it is the most important aspect in your choice of music.
Fundamental 3: Costume, December 6, 3.20-4.20
We'll discuss what's so unique about burlesque costuming, and its importance in developing a routine. You'll learn how to assemble a professional-looking costume without sewing, how to upgrade a costume, and what it's like to work with top-level costumers. Includes tips on shoes, trims, breakaways, and saving money. I'll also talk about how to make your costume personal to you, even if you incorporate popular elements.
Fundamental 4: Choreography, December 13, 1-2 pm
We'll discuss how striptease makes burlesque choreography unique, and how to make the most of props like fans, boas, and chairs. This will also include straightforward tips on how to create choreography even if you don't dance.
Fundamental 5: Staging, December 13, 2.10-3.10 pm
The emphasis is on how to start and how to end a routine, and knowing where you'll be at all times in between. Includes tips on stage direction for both live and video performances, how your choices affect the audience's attention span, and managing your costumes and props during your act. We will discuss how knowing your stage supports your confidence in your act -- and how not knowing it can work either for or against you.
Class Six: Professionalism, December 13, 3.20-4.20 pm
How to get gigs, for both in-person and online shows. Do you need expensive costumes? What makes show producers choose your video? How can you be organized to respond to show announcements quickly so you get the gig? And more! Includes a 64 page ebook.
You will use worksheets to develop your own idea for a routine, but those ideas will not be workshopped in this series.
Can't wait to see you in class!
