The online diary of a gay courtesan.

So, now that you wanna be a strippa and you’ve gotten through the audition… what do you take with you to work?? Here’s some helpful stuff to keep in your duffle/gear bag: A change of several thongs/underwear, an extra pair of socks, at least a second choice for footwear, armbands, breath spray/mints, deodorant, a large towel, Neutrogena sesame oil (avoid baby oil or any other product that contains mineral oil – see “Oily Strippers Work My Nerves!” for more info about this), gel hand sanitizer, baby wipes, cologne/body spray, hair product/brush, concealer (a type of makeup that you put on to cover up zits) and powder that match your skin tone, a travel size sewing kit that includes needles and thread, and business cards (if you make them out you’ll have them ready and available when someone wants your info for other events – you can print your own at home).

I have been doing bookings more and more at clubs that bring me in as a special performer, and I have been running consistently into the same challenges at all these venues that do not normally have exotic dancers. Here are some suggestions for managers/owners who do not have experience working with male entertainers:

1. Avoid scheduling male dancers the same night as female impersonators. These two very different types of performers do not attract the same kind of crowd, and since queens are consistent headliners more often than strippers it will be a crowd that is not receptive to anything except cabaret. I cannot say this more clearly: Do not put kings and queens on the same stage on the same night.
2. Be sure that there is a place of prominence for the male dancer(s). Putting us on the dance floor kills our ability to make money. We need to either be higher than the rest of the crowd, more brightly lit, or both. Also, patrons should not be allowed to get on the stage/pedestal/podium – it distracts from the dancer.
3. ADVERTISE. ADVERTISE. ADVERTISE. Put notices up in your club weeks in advance. Put the word out several times on your Myspace profile. Make announcements in various print and radio media. ADVERTISE. If we’re not regulars, how else will anyone know we’re coming?
4. Create a private place for private dances. If you do not do this, expect to pay a higher booking fee to make up for the straight out loss of revenue.
5. Provide an emcee who will educate the crowd about tipping. I find it is extremely intimidating for people who aren’t used to it to tip male dancers. Many patrons who have rarely or never seen male dancers are completely terrified of tipping – they must be encouraged via the p.a. system to get up and tip!