Are you a talented circus performer looking for performance opportunities in the Boston area and beyond? Before you contact us, please read through the following Performer Standards.
- BCG Performer Standards
1. Reliability: Performer is reliable and meets or exceeds the responsibilities required by a gig. This includes, but is not limited to, prompt arrival, being respectful to clients and fulfilling all requirements of a contract.
2. Costuming: Performer has professional level costume(s), make-up, hygiene, and overall physical presentation.
3. Insurance: All performers should carry appropriate performer insurance. High-risk acts such as aerialists and fire performers must carry performer insurance to be booked through the BCG.
4. Equipment: Performer either owns or has responsible access to all equipment required for their act. Aerialists either own or are able to reliably acquire or rent apparatus and all rigging. Performer has sufficient training in use and maintenance of all equipment required for their act.
5. Safety: Aerialists have been trained and are able to safely rig their own equipment in the venue. Fire performers have been trained in and are thoroughly comfortable with fire safety procedures, and will provide all necessary safety equipment (fire blanket or extinguisher, etc).
6. Performance Quality: Performer has adequate training and/or experience in their skill to present a professional level performance. A professional level performance includes technical ability, polished presentation, choreography that considers the audience and venue, and a rapport with the audience. Though specific criteria will vary depending on the skill area, here are some general guidelines:
- Performer has sufficient technical ability to execute the act reliably and cleanly. We all make mistakes on stage from time to time, but the performer should be able to move past mistakes with a minimum of interruption. The tricks employed in the act should involve more than those generally considered beginner level. Each act should include a range that includes advanced level material.
- Performer is able to present a polished act. The performer should be able to not only execute their act, but to perform it. This includes thoroughly rehearsed blocking and choreography, clean body lines (extension through arms, legs, hands, feet, spine, etc.), and intentional facial expressions. Polished presentation also includes appropriate music selection where applicable, and appropriate costuming and styling for the act and the venue.
- Performer has considered the role of the audience in their act. For some acts or roving skills, this includes the ability to interact with audience members as a professional entertainer and to provide a unique, exciting, and situationally appropriate experience. For other acts, this means connecting with the audience by presenting an engaging stage act, not simply a demonstration of skills.
- Performer dedicates time weekly to training and skill development. This includes practice of specific skills or tricks, rehearsing, act creation, and physical conditioning.
All acts must be presented to the BCG via a live audition or, in approved cases, via video. The BCG makes the final determination as to whether a performer meets the above standards. Performers are welcome to re-audition as they develop and improve.
7. Experience: It is highly recommended that new performers have been working as a professional performer for at least six months prior to applying for membership. “Professional” status is determined by level of pay, number of performances, and all of the aforementioned criteria. All new performers wishing to become members of BCG must submit a CV of all performances and training within the last 2-5 years for membership consideration.