Are you a person? Then this class is for you! Whether you’re new or experienced, a stage kitten or an emcee, a performer or a techie, or even a longtime observer wanting to participate, learning the ins and outs of being the best stage kitten you can be is an essential tool to add to your burlesque belt. Being a stage kitten might *seem* like a simple job involving picking up clothes and setting up props, but there is SO much more to it! There is also a common misconception that being a stage kitten is a stepping stone to being a “real” performer. In reality, a good stage kitten can truly make or break a show and alleviate a lot of stress for everyone involved. Sound scary? Don’t worry, it’s tons of fun, and you’ll be learning from the best of the best!
In this class, we will explore:
-what the role of “stage kitten” really entails (heh)
-why your love of taking care of people is perfect for this
-being prepared for (almost) anything
-staying “in character”
-troubleshooting and problem solving before, during, and after shows
-the glamorous stuff
-the way less glamorous stuff
-tricks of the trade: special tips, tricks, and little-known secrets that make your role as kitten easier, including making an "Oh Sh!t Kit"
-self-care: important ways to look after your body, mind, and spirit before, during, and after shows
-the significance of the filthy-sounding title of this workshop
My hope is that you will leave this class with a mew--ahem, new--skill set that you will be able to apply to future stage kittening endeavors, a fresh excitement for giving this often-overlooked job a try (or another try), and an appreciation for the kittens in your community. Also a smile. I really hope you leave with a smile.
What to bring:
Your beautiful selves! I also recommend a notebook/writing implement and wearing clothes that make you feel sexy, just because life is more fun that way. A playfully mischievous attitude is encouraged, but not necessary. đ
This class is open to people of all genders and experience levels.
Help us get ready to welcome all of our fans, friends, and fantastic participants! You could be setting up furniture, assembling welcome packets, hanging signs, making goody bags, printing name badges... the sky's the limit!
The Registration and Info desk is the heart and soul of The Great Burlesque Exposition. Be that friendly face that welcomes people to the event, or that knowledgable voice who points them in the right direction.
4:00:00
4:00:00
Operate the sound board during the show. Check levels, ensure microphones have fresh batteries and are on/off when they should be.
Check tickets at the door, help people to the correct section, keep people from shooting video, alert people when show is about to start/intermission is about to end, etc.
Helpful to have an iPhone with the Eventbrite Organizer app
Make our performers feel welcome and loved!
Go-go dancers entertain before, during, and (sometimes) after the show. Go-go dancers may collect tips and the audience is encouraged to tip them.
Go-go performers of all genders, sexes, body types, levels of experience, and styles are encouraged to apply.
Take fabulous phots of beautiful people and beautiful photos of fabulous people!
It is helpful (but not necessary) to attend rehearsals earlier in the evening
It is very helpful (but not required) for you also to be able to attend the rehearsals earlier in the evening.
The Lighting Assistant works with the LD, the Board Operator, and the Stage Manager to record all of the lighting details, make sure lighting cues are recorded and hit, and cover anything lighting realted that we've missed.
The shift is scheduled from Doors open (7:30pm) until half an hour after the show is scheduled to end, but you're likely done when the show is over.
Join Betty Blaize in her heroic vision inspired by the opening credits of everyone's favorite dancing super-hero, The Peacemaker. This is a group striptease which uses "Do You Wanna Taste It" by Wig Wam, and is inspired at least as much by their awful, awful music video as it is by the Peacemaker opening credits.
Rehearsals will be Sunday evenings (7:00pm or 7:30pm) starting March 19 at The Asylum Co-Lab at Faneuil Hall in Boston. You must be able to attend most of these rehearsals if you want to be in the performance.
Rehearsals are
with a last rehearsal on Thursday, May 4 at 7:00pm and a performance at 8:00 p.m. the same night.
Design looks and manage lighting cues for performers
Work the Follow Spot for the show. It is help[ful but not necessary to attend rehearsals earlier in the evening.
