About making a living as a singer from Naresh Michael on Vimeo.
What is a booking agent? Why do I need one as a singer?
Booking Agents
The first key role player in your singing business is the booking agent. Your booking agent is the guy, you hire to find promoters. Depending on the contract they use in the U.S., some are exclusive, meaning the contract only allows you to work with his agency and no others and some are non-exclusive. Normally singers are willing to pay a 10% to 25% commission based on the gross earnings for each performance he books. If his service is worth hiring, this means he has established promoters he works with already and is able to find you many other promoters and negotiate well paying engagements/gigs. Most established agents also work for a talent booking agency and are paid a salary in addition to the commission that’s brought in to the company. Also, a great booking agent helps the tour avoid financial competition with similar artists and knows how to gracefully cancel and take care of an artist's interest when the contracted promoter fails on the end of promotion and ticket sales.
Promoters
The second key supporting roles that play into the business of professional singing. Is the promoter. Who is this person? It depends on the type of venue, could be a third party, the owner or renter of the place. But basically it is whoever buys. So when you’re friend says he’ll buy you a drink at the bar, if you sing happy birthday to that lady over there, he is the promoter. On a bigger level, they may be representing one or more specific venues like a night club or theater. On an even bigger level they might represent a corporate entity and all of its sponsors. These are the guys who will write you large pay checks. In some cases, you could be the promoter renting a hall or theater for a night and writing your own paycheck. Usually whoever is buying, wants to make money for themselves or the entity they represent unless the entertainment is at the company’s expense. So, they make sure the ticket buyers know about the value they are getting and promote. Sometimes the ensemble or soloist is still 100% responsible for the promotion, sometimes it’s 50% and sometimes the promoter will handle all of it.
It can get confusing who is what because sometimes the booking agent is also the promoter but doesn't do any promotion and sometimes the singer can where either hat or both. It's easy to feel frustrated when trying to get a booking agent or manager to help move your career forward. The research can be very time consuming and it's hard to know who to call at first and what kind of package to submit. There is an established standard approach however. It's not impossible to get a very skillful and hard working booking agent that's excited to work for you. There are many out there who enjoy it and are quite good at it. If you're unsure about the most professional approach, I cover all of that and plenty more in my weekly videos. So sign up for my online Working Singers newsletter. It's free and you can unsubscribe whenever you want. If you already know how to approach them then down below you'll find a long list to pull from. That should save you weeks worth of time in research! Good luck with your singing career!
Cheers,
Resh Michael
It can get confusing who is what because sometimes the booking agent is also the promoter but doesn't do any promotion and sometimes the singer can where either hat or both. It's easy to feel frustrated when trying to get a booking agent or manager to help move your career forward. The research can be very time consuming and it's hard to know who to call at first and what kind of package to submit. There is an established standard approach however. It's not impossible to get a very skillful and hard working booking agent that's excited to work for you. There are many out there who enjoy it and are quite good at it. If you're unsure about the most professional approach, I cover all of that and plenty more in my weekly videos. So sign up for my online Working Singers newsletter. It's free and you can unsubscribe whenever you want. If you already know how to approach them then down below you'll find a long list to pull from. That should save you weeks worth of time in research! Good luck with your singing career!
Cheers,
Resh Michael
Many casino booking agencies specialize in look-a-likes, solo entertainers, and cirque-style shows but these are the big broadway style ones.
I listed these first because there's more money in these types of venues. Below this
list you will find a second list that books solo acts and a third list for general talent booking agencies in the U.S. and in
Canada.
