TnT Burlesque & Variety Troupe
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When did your business launch?
2010
What is your business about?
TnT is a vaudeville style burlesque & variety show that produces theatre quality productions three times a year in Oklahoma City with 3 performances per show. We do old fashioned theatre runs because the idea of working for months to perform a routine once makes no sense to us!
What is it that you do/sell?
We sell the art of entertainment with titillation. TnT brings Oklahoma City a fun, bawdy, hilarious and sexy experience that they can't get from any other show in town.
What gave your the inspiration or motivation for your business?
I saw an amazing show in Indianapolis that was produced by Katie Angel (of Angel Burlesque) and it changed my life. I saw women and men of all sizes performing their hearts out and the crowd just loving it! Before seeing this show, I thought burlesquers had to be perfect physical specimens, like Dita Von Teese, but this show made me realize that anyone with the skills, talent and guts can do burlesque!
Do you do this full time/part time?
I do this full time. I enjoy being part of the performance scene and the World Wide burlesque movement!
How has your life changed since starting your business?
How hasn't it changed?! Before TnT and performing burlesque I was definitely a behind-the-scenes entertainer. I wrote for various publications covering fashion and events but I hadn't been in the public eye since I did Top 40 radio back in the late 90's. I love being able to inspire other women to do what I do and to just find the confidence to be who they really are.
What is the biggest obstacle you have encountered?
Myself. I am not great at the self promotion portion of this business and I know that it has been an obstacle to my career. I'm getting better at it but it still is difficult for me, sometimes.
What is something you thought was going to be hard, but turned out to be simple, in regards to your business?
I think it would have to be organizing the big shows. I love producing and have the most amazing team behind me but there are always going to be things that go wrong. I believe it's how you react to those hiccups shows who you are.
What has been your biggest success to date?
TnT just celebrated it's 4 year anniversary! We are still going strong and getting a bigger following with every show!
Do you have any big plans/ideas/launches planned for 2015?
Merchandise! Our fans want to show their TnTSizzle and we are finally at a point to give it to them!
What would you like to share with COAST readers about your company/business?
If you're in the OKC area and have ever had the desire to be part of an all inclusive burlesque & vaudeville show, contact me! We are always looking for fun, new talent to add to the TnT family!
Lastly, what is the advice you would give to someone looking to start a company or business similar to yours?
Do your homework. Research the area you are wanting to begin performing in before you start your own performance group.
If you're only burlesque reference is Dita Von Teese... you have a lot of work ahead of you. Burlesque has been around for a very long time and there are so many amazing performers and Legends that you can get in touch with. Ask questions. Don't think you know everything.
AND REMEMBER... this is a BUSINESS. Too many people get into this business thinking it's all about fun. It is fun, yes, but it is also a lot of hard work. Burlesque (good burlesque) requires hours of rehearsal time and dedication. This isn't a business to get in if you are looking to get rich! Have the passion for it before you focus on the dollar signs.