It is very helpful (but not necessary) for you to attend the rehearsals earlier in the evening.
Report to the stage manager, Stage Crew is responsible for clearing or catching costumes, setting and clearing props and set pieces, and are sometimes called upon to hand or collect an item or costume piece on cue.
We're celebrating May the Fourth with a showcase of intergalatic proportions! The best performers from across the multiverse are congregating in Salem, MA for an evening of heavenly bodies and celestial beings that's hotter than a supernova. Whether you War, Trek, or ride some other solar tide, you're going to love this out-of-this-world show!
Please note: Right now, this event is for performers who have been cast for the weekend and staff only. Deacon Giles can only accomodarte a limited number of people. Once we have the an idea of how many people can attend, we will be accepting RSVPs from non-performers with Whole Shebang and Socialite passes.
We wanted to do something a little extra extra for all the folks who do so much to make the weekend happen. So we talked our good friends at Deacon Giles Speakeasy Lab into letting us take over their joint for the night. We'll provide the entertainment and some snacks and Deacon Giles will be serving some of their famous craft cocktails! Take home a bottle or three as a souvenir of The Great Burlesque Exposition!
The Speakeasy Lab is about a 10 minute walk from Old Town Hall.
Go-go dancers entertain before, during, and (sometimes) after the show. Go-go dancers may collect tips and the audience is encouraged to tip them.
Go-go performers of all genders, sexes, body types, levels of experience, and styles are encouraged to apply.
Smile! Greet people! Check them in!
4:00:00
One hour class to improve strength and flexibility. Through a series of guided strengthening and stretching exercises students will learn to improve their leg flexibility, strengthen their ankles (important for dancing in heels), and generally loosen muscles. This class teaches a mix of exercises taken from ballet, yoga, and other dance forms. The class will be geared towards basic level students, but all levels of flexibility are welcome. A ttendees will be checked during exercises for proper form and to prevent injury. Please wear combortable clothes that are easy to move in!
Come, join us for happy hour at the barre!! The dance barre that is! Up your movement skills by focusing on leg, ankle, and foot strength and full-body alignment. This class will include a gentle warm up and then focus on floor barre and standing barre exercises. Wake up your body, stretch and strengthen your muscles, and connect your body from toe tip to the top of your head. While prior dance experience will make this class easier, the class is suitable for all experience levels and many of the exercises can be modified to be completed sitting or lying on the floor.
This class is one hour and 12 minutes. We spend time on various floor barre movements, with a focus on body alignment and strengthening muscles in the legs, abs, and back. Then we will come to standing and the rest of the class will focus on standing barre movements, including foot exercises, leg lifts, kicks, pleas and releves, and stretches.
The class objective is to learn floor and standing barre exercises to strengthen and stretch various muscle groups.
The student should wear comfortable clothes suitable for movement. No shoes are necessary.
Set the chairs, tables, and staging for the Burlesk Bordello. It helps if you can comfortably lift 25 pounds. No special skills required, but if you have some experience setting up lights or sound, let us know!
In this class designed for beginner crafters/pastie makers we will discuss different options for crafting your own pasties. We will discuss glues, fabrics, and covering options. We will also discuss pastie patterns and use of pattern templates. We will also discuss the inclusion of tassels in your design, the benefits of using a removable tassel, different hardware options for removable tassels, and different types of tassels to make or purchase.
Bring a notebook and pen or other method for taking notes and all of your questions!!
This all levels class is built around body appreciation, movement with intention, and energy placement. Students will learn how to awaken and reconnect with their erotic power through sensual movement, dance, gratitude, and music. This class incorporates Burlesque elements: slow burn, light floorwork, grindwork, and eye/body fuckery. Layered moveable clothing, socks, and hydration are a must.
Who were the women who shaped the Golden Age of burlesque and inspired today's performers? Burlesque historian Miss Mina takes you on a lively trip through history, highlighting some of the influential performers in burlesque from Victorian Era to the 1950's during this fun slideshow and talk.
