Caffeinated Cabaret on Hold! : (
Hi Fans!
The cafe isn't able to do the portion of the job needed to make the cabaret work; if you know of someone who lives/works in the Russian Hill area who would be like the Associate Producter job, and will make a daily 15 minute commitment, please have them contact me at the email address here.
The job is simple:
- check email, forward it to me (I'll even give them templates!)
- put up posters
- distribute post cards
- make sure sign is out on the sidewalk with the correct date written on it
- make sure the postcards are out at the cafe
It's not much work, but it's what's needed to make the Caf Cab flourish, and is beyond the time I can donate for it (about 3 hours a week).
Thanks for your interest!
Best Wishes,
Audience Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When was your first day doing this?
A: June 3, 2008
Q:
How is the Caffeinated Cabaret
different from open mic events?A: With the exception of invited guests, all acts have been submitted for consideration to a panel of judges. We feel that by not letting
just anybody perform, that both the performers and audience will have more fun!
Q:
Can't someone just show up and do their thing?A: Performers send our judges links to their videos or audio of their act. If it gets their thumbs-up, expect to see them.
Q:
This isn’t a question, but I HATE loud music.A: Us, too. We won’t stand for it. With the exception of jazz singers using “speech level singing” which requires microphone use, comedians (most use it as a prop and tool in their act), Theremin and keyboard players (all turned down do a pleasantly audible level), we will avoid amplification.
Q:
Can anyone apply to perform?A: Absolutely.
Q:
What is the charge?A: We have an honorary two-drink minimum that night, but for now, the event is free.
Q:
How long is each act?A: Between 5 and 20 minutes.
Q:
How is parking in the area? A: There is the Old First Church garage a block away, and lots of street parking, but we do encourage folks to use MUNI.
Q: Do you provide a piano?
A: No, but for the approved acts, electronic keyboards are of course welcome.
Q: What MUNI lines go nearby?
A: The 19 stops right in front, the 47 & 49 a block away on Van Ness, and both the 1 & the 12 stop two blocks away.
Q: Who is this host/MC guy?
A: Magician Ash K. the Pretty Good is one of San Francisco Bay Area’s favorite performers. We’re glad to have him help us with this.
Q: Any surprise guests show up?
A: That’s the plan. But we won’t be announcing them. Just come out.
Q: Can I bring my laptop during this event?
A: We’d of course prefer that you gave these performers your attention, though we aren’t going to rip your computer out of your hands! It’s only once every 14 days, so consider taking a break from clickety-clackety.
Q: Is this a family appropriate event?
A: We’ve designed it that way. Of course, we don’t serve alcohol, and the performers must rise to the challenge of providing a “clean” show. We don’t want our customers to hesitate joining us on any night.
Q: What kind of acts will you have and not allow?
A: Please see below, where we outline for our Performers as to what we’re seeking and avoiding.
Please come out and enjoy the Caffeinated Cabaret™!
© 2008 MusicAndMagic.com All Rights Reserved
Performer Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I heard there’s no amplification for this – is that true?
A: Yes, save the exceptions noted in the Audience FAQ, we require that you use your abilities to project your voice or instrument's tone the full 30 feet found in this small space.
Q: How do I audition?
A: Send your name (or group’s name), phone number(s) and times to reach you, and super-importantly links to where we can see and hear the piece you intend to perform (YouTube, myspace, your own website) – but be sure to write as to which specific piece you’ll be performing. Send it to this email:
xxxi a g s f at y a h o o dot com xxx (take away the Xs & spaces, put in the punctuation which we have put here to avoid email mining)
Our judges will confirm receipt, and let you know about their decision as soon as possible!
Q: Do we get paid? Any prizes/competitions?
A: Wish we could, but as we are charging nothing or a token amount, we can’t at this time. What’s in it for you is a great chance to have quality “stage time” in a clean, well lighted place to try out your newest material with other people who have been auditioned and held to certain standards instead of anything-goes. Of course, you’ll get a free drink of your choice. We might have prizes and competitions after we establish the event.
Q: May I sell my artistic work - DVDs, CDs, books?
A: Absolutely! We don't take a commission (unlike some venues!).
Q: What kind of acts do you want to see?
A: Pretty much anything that you can do in 5-20 minutes, that is family appropriate, and rehearsed rather than completely improvised:
· Singing
· All non-amplified music (only exception: keyboardists may use low amplification)
· Non-Violent Pigeon Martial Arts Demonstrations
· Dancing
· Story Telling
· Fearless Mime
· Flea Circuses
· Morse Code Telepathy
· Theater
· Stand-Up Comedy (keep it clean: families will be there)
· Juggling
· Prepared Skits
· Propane Model Train Racing
Q: Anything you don’t want to see?
A: Yes. The forms & features not allowed include the following:
· Spoken Word/Poetry (we have another night for that!)
· Improv (lots of places already doing it)
· Open Mic (all performers are auditioned via this same process)
· Fire acts (not licensed for this)
· Magic (the host is one of those, though we’ll have occasional guests Ash K. invites)
· Profanity (it’s a café, not a night club)
· Nudity (20 guesses why)
· Flaming Nudity (two permits spiral out of control)
Q: What time do I have to get there?
A: 6:45 pm check-in time. If you can, stay until the end of the show to check out other performers.
Q: I have this burning question – what do I do?
A: Hold onto it if you can. All the judges are volunteers, and we’ve tried to make this easy for everybody to manage by holding making the process and criteria transparent. If it’s driving you slowly insane, please write Julie at that Yahoo email spaced out against bots, but please no phone calls or stopping by. Just send us your stuff as instructed above.
Q. I’m really good, but don’t have video or audio to show you!
A: With the web and your friend’s laptop, you have something to show us (and anybody else you want) something that would have cost at least $3,000 just a few years ago. Now, your only cost is your time. We figure that if you take the time to have something for us to see and hear, you probably are more serious. We take you seriously, so we have this simple requirement. It raises the bar for everybody.
Break a leg applying, and we hope to have you soon to the Caffeinated Cabaret™!
© 2008 MusicAndMagic.com All Rights Reserved
Caffeinated Cabaret on Hold! : (
Hi Fans!
The cafe isn't able to do the portion of the job needed to make the cabaret work; if you know of someone who lives/works in the Russian Hill area who would be like the Associate Producter job, and will make a daily 15 minute commitment, please have them contact me at the email address here.
The job is simple:
- check email, forward it to me (I'll even give them templates!)
- put up posters
- distribute post cards
- make sure sign is out on the sidewalk with the correct date written on it
- make sure the postcards are out at the cafe
It's not much work, but it's what's needed to make the Caf Cab flourish, and is beyond the time I can donate for it (about 3 hours a week).
Thanks for your interest!
Best Wishes,
Kevin
