Pele
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Registered: 08-2003
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Taking on a Partner
It is something I have been thinking about for some time now. More and more it is a lonely thing to perform alone for me, and very tiring to say the least. I have done so for 5 years. I do work in a troupe, but they are all bellydancers, and have a very different professional ethic than I do, but I have an idea what it is like in a troupe/ensemble. I love every minute of performing either way.
However, when I am done with my "Down Under Tour" I would either like to look at a group to join with or take on a partner myself.
I know many of you have worked both solo and with another or in a troupe, could I please pick your brains for thoughts and feedback on this topic?
What are the plusses?
What are the minuses?
What do should a person look for in partner, other than the obvious business compatability?
All your info/opinions are welcome.
Thanks you so much in advance.
Pele
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9/3/2003, 11:53 pm
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Stimpy
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Re: Taking on a Partner
You could always take on an apprentice, like me!  :P hehehe
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9/3/2003, 11:55 pm
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Doctorrigormorto
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Registered: 02-2004
Location: Toronto,Canada
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Re: Taking on a Partner
Apart from compatability, the best thing is talent.
I have worked Carnival Diablo for 12 years and during that time I have had 9 troupes. People can get strange when they get a whiff of Fame. I have had some nice people turn into meglomaniacs after doing just a couple shows. Don't be afraid to let people go...you are in control of your show. Don't let ANYONE tell you how to run your ship.
Attitudes can change very quickly when a performer feels that he or she is a STAR. A humble reminder to the performer, that the feat they are performing is what is WOWING the crowd ...NOT there AMAZING talent ,will usually put them in there place. Granted many people may be very talented, sadly in our business that isn't allways so. Anyone can pound a nail into there head or lay on a bed of nails...that does NOT make them a GREAT performer! My advise is find someone with the same basic vision as you and a person that has a need to better themselves in the industry and you will do just fine. But make sure that person you are employing is not joining your show because they think that it is 'COOL'. That is the wrong reason.
Hope that this helps.
---
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
Albert Einstien
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2/8/2004, 8:22 pm
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crispyx
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Re: Taking on a Partner
Working with a partner has a lot of advantages and a lot of disadvantages. I feel it's been a constant fight to keep my group together. You need to make sure the person has the same goal as you and at least a similar passion for what you're doing. You need to have a lot of trust in them both for the fact that a mistake can really get someone hurt and in delegating responsibilities. Fame and money are your biggest enemy's. Also you loose the ability to simply make a decision unless you position yourself as top dog from the start. Otherwise you can find yourself held back since you're searching for an okay from your partner/partners on desicions you would simply do as a solo performer.
On the plus side you can get twice the work done. There's someone there to celebrate with you on a post show high or to console with on a rough show. It's easier to put more theater into the show with somone to work off of on stage. And some acts just need a second person.
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Momento Mori,
Crispy
www.crispyfamily.com
www.extremeperformers.com
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2/10/2004, 12:55 am
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Pele
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Re: Taking on a Partner
Thanks for the advice.
I have people who work with me now. They are my best friends, but they can not travel with me. In the past I have worked with and fired friends. For me business is business and is not personal. I do make the decisions, but I have always tried to get the input of the people that I work with and take thier thoughts and opinions to heart, but in the end it is my show.
I am only hiring two people, and truthfully I could do with one if I had to. It is more a props helping hand, diversionary tactic and, as you mentioned Crispy, someone to banter with. I truly have only one stunt that truly and fully depends on my partner for my safety, and that is not life or death.
I have so many things on my list for hiring it is really incredible.
As for ego's....unfortunately it is one of those things you can only tell when you are in the situation. It will be interesting. I am having the 3 guys that I work with on in the interview process as well, because I think they will pick up on qualities and subtleties that I might not.
I am actually not saying it is a sideshow at all. I am holding this as a standard audition/interview. I think this will help to keep people who are interested only in the "cool" factor away. It is a call for professionals and I will have a physical section and a reading section in the audition. That should help at least keep up the skill end!
Thanks for the input!
Pele
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2/10/2004, 2:04 am
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