Careers In Music.com

Floor Show Group

$250 to $15,000+ Show

Show Group, Show Band

Entertainment performers who work at hotels, casinos, halls, clubs, and more.
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About This Music Career

Floor Show Groups put on shows for patrons who frequent nightclubs, hotels, cruise ships, cafés, bars, and concert halls. They are not only considered performers, but also entertainers, taking on all different types of music, and engaging in skits, jokes, and more, playing a specific number of sets per night. Usually, Floor Show Groups will be perform two shows, and may also have to play one or two dance sets during the course of the night, which consists of popular new songs and old tunes.


No matter what the show consists of, Floor Show Groups plan their sets extensively, freshening their acts with new material if necessary. During the shows, they usually wear costumes, changing for each set. It is common for Floor Show Groups to work in one place for two or three weeks before moving on to their next gig. For their services, they are paid weekly or semi-weekly, with hotel rooms and food being of the deal sometimes. This is important because the Floor Show Group travels quite a lot. So, the group must not only be free to travel at most times, but they should also like living out of a suitcase for months on end.


As is the case with any job, the Floor Show Group must remain professional at all times, arriving on-time for their sets. Working hours are usually at night, and in order to achieve success, the Group should develop good working relationships with club managers and Agents.

Salaries
The way the group splits up fees, how popular they are, whether they are working under a union contract, expenses and more all play into how much Floor Show Groups earn. Generally, it is a rule that Floor Show Groups earn more per engagement than lounge acts because of the increased level of talent. And, according to the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) union, group leaders earn more than the other group members. Each Floor Show Group works a different schedule, with some working sporadically and others touring fifty weeks a year, earning larger fees. All things considered, fees for Floor Show Groups run from $250 to $15,000 plus per engagement.


Employment
Floor Show Groups survive on attracting a following of fans. When this happens, employment prospects are fair because they will usually have somewhere to perform. But, until a show group has a following, employment is difficult. Working with agents helps, but some Floor Show Groups also try to book themselves – which can be difficult.


Advancement
In terms of advancement, it is difficult for Floor Show Groups to move forward because most group members are aspiring recording artists. But, as mentioned, if Show Groups can develop a following, they assure themselves constant bookings and larger fees.


Education and Training
Like Recording Artists, there are no formal educational requirements for Floor Show Group members. However what is required is the ability to play an instrument and/or sing well. Some of these talents are natural, and some may take part in high school training, college or university education, private study, or self-teaching in order to build their skills.


Experience, Skills, and Personality
To be successfully, Floor Show Groups must be exciting and entertaining, and their members need to have a good stage presence and charisma. As mentioned, group members must have musical and/or vocal skills, along with ability to perform dance and show sets. To come up with entertaining sets, at least one group member should possess advanced creativity.


Unions and Associations
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) is one option for Floor Show Group members. This union negotiates fees, terms of contracts and more on behalf of musicians. These unions also help protect the musician from being fired unjustly, treated unfairly, etc. While not all musicians belong to the union, most major clubs work with the union and do not hire any groups that do not belong to the union.


Suggestions for Getting Started

  • Unions often know of openings, so be sure to join. Also try spending time around union members to build a contact list.
  • Like any job, remain professional. Show up on time for interviews, etc.
  • Have pictures taken by a Professional Photographer to take pictures of the group. Be sure to include group name, and your Agent's or Manager's phone number. If you don't have an Agent or a Manager, make sure to list someone who has the ability to answer the phone at all times.
  • Keep organized lists of where you have worked previously. If previous shows went well, make sure to ask for letters of recommendation from Club Managers.
  • Print professional lists of songs you can perform for dance and vocals.
  • Put together brochures, letters, or other materials to let people know you are available for entertainment.
  • When a gig is landed, be sure to get a commitment in writing as a contract, which should include dates, times, monetary amounts, and other relevant information.
  • Be sure to incorporate the audience in your shows to keep them interested and build followings.