As performers and artists, how do we deal with criticism, critiques and rejection, in a productive way?
Burlesque is a deeply personal art for many practitioners. With so much invested in our performance, how do we differentiate between commentary on our act and commentary on our selves? This course teaches effective communication techniques from tone to word choice for giving and receiving feedback in a positive light. We’ll also discuss using negative experiences like festival rejections as springboards for creativity and reinvigoration, and explores a variety of solutions to common traps we fall into when receiving feedback.
4:00:00
A classic topic - what's a great act without some classic moves? Pulling from Betty's 20 years of belly dance and Burlesque experience, we'll dig into the classics of Burlesque hip and chest moves. Class will start with the basics of how to do these moves cleanly and how to situate them within a classic Burlesque number, and will move on to tips, tricks and ways to make it all more beautifully complicated depending on the comfort of the students.
Please wear clothes you can move in. If your clothing is loose around your hips, please bring a scarf or something else to tie around your hips. Dance friendly shoes or bare feet are welcome.
"I'm not in burlesque for the money." That's fine, but, there is money involved, and we all need to keep track of it. Class topics will include opportunity costs, break even points, invoicing and what your accountant is looking for during tax season. Time permitting, advanced tax topics like depreciation and amortization will be covered. This class is a starting point, and does not replace the advice of a certified tax accountant.
This engaging seminar is for anyone who moves or communicates from stage: hosts, comedians, and (of course) dancers.
Learn about the Delsarte System of Expression, which introduces how different regions of the body and types of movement convey Mental, Moral-Emotive, and Vital eneegies. Students will develop a heightened awareness of the nuances of body language and learn how even a small change, like using a different finger to lead a gesture, can powerfully alter its meaning.
By the end of this seminar, students will have gained a solid grounding in the basic principals of the Delsarte System of Expression and its potential to transform their self-expression in various areas of life.
Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in and expect to remove your shoes. This class is suitable for students of all levels of mobility, and no dance experience is required.
Corsets are one of those classic burlesque costume elements, but they can be baffling. Overbust, waist training, spiral, busks... What does it all mean? Let Miss Mina, an award-winning costumer and long-time corset-wearer, guide you through all aspects of corsetry. You'll learn how to buy a corset that's right for you and essential information for making your own. We'll also discuss how to properly wear a corset and, most importantly, how to remove it!
Do you want to make your own costume pieces, but have no idea where to begin? Has it been many years since you've sewn something and you'd like a refresher? Join Ava and go back to the basics!
We will cover:
It's time to get down - on the floor, that is! We'll be learning transitions to and from the ground, flexibility cheats, and floor moves to wow the crowd. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or trying to hone your skills, this class will add some more bump to your floor grind.
All levels, genders, and body types welcome.
Heels recommended but not required.
Students should wear clothes that they can move in.
Conference helpers
As most classes are grouped together, this is a great position for someone with limited mobility. If you know anything about connecting projectors to laptops or phones, it's a bonus. People you dopn't know may be asking you questions and yu may need to be a little assertive telling teachers their class is almost over.
Focusing in on the power of a vintage eye look and various ways to pump it up for an onstage look, Betty will be bringing 20 years of glamorous make up skills to bear in a hands on eye makeup tutorial. The look we'll be working on is based on a vintage 1940s look that gives a natural looking pop to the eyes. We'll then look at ways to add drama and false eyelashes to super size it for stage performance.
Class will cover shopping tips, application, tricks for pesky problems and makeup hygiene.
This is a hands on participation class. Watchers are welcome, but folks with makeup are highly encouraged to come and play - it's way fun!
If you want to recreate the look Betty will be teaching, please bring:
Betty will have plenty to share of:
Local historian Rory Raven of Salem on Foot guides you on an easy 90-minute tour through the city's streets and stories! Explore the events that shaped Salem, and still cast long shadows today. You'll hear about witches and Puritans, of course, but also about Nathaniel Hawthorne, the exotic spice trade, a Revolutionary War standoff, and the Great Fire that nearly wiped Salem off the map. You'll even visit one of the oldest graveyards in the nation!
