How to Know Which Showcases to Do as an Actor - by John Essay

I have been asked many times over the years what kinds of showcases actors should do. I have been to hundreds—if not thousands—of showcases in the nearly 30 years I have been a manager, and I can count on both hands those I actually enjoyed and benefited from. The rest were quickly forgotten—mainly because they were uninventive, un-stimulating, or downright BORING. If you are thinking of developing or participating in a showcase, make sure it is exciting, unique, and has a great selling point!

Showcases come in many "types"—scenes, monologues, one-acts—and "styles"—improve, acting, musical theatre—but the "type" or "style" is the least important thing to consider when thinking of developing or participating in a showcase. The most important element is the overall way the showcase is packaged, or the "wow factor."

Let me explain. You will draw more flies to the honey if your showcase has an interesting "gimmick." You could present your showcase in a fascinating venue—a park, an old gutted warehouse, an ice cream parlor, a bus, a train, even a theater—as long as the show is of interest. Try hiring a director of note to help add legitimacy and some industry “buzz” around your showcase. How about scenes interspersed with music from a well-known or up-and-coming composer? Or start a play contest by soliciting 10-minute plays from playwrights. Choose six of the best, cast them with great talent, and spread the word. People attending would not only benefit from seeing new talent but also the work of some new playwrights. You could even serve interesting snacks or beverages before or after the performance. How about a fondue party? Or frozen summer blender drinks? Be creative—the list of ideas is endless.

Above all, do not participate in a showcase for the sole reason of getting casting directors and agents to come to advance your career. Of course, you will invite industry folk to come and see it, but it should not be the only reason to participate in it. Your main reasons to do a showcase should be that you like and admire the other people involved; you want to perform in something sooner rather than later; you like the concept; it promises to be a learning experience; and, most importantly, it should be fun!

Putting on a great showcase only takes a group of talented people working together. I hope this article empowers you to collaborate with others and produce your own compelling showcase.

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What Kinds of Showcases should I do? What form?

Showcases come in many "types" (scenes, monologues, one-acts) and "styles" (improv, acting, musical theatre). The "type" or "style" is the LEAST important thing to consider when thinking of developing or participating in a showcase. The MOST important element is the overall way the showcase is packaged, or the "WOW factor", if you will.  I have been to hundreds, if not thousands, of showcases over the time I have been a manager - more than 25 years - and I can count on one hand those I actually enjoyed and benefited from.  The rest were quickly forgotten, mainly because they were uninventive, unstimulating and downright BORING. 

Let me explain.  You will draw more flies to the honey if your "showcase" has an interesting "gimmick".  This can be in the form of a fascinating venue: a park, an old gutted warehouse, an ice cream parlor, on a bus, on a train, in a public restroom (oh people, PLEASE - I am KIDDING...but only partly.  Come on, do you mean you wouldn't be a little interested if you were invited to a showcase presented in a public restroom?).  OK, even a theatre will do, AS LONG AS the show is of interest.  Try hiring a director of note to help add legitimacy and buzz around your showcase.  How about scenes interspersed with music from a well known or up-and-coming composer?  I have always wanted to start a play contest by soliciting plays from playwrights that are no more than 10 minutes long.  I'd choose 6 of the best, cast them with great talent, and spread the word.  People attending would not only benefit from seeing new talent but also the work of some new playwrights.

If you are thinking of developing or participating in a showcase, make sure it is exciting, unique, and has a great selling point!  Above all, DO NOT participate in a showcase for the sole reason of getting casting directors and agents to come to advance your career.  Your main reasons to do a showcase should be because you like and admire the other people involved, you like the concept, it promises to be a learning experience, and (IMPORTANT) it should be FUN!  Of course you will invite industry folk to come and see it, but it WILL NOT be the ONLY reason to participate in it. 

Right now a client of mine and I are developing a "showcase" of a new play we found, which my client would direct (she is primarily an actress but we are beginning to explore directing opportunities for her). This play we found is perfect for high schools and community theatres across the country, and getting it up in public will help in getting this play produced elsewhere. I will cast the roles with many of my clients to give them more exposure, and to provide them with a creatively fulfilling project.  Those are three excellent reasons for us to do this showcase. 

Understand? Good - now go start a showcase of your own!

Should actors pay for industry reps 2 drink minimum at their invited showcases?

This is part of an actors "budget".  It is hard enough to get ANYONE to come see you in a show, let alone expect them to pay for drinks that are enforced by the club. All of these kinds of "clubs" have a two drink MINIMUM!  You must pay it regardless if you drink or not. This is only for a very small niche industry: Comedy Clubs, Cabaret Clubs, Dinner Theatre (although the theatre is usually gracious enough to comp the meals...sometimes).

Remember, most representatives that go to see showcases/cabarets/comedy acts are young adults just starting out in their agencies, looking for clients to bring into their agency in order to move up the ranks.  Young agents barely make enough to eat (most of their money comes from who they bring to the agency).  Some may go every weekend to scout new talent or more often.  That is a lot of money out of pocket for an agent who is basically working overtime, wouldn't have necessarily been at this show if not invited AND may not even drink alcohol.

The only exception is if the representative was there on his/her own without an invitation.  Then, of course, you wouldn't pay for anything - EVEN if the representative asked. Here's a handy saying: "If you extend an invitation you must pay for their libation".  LOL!  Just made that up.  Anyway, if you invited an agent to dinner (or even a friend, for that matter) you would still pay.   

To make it a bit easier to afford, try to spread the cost around among the rest of the performers/comedians in the show (if there were any); ask them to pitch in and help pay for any and all invited representatives, casting directors etc.