These email templates were generated by email etiquette elite Lucifer Christmas, and has generously shared them with us to have as an available resource for anyone who would like to contact a burlesque producer! Please feel free to use and adjust to your needs, always remembering that burlesque performers and producers are humans first of all. Thanks!
1. (For general contact, looking to help, get a foot in the door, run merch, etc...).
Hello [PRODUCER NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I've been performing/part of the burlesque scene in [CITY] for [months/years]. I'm writing because I really enjoy the work that you do, especially your show [SHOW NAME]. [Include one sentence about a particular moment you liked].
I was wondering whether you need any volunteers or pickup artists/kittens for upcoming shows. If yes, I would be more than happy to offer my time. I've also worked with [TROUPES/PRODUCERS YOUVE WORKED WITH] and am happy to provide references should you need them.
Thank you for your time.
Regards, [YOUR NAME]
Tips and followup: If they don't respond right away, let it marinate for a few weeks and then float the email back up with a general introduction that lets the producer know, in a friendly manner, that you appreciate their time and are still available to help. Always give emails (especially if they were written on a phone) either a grammar check (use the Grammarly app if you can) or a few minutes to rest before you re-read, just in case autocorrect has introduced anything super nutty.
2. For booking (generic):
Hello [PRODUCER NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME] and I've been performing/part of the burlesque scene in [CITY] for [months/years]. I'm writing because I really enjoy the work that you do, especially your show [SHOW NAME]. [Include one sentence about a particular moment you liked].
I'm currently looking to book work in shows for [TIME PERIOD]. I'd love to be part of your show in particular because [REASON - bonus points if you can tie it to a mission of the troupe or producer].
I've recently performed with [PRODUCER AND SHOW NAME], [PRODUCER AND SHOW NAME], as well as [TROUPE NAME]. My style is [DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE] and I can also [DESCRIBE SPECIAL SKILLS - JUGGLING, HULA HOOP, CIRCUS, ETC...].
I've attached four recent photos to this email and you can find video of my [TITLE OF ACT] act here: [vimeo or YouTube LINK].
Thank you so much for your time - I'd really love to work with you.
Sincerely, [YOUR NAME].
Tips and followup: If you don't hear back within a week, bump the email (gently) by saying something like the following: "Hi, [Producer], I just wanted to be sure that you got my email. I'll be in your area [dates] and would love to work with you if that's a possibility. Regards, {performer name}."
After that, let it be - or, if they give you a deadline, wait until the deadline plus one day to write back. (Example, the producer says: "I'll solidify my cast on May 10th and will follow up with you after." Wait until May 11th or 12th to write back.)