This event is included with The Socialite and Whole Shebang weekend passes – as well as being available individually – but the tour size is limited, so if you wish to attend please make a reservation, even if you get a free ticket.
4:00:00
Make our performers feel welcome and loved!
2:00:00
Operate the sound board during the show. Check levels, ensure microphones have fresh batteries and are on/off when they should be.
4:30:00
Check tickets at the door, help people to the correct section, keep people from shooting video, alert people when show is about to start/intermission is about to end, etc.
Helpful to have an iPhone with the Eventbrite Organizer app
2:00:00
Play interstitial music and music for go-go dancers.
Push "Play" on cue. A familiarity with iTunes (Apple Music) or Go Button is really helpful.
Take fabulous phots of beautiful people and beautiful photos of fabulous people!
Take fabulous phots of beautiful people and beautiful photos of fabulous people!
Go-go dancers entertain before, during, and (sometimes) after the show. Go-go dancers may collect tips and the audience is encouraged to tip them.
Go-go performers of all genders, sexes, body types, levels of experience, and styles are encouraged to apply.
Work the Follow Spot for the show
The Lighting Assistant works with the LD, the Board Operator, and the Stage Manager to record all of the lighting details, make sure lighting cues are recorded and hit, and cover anything lighting realted that we've missed.
Invited performers, special guests, and winners from previous years take the stage in a spectacular showcase that's full of star power!
The full list of performers will be posted on or around February 4, so check back soon!
Individual tickets go on sale on March 4. Prior to that we are only selling weekend passes.
Operate the sound board during the show. Check levels, ensure microphones have fresh batteries and are on/off when they should be.
This after-hours event features some of our more risqué performances in an intimate cabaret setting. Dim the lights, pour the wine, and sit back and enjoy. Just remember: what happens at The Burlesk Bordello stays at The Burlesk Bordello...
The full list of performers will be posted on or around February 4, so check back soon!
Individual tickets go on sale on March 4. Prior to that we are only selling weekend passes. This show is 21+. Tipping is encouraged.
Make our performers feel welcome and loved!
The Lighting Assistant works with the LD, the Board Operator, and the Stage Manager to record all of the lighting details, make sure lighting cues are recorded and hit, and cover anything lighting realted that we've missed.
2:00:00
Work the Follow Spot for the show
2:00:00
Check tickets at the door, help people to the correct section, keep people from shooting video, alert people when show is about to start/intermission is about to end, etc.
Helpful to have an iPhone with the Eventbrite Organizer app
Go-go dancers entertain before, during, and (sometimes) after the show. Go-go dancers may collect tips and the audience is encouraged to tip them.
Go-go performers of all genders, sexes, body types, levels of experience, and styles are encouraged to apply.
Play interstitial music and music for go-go dancers.
Push "Play" on cue. A familiarity with iTunes (Apple Music) or Go Button is really helpful.
1:00:00
Move tables and chairs to get things ready for vendors. You should be able to move 25 lbs without difficulty
Conference helpers
As most classes are grouped together, this is a great position for someone with limited mobility. If you know anything about connecting projectors to laptops or phones, it's a bonus. People you dopn't know may be asking you questions and yu may need to be a little assertive telling teachers their class is almost over.
No matter how punctual, experienced, or skilled you are , if you don't get paid you are by definition an amateur. This 60-minute class covers the secrets of marketing yourself, setting your rates, contract negotiation, how to get booked, and the all-important art of getting the re-booking. An essential class for anyone who wants to earn money performing burlesque! Please bring any sales collateral (business cards, advertising fliers, branded give-aways, etc.) which you may have.
This workshop focuses on finishing full lines of movement, body awareness, and holding space. Students will participate in polishing drills as well as learning controlled movement to help with muscle memory to enlarge your presence on stage. This class incorporates Burlesque elements of parade and pose. Heels and hydration are highly recommended.
