Hi, I'm going to be doing my first open mic in a couple of weeks and I was just wondering if anyone has any advice, not so much on performing although that would be helpful, but more on teh actual process of doing an open mic. How many people should you bring? Is there usually a backstage-style area you go to just before you're on, that kind of thing.
Thanks
Hi John - it all depends on the venue, but usually at an open mic it'll say what sort of gig it is when you book (i.e. if it's a 'bringer' where yo uhave to bring at least one friend or whatever). If it's a bringer then one friend will do, but even if it isn't and you have a friend who wants to come then it's always nice to have genuine audience members!
Usually the folk performing will turn up around half an hour before the show starts, say hello to the MC who'll sign you in and give you a place on the running order. All the acts sit in the crowd and just go on stage when the MC announced them - you won't get a green room for a few years yet!
Some venues (like the Cavendish Arms in South London) have a random running order, so you never know when you're on until the MC calls your name. But thankfully there aren't that many of them, and the Cav gets away with it cos it's a really friendly and relaxed night!