BOOKING AGENTS/PRODUCTION COMPANIES/CASINO VENDORS: LAS VEGAS: Jarrett-Martini Productions: http://www.jarrettmartini.com/company/clients/index.htm Their bookings include stage shows: http://www.jarrettmartini.com/artists/stage-shows/index.htm ALWAYS Entertaining, inc. http://www.alwaysentertaining.com/ On Stage Entertainment, Inc. http://www.casinovendors.com/VendorPage.cfm/82066.html Masquerade, Inc. http://www.casinovendors.com/VendorPage.cfm/112670.html Mahoney's Entertainment: "Mahoney's Entertainment is highly experienced in working with Las Vegas entertainment directors and catering managers and is well respected among the management echelons of Las Vegas resort and casinos . . . ." OTHER NORTH AMERICAN BOOKING AGENTS: The Booking Group, NYC http://www.thebookinggroup.com/ Fast Forward International Communications, Troy, New York http://fastforwardinc.net/ Locolobo, NYC http://www.locoloboevents.com/cgi-bin/locolobo/specialize.pl?125 They book "theater shows" at casinos. First Class Entertainment - nationwide http://www.gotofirstclass.com/ Shows: http://www.gotofirstclass.com/prodshows_main.htm Pro Entertainment - Colorado/Rockies http://www.proentertainment.com/default.asp (Click on "Shows.") Greg Purcott - Boca Raton, FL http://www.gpproductions.com/ (Click "Production Shows") "A full-service agency providing entertainment for conventions, fairs, cruise lines, festivals, country clubs, regional tours, theatres, industrials and casinos." Melanie Rice, Atlantic City: http://www.melanierice.com/ JAM Entertainment, Southern California WKW Productions, AZ http://www.casinovendors.com/VendorPage.cfm/97755.html DUBAI: I had very little luck finding appropriate booking agencies for Dubai. Thankfully, my colleague, leapinglizard-ga, found several agencies for another customer: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=727492 The Talent Brokers http://www.thetalentbrokers.com/index.aspx?spageID=1 Center Stage Management http://www.csmentertains.com/sub_direct/about_us.html This link contains some of the stage shows they've booked: http://www.csmentertains.com/sub_direct/past_events.html
West End Stage Experience -
http://www.westendstageexperience.com/West_End_Stage_Experience/Contact.html
INTERNATIONAL: Maverick Management - London: http://www.maverickmanagement.co.uk/what.htm Executive Visions: http://www.executivevisions.com/celeb_entertainment.asp Five-Star Artists Agency: http://www.eriecoast.com/~talentagent/doc9.htm BLEEP Based in Malta: http://www.ble-ep.com/ KBE Productions, Cyprus http://www.kbeproductions.com/about%20us.htm Belmont Agency http://www.belmontagency.com/index.html (Contact information is at bottom of the page.) "The Belmont Agency provides first-class entertainment services to upscale venues in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. We are responsible for implementing and maintaining successful entertainment programs in a number of the leading hotel nightclub operations throughout the world." Entertainment Depot, Melbourne http://www.entertainmentdepot.com.au/artists_category.php/60 Contact: http://www.entertainmentdepot.com.au/contact.php Dion & Randall Promotions http://www.casinopromotions.com.au/ Melbourne, AU Contact: E-mail: info@dionandrandall.com Phone: +61 3 9690 7500
You can find more results by using or modifying my Search Strings: booking agent +casino OR hotel +Las Vegas entertainment manager +casino OR hotel +Las Vegas booking agent +casino OR hotel +Dubai entertainment manager +casino OR hotel +Dubai casino vendors booking agents +stage shows + casino OR hotel +north America casino vendors +stage shows +north America talent booking agent +casino OR hotel "entertainment manager" +casino OR hotel +Europe "entertainment booking agency" +stage shows +Europe "entertainment booking agency" +production shows +casinos OR hotels casino vendors +broadway musicals entertainment booking agent +casino OR hotel entertainment booking agent +casino OR resort agency +production show + casino +[name of city or country]
Now here are the agencies that will get you booked as a soloist at casinos and cruise lines:
Cruise ArtistesSplash Page
http://www.explosiveproductionsltd.co.uk/
Entertainers | Show Producers | Entrepreneurs
http://www.jeanannryanproductions.com/const.htm
Jean Ann Ryan Productions
http://www.sixthstar.com/
http://www.sixthstarentertainment.com/Site/Management.html
Sixth Star Entertainment and Marketing
http://www.excellententertainment.biz/
agency excellent entertainment specialising in cruise ship entertainment
http://www.barryball.com/
Your link to the finest performers anywhere | Barry Ball Artists
http://www.doncasino.com/
Don Casino Productions - Talent Booking Services, Entertainment & Representation
http://www.proship.com/en/entertainers/apply-today/specialty-acts.html
http://www.bramson.com/entertainment/
http://www.peelcruise.com/
http://www.tbm.gb.com/
http://www.mirageshows.com/
http://www.cruiseshipemployment.ca/recruiter/users/main.php
Direct Cruise Lines to Apply To:
http://www.carnivalentertainment.com/index.htm
http://www.costacruise.com/B2C/USA/Corporate/human/Job+Opportunities/Job_Opportunities.htm
United States, general Booking Agencies for singers, bands, solo musicians...