Immortalize our fabulous event in pixels! All levels of experience are welcome.
We're on the hunt for the biggest game of all – a fabulous photo opportunity!
What's a Photo Safari? Take a dozen or more gorgeously dressed models, combine with a handful of talented photographers, add a dash of pre-selected Salem sites, and you have a recipe for some truly memorable images.
Photographers: Beginners and enthusiastic amateurs are welcome. You don’t need to be a professional photographer, but you need to behave in a professional manner. All Photographers will be required to sign an agreement granting permission to the models and the event to use the images from the Photo Safari for non-commercial use, and will receive a model release from all models. Still and video photographers are welcome.
In burlesque we need our costume to stay securely on until the moment it has to effortlessly come off. There are so many kinds of closures, from the simple to the esoteric. Master costumer Miss Mina Murray will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of costume closures, from adhesive to zippers. Hand-on examples will be provided!
Producing, like so many things, is both a blessing and a curse. This class intends to help you navigate the curses so you can enjoy the blessings. Topics will include budgeting, timelines, communications, differnet styles of show adn structures, and a discussion about marketing in different markets. Handouts will be available in person or electronically.
Getting more “work on your face” feedback than you want? Having a hard time evoking emotion on stage? Acting is a part of performance and yes too, Burlesque. This is a movement and acting class that teaches each student to learn and connect facial expressions and body movement through emotion with the help of our animal friends persona’s. Get ready to get out of your comfort zones and out into the wild.
Swap meet volunteers make sure that each item is labeled property, are a friendly face at the table, keep the items looking nice and neat during the Swap Meet, and pack up the leftovers at the end of the time. Participants have the option of comiong and collecting unswapped items at the end, but anything left behind will be donated to a local charity.
You've got some great burlesque costumes and props that just aren't great for you. Maybe it's an act you don't do any more, maybe it's something that doesn't fit your style or body, maybe it's something you bought but never figured out what the right thing to do with it was... whatever it is, there's a good chance that someone wants it!
Bring costumes, props, yards of fabric, trim, appliqués, feathers, fashion accessories... pretty much anything that a burlesquer might like.
“Put Some Funk On It” will help level up your performances by taking commonly used dance moves and “putting YOUR funk” on them to make them your own! You will be taken through a choreographed routine using “basic” dance steps as we explore how to individualize them by infusing your personality into the steps so that you stand out, tell the story and have your audiences melting at your feet!
You have the Charisma, you have the act idea- now let’s put some Funk on those moves!
Have you ever been preparing for a show and had someone ask you - what kind of lighting do you want? And you didn't know how to answer them? Then this class is for you!
In this class I will give a quick and dirty introduction to the world of stage lighting, including teaching you how to converse with designers and techies so you can help them help you and make your performance shine!
Conference helpers
As most classes are grouped together, this is a great position for someone with limited mobility. If you know anything about connecting projectors to laptops or phones, it's a bonus. People you dopn't know may be asking you questions and yu may need to be a little assertive telling teachers their class is almost over.
We're super excited to partner with Still Feral Studios of Manchester, NH to provide mini portrait sessions in the Vendor Hall. Participants will have a 20-minute session, after which they will receive two digital images of their choice. Additional images will be available for purchase.
4:00:00
Taught by instructors from The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education™, drop-in classes let you sample burlesque dance. Want to learn a little bump & grind? How to work a boa? Join us for half an hour of burlesque basics! No experience necessary.
It's said that the best burlesque is a caractiture of life... so how could we not have the best caraciture artist on-site to capture your burlesque beauty!
Artist F. Andrew Taylor has been turing people into cartoons for over 20 years. He and his magic markers have worked their way across the country, doing portrature everywhere from The Big E in Massachussets to Excalibur in Las Vegas. He is also the creator of the six bewitching mascots for this years exposition!
This hands-on workshop will help participants to hone their acting skills and improve their visual storytelling in burlesque! By utilizing acting exercises and exploring character work through the lens of theatre, we will help you serve your best face!
