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Tips on Sourcing Performers

Sophie

A guide on where to find performers for your event


Sourcing the performers for your event can be quite tricky, and you want to make sure you are hitting the right vibe for the event, the right theme and crucially staying on budget. We've outlined the things you need to think about before you start your search and then where to look for the perfect performers.

A girl with pink hair playing the guitar and singing on a modular stage at a community event

What's the Purpose of the Stage Programme?


First things first, before you throw yourself into your online research for the perfect artist, you need to know what that "perfect" looks like for you and your event. It’s important to pinpoint the purpose of the stage programme, is it there as the main attraction of the event or is it for background music? Your answer here will dictate what type of acts you are looking for to fill your programme. If it's not the central attraction, then you will need more background/atmospheric music, but if it is the main attraction, you will want some hard hitting bands that will bring a trully magnificent performance, maybe even a named act, depending on how big your event is.



What Type of Event Is It?


This quesiton is quite broad but it can help you pin point what type of performers you need. Is your event themed, tributes, food festival, carnival? Is it more suitable for rock bands, or acoustic solo performers, dancing, drummers, magicians etc. This will really give your event an identity and will keep it in people's minds long after the event is over. Which is a great thing if you plan on running it yearly.


Budget


Finally set your budget. This could vary considerably depending on several factors but knowing how much you have to spend on performances is key before you start searching. Will the event be free to attend or will it be ticketed? How much are ticket prices, and what's the cost of your other event plans? Deciding how much (or how little) you want or can spend on your entertainment will be the final factor in who you choose to approach to perform.

Once these three things have been set you can start searching for your talent. 


Where to look for Performers on a small budget?


If you are holding a free event and have a small budget, don’t despair. You will find a huge pool of talent locally if you know where to look. Amateur bands and performers, emerging artists etc are always up for gaining new audiences and expanding their fanbase. For community events, this is great because you are not only showcasing local performers and giving them a platform, but you are also giving your event another dimension. 


Advertise on Facebook, have a look at who is performing at local music venues, in pubs and other events similar to yours in your area. This will give you somewhere to start and most musicians now have social media which makes it easy to contact them. These performers range from solo performers all the way up to large bands.


You can also contact local school and music departments, local orchestras or brass bands and associations if this fits in with the theme of your event. Local dance groups and schools or performing arts groups and associations may also be able to help with performers. 

Where to look if you want big act?


If you are looking for something more professional, there are a number of paid for acts who advertise online or ask around if anyone knows a group that might be suitable for your event. You can also use talent agencies, they are great for finding professional musicians and bands, but expect to pay more.


There are so many options available to insure you make the most of your stage and your entertainment programme. With a little time and effort you could really change the whole feel of your event with a well thought out and tight stage programme.


Let us know if you have any other suggestions on where else to find performers. 


An arc truss stage in a field with performers on it and an audience watching on

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