You’ll have to judge which of these are worth your time. In most cases, you might do much better simply with gigmasters.com If you haven't signed up yet, you're missing out on a huge opportunity. Working singers will tell you. But some of these booking agents will work at getting you the higher paying gigs, that don't come from gigmasters, if you're able to make money as a singer. Watch my video and subscribe to my free newsletter if you need help with this.
Arizona
Scottsdale, AZ (480) 994-0471 chas@selectartists.com
California
Beverly Hills, CA (310) 858-3838 hra@howardroseagency.com
Burbank, CA 818-843-8041 john.epstein@globaltalentagency.com
Los Angeles, CA (424) 288-2000 ssroloff@caa.com
Los Angeles, CA (310) 550-4254 rweitz@icmtalent.com
Monterey, CA (831) 375-4889 dscheuer@paradigmagency.com
San Francisco, CA (415) 386-3456 info@rosebudus.com
San Luis Obispo, CA (805) 545-5550 lloyd@varietyart.com
Van Nuys, CA (818) 708-2493 marisagency@earthlink.net
Chicago
Chicago, IL (312) 640-7500 mike@montereyinternational.net
Music By Phil Varchetta
Chicago, IL (773) 283-8510
Chicago, IL (773) 880-1000 tamarinchg@aol.com
Colorado
Colorado Springs, CO (719) 635-7776 somagency@aol.com
Connecticut
Danbury, CT (203) 792-2400 mrai2400@aol.com
Florida
Gainesville, FL (352) 372-8158 charles@bladeagency.com
Holmes Beach, FL (941) 756-0132 chrisjim47@hotmail.com
Jacksonville, FL 904-210-9706 japjamsproductions@gmail.com
Hawaii
Paradise Productions
Honolulu, HI (808) 521-1207
Kentucky
Prospect, KY (615) 859-8683 selltkts@aol.com
Maine
Bridgton, ME (207) 647-9031 thebigkahunacafe@ime.net
Maryland
Thurmont, MD (301) 271-2881 rene4real@aol.com
Massachusetts
Boston, MA (617) 254-0007 ted@tedkurland.com
Michigan
Alfie Entertainment, Inc.
