Choosing the right venue is a crucial step in planning a successful tour or performance. A well-matched venue can enhance your show’s quality, help you connect with your audience, and even impact your bottom line. Here’s how to research and select venues that fit your needs, followed by tips for reaching out and booking your performance.
Venue Research Checklist
When evaluating potential venues, consider these key factors:
1. Audience Alignment
- Local fanbase: Is the venue located in an area where you already have an audience, or where you want to grow one?
- Age restrictions: Is the venue all-ages or 21+? Make sure it matches your target audience’s demographics.
- Capacity: Match the venue’s capacity to the number of attendees you expect. A packed smaller venue often creates a better experience than a half-empty larger space.
2. Tech Setup and Amenities
- Sound and lighting: Ask for the venue’s tech specs. Does their setup meet your needs, or will you need to bring additional equipment?
- Stage size: Confirm stage dimensions, especially if you’re performing with a band or elaborate setup.
- Load-in and logistics: Check details like parking, load-in times, and backstage accommodations to ensure a smooth performance day.
3. Promotional Support
- Marketing efforts: Does the venue actively promote its shows on social media, websites, or newsletters? Venues with strong marketing channels can help boost your visibility.
- Collaboration: Can you provide them with promotional materials (press photos, event copy, etc.) to amplify the reach of their efforts? Collaborative promotion often yields the best results.
4. Financial Considerations
- Merch cut policy: Some venues take a percentage of merch sales, often ranging from 10-25%. Clarify this upfront and decide if the arrangement works for you. If necessary, politely negotiate exceptions.
- Payment structure: Understand if the venue operates on guarantees, door deals, or bar splits, and ensure the terms align with your financial goals.
How to Reach Out to a Venue
Once you’ve identified a venue that fits your needs, it’s time to make contact. Here’s how to craft a compelling and professional email:
What to Include in Your Initial Email
- Subject line: Be clear and concise. For example: “Booking Inquiry: [Your Act] – [Genre/Type of Act] – [Proposed Date(s)]”.
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and your act. Mention your genre, any notable achievements, and your target audience.
- Why you’re a good fit: Explain why your act is ideal for their venue. Highlight any connections to the local area, previous performances in similar spaces, or your draw.
- Media links: Include an EPK (Electronic Press Kit) or links to your music, performance videos, and social media. This gives the booker a clear sense of your style and professionalism.
- Proposed date(s): Offer flexible options to make scheduling easier.
- Contact information: Provide a phone number and email address for easy follow-up.
Follow-Up Etiquette
If you don’t hear back after a week, send a polite follow-up email. Keep it short and express your continued interest. Persistence, when handled professionally, can help you stand out.
By taking the time to evaluate venues and crafting professional, tailored booking inquiries, you’ll set yourself up for successful performances and lasting partnerships.