Let’s have a frank chat, darling: saying yes to gigs that pay less than your costume budget isn’t just hurting your wallet—it’s damaging your reputation too. Performing for a pittance might seem like a quick way to fill your calendar or “get your name out there,” but in the long run, it does more harm than good.
Here’s why:
1. You’re Setting the Bar Low (For Everyone)
When you agree to work for £50, a free drink, or the promise of “exposure,” you’re not just devaluing your own time—you’re lowering the market rate for everyone else. Producers and clients think, “Why should we pay more when we can get a performer for next to nothing?”
It’s a domino effect, and soon the whole industry suffers. Respect your art, and charge what you’re worth.
2. Cheap Fees = Cheap Perception
You’re a professional artist, not a party trick. If you charge bargain-basement prices, people will see your act as bargain-basement quality—even if your rhinestones are Swarovski and your splits are flawless. The psychology is simple: higher fees signal higher value. Raise your rates, and people will start to take you more seriously.
3. It’s Not Just About the Money
By undercharging, you’re sending a message—to yourself and others—that your work isn’t worth much. This mindset can creep into other areas of your life, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a loop of undervaluing your talent. Set a fee that reflects your skills, your prep time, and your travel costs, and stick to it.
4. Low Fees Don’t Cover Your Costs
Let’s do some quick maths:
- Costume upkeep = £30/month (minimum). Replacing tights, time spent doing repairs etc.
- Travel to gigs = £10–£50 each time. (not to mention perhaps parking, child care, hotel stays, food)
- Hair and makeup products = £20–£100 per gig. (dont forget root touch ups for your look)
If you’re charging £75 for a set, you’re likely operating at a loss. Factor in rehearsal time and admin, and you’re practically paying to perform. Love your art, but don’t let it leave you skint.
5. Exposure Doesn’t Pay Rent
“Oh, but it’s great exposure!” they say. Darling, exposure is what you die of in the wilderness, not how you build a career. Unless the gig has a direct and immediate link to a lucrative opportunity—think high-profile events or connections to big players in the industry—politely decline.
6. Set a Minimum Fee (and Stick to It)
Have a baseline figure that makes it worth your while. This should cover your expenses and leave you with a profit. In the UK, £150–£220 is considered a reasonable minimum for mid level experience professionals—adjust based on your experience and local market. This isnt set in concrete however. It does vary from show types, date (New Year’s Eve is a premium time) and more. This number was going off the consenus from other performers.
A little tip: look how much they sell the tickets for and the venue capcity. If they are selling £25 per ticket at a 100 seater venue why are they only offering a £50 fee…thats 2 tickets. Same goes for vanity producers: people who ‘produce’ shows that reguarly dont pay, very low fee or ‘make a profit’ but they keep doing them. This is not good business. They rely on performers desperate to perform to keep their reputation as a producer going. Nope. If there is no budget to pay, there is not show to have.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but don’t go so low that you resent the gig by the time you’ve peeled your first glove.
The Bottom Line: Respect Yourself, or No One Else Will
Every time you take a gig for less than your worth, you’re teaching people that burlesque is cheap. But we both know it’s anything but. Your art is valuable. Your time is valuable. And you, darling, are priceless.
So the next time someone asks you to “do it for exposure” or offers a laughable fee, channel your inner diva and say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Then go book a gig that pays you properly—you’ve earned it. 💋