Detroit, MI (313) 345-5534
Detroit, MI (313) 532-3072 ronnie_nelson@msn.com
Minnesota
Chanhassen, MN (952) 470-9000 randy@esientertainment.com
Missouri
Chesterfield, MO (636) 532-0788 bob@bobkuban.com
Raytown, MO (816) 214-6088 dsagency@kc.rr.com
Nevada
Incline Village, NV (775) 831-0379 tahoeplayers@charter.net
Las Vegas, NV (702) 733-7818 jaki@baskow.com
New Hampshire
Warner, NH (603) 456-6052 DonLass@AOL.COM
New Jersey
Ocean Grove, NJ (732) 775-0886 Shelb2010@aol.com
New York
Artist Group International
New York, NY (212) 813-9292
New York, NY (212) 874-2400 musicbiz@mindspring.com
New York, NY (212) 633-2600 info@entouragetalent.com
New York, NY (954) 579-4422 jokerry@gmail.com
New York, NY 212 4750415 info@thejazztree.com
New York, NY (212) 582-7575 jeffallen@universalattractions.com
New York, NY (212) 903-1358 daslan@wma.com
Wappingers Falls, NY (845) 227-6065 ben@bennettmorgan.com
Ohio
Bedford, OH (216) 210-9348 hydz2000@yahoo.com
Brunswick, OH (330) 273-4937 jtevis@tevisentertainment.com
Cincinnati, OH (513) 241-0903 info@accentmusic.org
Cleveland, OH 216-225-6216 cher4real@netzero.com
Antonio M. Giampietro & Associates
Galion, OH (419) 462-8888
Youngstown, OH (330) 519-9675 droller43@aol.com
Youngstown, OH (330) 261-1877 d.v.a.enterprises@live.com
South Carolina
Columbia, SC (803) 661-9108 rmasonh2012@att.net
Lexington, SC (803) 753-7494 eJamsOnline@yahoo.com
Tennessee
Nashville, TN (615) 244-4336 info@blanash.com
Nashville, TN (615) 262-6886 mike@classactentertainment.com
Nashville, TN (615) 724-1818 tonyc@conwayent.com
Nashville, TN (615) 327-3400 suebaby801@aol.com
Nashville, TN (615) 327-4646 Keith@Keithcase.com
Third Coast Artists Agency
Nashville, TN (615) 297-2021
Texas
Arlington, TX (817) 469-6045 info@musiciansdfw.org
Austin, TX (512) 440-1414 rmccall@austinmusician.org
Bedford, TX (817) 358-3999 gary@garyosier.com
CECCA Productions, Inc.
Dallas, TX (214) 350-8477
Dallas, TX (817) 441-5488 dha66@sbcglobal.net
Dallas, TX (1800) 964-9273 bill@williamwareagency.com
Dallas, TX (214) 520-1111 wynent@mac.com
West Virginia
Barboursville, WV 304-948-1002 thatbookingmanager@gmail.com
CANADA
Alberta
Calgary, AB (403) 668-0880 jim@bignote.net
Calgary, AB (403) 226-5222 rockymount@shaw.ca
Guild Hall Productions
Edmonton, AB (780) 944-9504
Edmonton, AB (780) 462-8070 mineri@shaw.ca
St. Albert, AB (780) 995-2807 jerich@shaw.ca
British Columbia
Nanaimo, BC (250) 740-0047 valley@rickscott.ca
Port Coquitlam, BC (604) 468-2911 darrin@noteable.net
Vancouver, BC (604) 255-2357 jb@orchidensemble.com
Vancouver, BC (604) 688-9645 paul.quest@shaw.ca
Vancouver, BC (604) 734-5945 feldman@slfa.com
Vancouver, BC (604) 736-3896 siegelent@telus.net
Vancouver, BC (604) 689-3457 aguraliuk@tenbc.com
Vancouver, BC (604) 266-7145 jwhitefo@direct.ca
White Rock, BC (604) 538-8530 info@musicaloccasions.ca
Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB (204) 452-0052 tmmorris@mts.net
Winnipeg, MB (204) 988-1120 info@paquinentertainment.com
Winnipeg, MB (204) 227-5551 info@risingsunproductions.ca
Winnipeg, MB (204) 774-3715 concerts@signnpostmusic.com
Nova Scotia
Dartmouth, NS (902) 434-7713 emd@emd.ns.ca
Halifax, NS (902) 492-4436 dianne@brookesdiamond.com
Halifax, NS (902) 454-4714 leblanc@compartevents.com
