Open mics are a fantastic way for artists to showcase their talent, for audiences to discover new voices, and for venues to attract a crowd. But how do you convince a venue to host your open mic night? And once you do, how can you ensure its growth and success? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to pitch your open mic to a venue and share tips to help it flourish.
1. Understand the Value of an Open Mic
Before you approach a venue, it’s essential to understand the value an open mic night can bring. Open mics:
- Attract Regular Footfall: They can become a weekly or monthly event, ensuring a steady stream of customers.
- Diversify Clientele: Different artists and their fans can introduce a new audience to the venue.
- Boost Sales: More customers mean increased sales, especially on typically slow nights.
2. Research Suitable Venues
Not every venue will be open to the idea of hosting an open mic night. Look for places that:
- Have a stage or a dedicated performance area.
- Are known for hosting live events or have shown interest in them.
- Have an owner or manager willing to try it out.
3. Craft a Compelling Pitch
When you approach a venue, be prepared. Your pitch should:
- Highlight the Benefits: Emphasize how open mics can boost business.
- Show Your Commitment: Demonstrate that you’re willing to promote the event and manage logistics.
- Provide a Plan: Outline how often you plan to host, the type of talent you’ll attract, and any promotional strategies.
- Negotiate your rate for hosting (the typical going rate is in the neighborhood of $200 per night, give or take)
4. Promote, Promote, Promote
Once you’ve secured a venue, it’s time to get the word out. Effective promotion can make or break your open mic night. Consider:
- Leveraging Social Media: Create event pages, share posts, and engage with local FB Groups to reach potential attendees.
- Collaborating with Local Artists: They can help promote the event to their followers.
5. Ensure a Smooth Experience
For your open mic night to be successful, it needs to be well-organized. This means:
- Having a Clear Signup Process: Decide whether artists need to sign up in advance or if it’s first-come, first-served.
- Managing Time: Ensure each performer knows how long they have and stick to the schedule.
- Offering Basic Amenities: This could be discounted tabs for performers.
6. Foster a Welcoming Environment
The atmosphere plays a significant role in the success of an open mic. Ensure:
- Respect for All Performers: Encourage applause for everyone, regardless of skill level.
- Engagement: Interact with the audience, introduce performers, and keep the energy levels up.
7. Gather Feedback and Iterate
After your first few events, gather feedback from both performers and attendees. This will help you understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Be open to change and adapt.
8. Build a Community
The most successful open mics are those that foster a sense of community. Encourage regulars, create a dedicated social media group or page for your open mic, and engage with your audience and performers regularly.
Conclusion
Pitching your open mic to a venue and ensuring its growth requires a mix of preparation, promotion, and passion. By understanding the value of an open mic, crafting a compelling pitch, and fostering a welcoming environment, you can create a thriving event that benefits performers, attendees, and venues alike.
