THE FIFTH WALL—August 2011

If you are an artist/performer, you know about the fourth wall—the wall that separates the performer and their audience. But there is a fifth wall that artists should break. Breaking through the fifth wall means the personal connection the artist/performer makes with their audience AFTER the performance and between gigs. Today it’s easier due to the digital age, but harder as it requires more time and effort. Yes, an artist can ‘meet and greet’ after each gig—very important to do. (Just bring your hand sanitizer and use it after they’ve all gone home.) But what are you doing between gigs? Consistent contact is so important between gigs. Don’t have time? Hire someone to do it for you. Or get a high school or college kid to do it for credit in a class or for community service hours. And no matter what you do, whether at your ‘meet and greets’, or through your social networking, newsletters, etc., appear like you are your fans BFF. In fact, throughout all of your encounters, whether fans, colleagues, or industry people, be genuine, friendly, optimistic, and professional. And never say anything negative about anyone in the industry as it may come back to haunt you.