Halifax, NS (902) 471-4889 brian@evansanddoherty.com
Halifax, NS (902) 452-4826 whatoconnor@aol.com
Halifax, NS (902) 420-9551 info@talentsource.ca
Sydney, NS (902) 567-0634 dinkydon3@yahoo.com
Ontario
Baden, ON (519) 634-5335 mmvop@aol.com
Barrie, ON (705) 726-9110 dougstaruch@hotmail.com
Burlington, ON (905) 333-3010 garry@bountyenterprises.ca
Carlisle, ON (905) 690-4200 dsaytar@cornerstone-events.com
Hamilton, ON (905) 385-8332 stefans_1979@hotmail.com
Kanata, ON (613) 592-3208 la_entertainment@hotmail.com
Kitchener, ON (519) 744-4824 north_american_talent@rogers.com
London, ON (519) 679-0971 activetalent@rogers.com
London, ON (519) 473-2099 folk@iandavies.com
Mississauga, ON 905-755-1927 info@bookinghouse.com
Mississauga, ON (905) 848-1727 woofentertainment@aol.com
Niagra Falls, ON (905) 354-8053 gtrpcr@vaxxine.com
Oakville, ON (905) 844-0097 joan@livetourartists.com
Peterborough, ON (705) 743-7354 bwe62@yahoo.com
Sault Ste. Marie, ON (705) 946-8915 trota@shaw.ca
Scarborough, ON (416) 282-0849 aross@reliablefoods.com
St. Catharines, ON (905)397-0878 info@continentalentertainment.ca
St. Thomas, ON (519) 637-0717 randydawdy@sympatico.ca
St. Thomas, ON (519) 633-6428 musicnote1973@yahoo.ca
Stoney Creek, ON (702) 243-9000 ladd@uptowne.com
Thunder Bay, ON (807) 622-0104 multimedia591@hotmail.com
Toronto, ON (416) 368-5599 ralphjames@theagencygroup.com
Toronto, ON (416) 323-1403 glatz1@glatzconcerts.com
Toronto, ON (416) 887-2151 robert@bairdartists.com
Big G Enterprises
Toronto, ON (416) 223-4771
Toronto, ON (416) 963-0800 davidbrady@spininc.ca
Toronto, ON (416) 496-8200 cuthbertsonevents@rogers.com
Toronto, ON (416) 413-7887 info@eclecticeventsintl.com
Toronto, ON (416) 922-4459 joanne@planet3com.net
Toronto, ON (647) 379-9511 BEBOP2223@hotmail.com
Toronto, ON (416) 962-8885 info@paquinentertainment.com
Toronto, ON (416) 598-0067 feldman@slfa.com
Toronto, ON (416) 461-1844 pat@sphereentertainment.com
Toronto, ON (416) 417-6637 starrsentertainment@gmail.com
Toronto, ON (416) 482-9776 mjazzweller@rogers.com
Toronto, ON (416) 410-5636 fabianhanson@hotmail.com
Quebec
Granby, QC (450) 372-7776 pgi@pierregravel.com
P.S. I hope this was helpful. If you're serious about singing you should get a good agent. Yes, you can make a living on your own without one but why not save yourself all that time and go spend it enjoying life!
P.P.S. Sign up for the free weekly newsletter if you'd like more support in launching your singing career. Immediately you will receive your first week of the Working Singers newsletter, which includes, "Ways of quickly and easily making a grand singing without working on annoying jingles for Clorox commercials".
P.S. I hope this was helpful. If you're serious about singing you should get a good agent. Yes, you can make a living on your own without one but why not save yourself all that time and go spend it enjoying life!
P.P.S. Sign up for the free weekly newsletter if you'd like more support in launching your singing career. Immediately you will receive your first week of the Working Singers newsletter, which includes, "Ways of quickly and easily making a grand singing without working on annoying jingles for Clorox commercials".
Thanks for sharing nice post...
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