By Steve Rawlings
Hi Folks,
Since cruise ships seem to be very much where the work is nowadays I thought it might be nice to share some basic information on what they’re looking for and what it’s like.
They want family friendly shows.
As a headliner artist with guest privileges they want at least a 45-50 minute main stage show minimum (no fire, although fire is still allowed on Norwegian Cruise Lines and Princess at the moment, most companies don’t allow it).
A 20 minute spot for a variety show, or a second different 45 minute show is also sometimes asked for nowadays.
Contracts can vary but the current average would be 3-10 days for guest entertainers.
They also like to fly you out the day before to allow for any travel problems.
There are also some opportunities for acts doing 20-25 minute shows in welcome aboard or farewell shows, and 5 minute specialty spots in production shows, although for this you’ll be classed as crew and stay on board for much longer contracts (usually 3-6 months)
The theatres are large (average 1,000 seats) with great lights and sound. While they are mainly very good, the abilities of the crew to use them varies, English not being a first language for many of them can sometimes be an issue. The simpler you keep your lighting and tech requirements, the more chance you have of getting them right on the night.
An hour on stage is allocated for tech run and rehearsals, going longer than that is possible but makes you less bookable. You can, however, ask them to leave your lights on after rehearsals so that you can practice on stage before the show.
Production shows are looked on as more important as the companies put a lot of money into them and your needs are secondary to that, so if they’re installing a new show you’re very unlikely to get any stage time to practice.
Once you settle in, you can call the production manager and they will always do their best to get you stage time to practice.
Guests haven’t paid to see your show so they see absolutely no problem with coming in late or leaving during your show. It’s not a personal insult unless they’re leaving in droves and I have never seen a show where people didn’t leave no matter how good it was, so don’t take it personally.
Don’t add too much magic to your juggling act or juggling to your magic act. A booker wants to go through their dates putting in a juggler here and a magician there, they don’t want to be trying to work out whose tricks clash with each other.
Passenger complaints are taken very seriously, and even a few can cause you problems or get you fired. Listen to feedback from the cruise director if there have been complaints and change your act accordingly.
As a guest entertainer you have guest privileges but don’t forget it’s not your holiday, so if something is very busy leave it to the people who’ve paid and come back later.
The company will pay for flights, hotels, accommodation, food, and either arrange pick up and drop off to airports for you or add a travel allowance to your fee for airport travel.
As a guest entertainer you will be living on board in a guest cabin except on Princess cruises where you stay in special cruise entertainer cabins in the crew area.
Be professional don’t go running around on amazing tours and tiring yourself out on a show day. You only work one night a week and the guests deserve to see your best.
Cruising is a fantastic way to see what your extended theatre show would be like without all the stress of booking theatres, doing all the publicity and trying to put bums on seats and taking the financial risks yourself.
Especially after you’ve done your show and people know who you are , watch what you say, people are always watching and listening. Even on the plane home if you got off on turnaround day, it’s almost guaranteed that lots of your audience will be on your flight home and they will be listening. You’d be surprised how much trouble unguarded words can cause even when you’ve left the ship.
Always be nice to crew/entertainment staff because they grow up to be cruise directors and they’ll remember how you were with them, fondly or otherwise
(cruise directors can request the acts they want to work with).
Try and work with a couple of companies if possible just in case you have any problems. That way you’ll still be working rather than desperately trying to get something for the year too late in the season. Companies can also decide to go with something new as they feel that their regulars have all seen you so it’s best to be prepared. It’s nothing personal and you’ll be able to go back after a decent break .
The best way to find a cruise agent is to Google the main players and either get them to see your show or get on one of their showcases that they put on for all the various bookers. I did one 20 years ago and I’m still working now from it so it’s definitely worth it
Cruising is a fantastic way to make a living and see the world and I hope this introduction will help you decide if it’s for you. I’m happy to answer any questions and would love any of you other cruise entertainers to add any other important points I’ve missed.
Steve Rawlings has been a successful professional entertainer for 42 years . With a career beginning with street performing and across many other venues, he is now mainly working on some of the biggest cruise ships in the world. He’s broken eight Guinness world records and has been lucky enough to meet and exchange ideas with amazing performers from all around the world.
Guest Contributor
You can contribute to the eZine, too! Just email us at the link in the Contact Us section at the top of the page...