Shuffle up and deal! We've got a full house of luminaries from the Neo-Burlesque Deck signing autographs, posing for pictures, and maybe even doing a few card tricks! Scheduled to appear are
The NeoBurlesque Deck and its precursor, the Burlesque Deck were created by burlesque producer, magician, and "foul-mouthed godmother of L.A. burlesque" Lili vonSchtupp in collaboration with photographer C.B. Summers.
Taught by instructors from The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education™, drop-in classes let you sample burlesque dance. Want to learn a little bump & grind? How to work a boa? Join us for half an hour of burlesque basics! No experience necessary.
Conference helpers
As most classes are grouped together, this is a great position for someone with limited mobility. If you know anything about connecting projectors to laptops or phones, it's a bonus. People you dopn't know may be asking you questions and yu may need to be a little assertive telling teachers their class is almost over.
1:00:00
Taught by instructors from The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education™, drop-in classes let you sample burlesque dance. Want to learn a little bump & grind? How to work a boa? Join us for half an hour of burlesque basics! No experience necessary.
1:00:00
Taught by instructors from The Boston Academy of Burlesque Education™, drop-in classes let you sample burlesque dance. Want to learn a little bump & grind? How to work a boa? Join us for half an hour of burlesque basics! No experience necessary.
Support the performers in the dressing room. Lay out snacks pre-show, maintain calm, play soothing music, be the keeper of the emergency kit, and an extra set of hands to those who need it.
Join the all-star crew that will perform in the opening number of The Main Event. Choreographer Eva Jansen has created a burlesque spectacle worthy of kicking off our grand evening of performances!
Rehearsals will be Sunday evenings (7:00pm or 7:30pm) starting March 19 at The Asylum Co-Lab at Faneuil Hall in Boston. You must be able to attend most of these rehearsals if you want to be in the performance.
Rehearsals are
with a last rehearsal on Saturday, May 6 (time TBD) and a performance at the start of The Main Event later on that evening. Costuming is the responsibility of the dancers, but it shouldn’t be anything too weird, complicated, or expensive.
Please Note: if you have been cast in either portion of the Main Event, you cannot be in the opening number. We really appreciate you, but go volunteer somewhere else ;-)
Place props where they need to go, collect props and costumes at the end of acts.
Go-go dancers entertain before, during, and (sometimes) after the show. Go-go dancers may collect tips and the audience is encouraged to tip them.
Go-go performers of all genders, sexes, body types, levels of experience, and styles are encouraged to apply.
Manage slide and video projections during shows
Man video camera(s) during shows
Assist senior board op and LD
Program scenes, operate lighting board
Man Follow-spot. No experience necessary, but it's nice.
Help manage ushers and go-between the Front Desk and the Stage Manager
Play music on cue. Experience with QLab or iTunes is nice, but not necessary.
Manage the soiund board
First, the oh-so elegant Miss Mina Murray hosts an awesome exhibition of talents from all over the country! Then, after the intermission, the slightly less elegant Scratch hosts our burlesque battle royale, in which performers compete for prizes and glory!
The full list of performers will be posted on or around February 4, so check back soon!
Individual tickets go on sale on March 4. Prior to that we are only selling weekend passes.
Take fabulous phots of beautiful people and beautiful photos of fabulous people!
Be friendly, check tickets, seat people.
Allow people into Vendor Hall; Betty's Birthday Brunch. Have fun!
Help set-up, keep things looking nice, and clean-up. You get to eat too!
The fabulous Betty Blaize has worked incredibly hard on The Great Burlesque Exposition since the very beginning. We wouldn't be where we are without her. This year, The BurlExpo just happens to fall on her birthday! Celebrate Betty and support the Burlesque Expo at the same time!
The event features food, drink, and a special appearance by caricature artist extraordinaire, F. Andrew Taylor!
Monitor access to vendor hall.
Help with cleanup and tear-down of Registration desk.
Help get vendors out