13 Cruise Ship Cabaret Show Tips

So, you're a great singer, you've got your show put together, and you've been hired as a headliner on a cruise line. Great! You may be thinking that your work is done. But if you expect to make a strong first impression with the cruise line and your audience, you have to attend to a very key element of the experience that can make or break your show ... the band!

Your time with the band before your show will be minimal at best. Do not expect more than one rehearsal. Your goal in rehearsing with the band is to maximize the rehearsal time by minimizing the time spent with questions, comments and complaints from the band. So, how do you achieve this? By providing the band with what they need to do their job. This means being organized and having your charts ready and as clear as possible.

Preparation of your library and charts should include the following:

Charts: Your charts should be printed on heavy paper or card stock (67# or higher). If you just use 20# printer paper it tends to slide off the music stands and will tear and wear out more quickly.
Pages: The pages should be taped together, no loose pages. I suggest using white artist's tape because it lasts longer and won't dry out and fall off the page.
Title Pages: Title pages should have the name of the instrument (with any doubles listed below) at the top left corner of the page. Each page that follows should also have the title, name of the instrument and the page number.
Tempo/Feel Markings: The tempo (quarternote=120) and feel (swing, str. 8ths, etc.) should be marked above the first measure of music.
Rehearsal Numbers: Boxed rehearsal numbers or letters should appear at major sections and measures should be numbered at least at every system, if not every measure.
Changes: Changes in tempo, feel or new count offs should be clearly marked when they occur in the chart.
Page Turns: Whenever possible, page turns should be built in, especially in the horn parts. Often, the musicians are in a space so cramped they cannot open more than two pages at a time.
Filing System: Consider what filing system you will use. Some just put the charts in show order, alphabetical order or numbered. I suggest numbering the charts 1-(?). This makes them easy to file and easy to find if you have to call them up on short notice at rehearsal or on stage.
Tacet Sheets: It is a good idea to put a "tacet sheet" in the folders of musicians for tunes they don't play on. For example, if you do a tune with no trumpet or trombone, but the sax plays, put a sheet that has the title of the song and the word "Tacet" on it. That way, the trumpet and trombone know they aren't missing a chart for that particular song.
Back up, back up, BACK UP. Never put out your only copy of a chart. Have a copy on file, somewhere. A really great way to carry a backup copy of your show is to have all of the charts converted to PDF's. PDF's can be opened and printed on any computer with Acrobat Reader on a Mac or PC. You can carry your whole show on a thumb drive or CD Rom. And if you lose a chart you can print out a copy anywhere.
Folders: You can get the heavy black embossed folders that are very professional looking and will last a long time; however, they are expensive and the charts will fall out of them if you drop them. I suggest those brown single-pocket accordion style folders with the rubber band that wraps around. They aren't too expensive and will last a reasonable amount of time. They have the added advantage of keeping the charts safely inside, should they be dropped.
Carrying Case: Remember, whatever type of folders you get, you will need a sturdy case to carry them in. You'll want something that will fly well and you may want to consider taking it on as carry-on luggage. It's always a good idea to have supplies in there as well, such as extra tape, staff paper and pencils.
Play Through: Try to have your charts played through before you get on the ship. Any mistakes or changes should be caught before you rehearse on board. You may have limited rehearsal time, and literally only be able to go through once on each chart.

By following the above tips, you will minimize the chances of train wrecks, receive respect from the musicians, and maximize the chances of your success as a cruise ship performer. After all, not only do you want to create a successful show, but you are also fostering relationships that are very important to the future of your career as a professional entertainer.

Stay tuned for "Cruise Ship Cabaret Tips - Part II: How To Rehearse The Band."

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(c)2007 John Hinchey. All Rights Reserved. Reprint rights available by contacting John via email here.

John Hinchey is a composer, arranger and trombonist working and residing in Nashville, TN. He has written, arranged and produced mainstage and cabaret shows for several major cruise lines as well as served as Music Director for many live shows. As a performer, John has toured as a trombonist with Kirk Franklin and the National Tours of "A Chorus Line" and "Bob Fosse's DANCIN'". John is also on staff for Artists' Edge Design. To learn more about John's music services, visit Hinchey Music Services or e-mail him here.