A strong act.
A clear plan.

Begin with the purpose of the performance

An opening that demands everyone’s attention, a short stage performance and an act between other programme items each have a different rhythm. Describe the intended function before selecting on appearance alone. Explain the event, the adult audience and the atmosphere you want. Discuss the act, clothing, audience interaction and its limits. A name or photograph does not tell you everything a performer offers.

Check the programme, audience and venue

Ask for a recent showreel or description of the act. A portfolio photograph conveys presentation; a recording helps you assess pace and delivery. Ask where and in what circumstances it was recorded.

Programme: when will the act take place, and how much time is available? Audience: what has been announced, and what will visitors expect? Venue: do the performance area, sound and facilities fit the act? Studio imagery on this website illustrates presentation; it is not a list of available acts or evidence of a previous booking. If you are seeking candidates for a production rather than a particular act, start with a casting brief.

Include practical costs and possible changes

Ask how travel, parking, technical equipment, any overnight stay and extra waiting time are covered. Have the proposal state whether VAT is included and when payments are due. Discuss delays, rescheduling, cancellation or inability to perform before confirming. Ask who decides on changes and how they will be confirmed. Do not assume terms that have not been discussed.

Check who your contact and contracting party are: the performer, an agency or another organiser. Have unclear arrangements explained before you accept.

Prepare three sets of questions

Location: is it indoors, outdoors or still undecided? Describe the space or ask what the act needs. Programme: is there a fixed slot, more than one set or a schedule still to be agreed? Discuss arrival, preparation, performance and departure. Recording: will a photographer or filmmaker attend, will there be no planned recording, or is this undecided? Discuss whether and how photographs or video will be made.

These questions prepare a conversation. They do not send an enquiry, confirm a booking or show current availability.

Before arrival: one reachable contact

Share the address, access arrangements, parking options and telephone number of a person who can be reached at the venue. Check with the performer who provides sound, lighting and any music files. Everyone should know whom to contact if plans change.

During and after the performance

Maintain the agreed boundaries around audience interaction and route unexpected requests through the contact person. Allow time to pack down. Resolve outstanding questions about the performance and administration afterwards.

Agree recording and its intended use beforehand. Seek agreement for that use rather than assuming a performance automatically provides promotional material.

How far in advance should I enquire?

Enquire once you know enough about the date, venue and intended act. Availability varies. An enquiry or proposal is not a confirmation: agree the point at which the booking becomes firm.

Can an act be adapted to our venue?

Discuss the space and technical options with the performer. Some acts cannot simply be shortened or performed on another surface. Have proposed changes assessed in advance.

Can I book directly through this guide?

No. This is preparation for an enquiry, not a quotation or booking confirmation. Discuss a concrete request directly with the performer or relevant agency. A clear brief and an understanding of each party’s responsibilities help the right person respond.