How to Get Gigs at Local Colleges and Universities

Last updated on October 8, 2024

For entertainers, colleges and universities can provide more than a higher education. From concerts to end-of-the-year celebrations, numerous special events are hosted on nearly every campus. As a result, organizers all over the country are in search of talent for their school events. With over 2,500 colleges and universities in North America, there are many opportunities to go around. Read on to find out how to break into the collegiate market and get gigs at your local colleges and universities!

How to get started

When it comes to landing gigs at local colleges and universities, knowledge is your secret weapon! The first step in this exciting journey is to dig into the events they’ve hosted in the past. By researching previous bookings, you can gain valuable insights into their interests and preferences, potentially unearthing trends that could enhance your own performance. With your research in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed and compelling pitches, demonstrating your unique value with relevant examples and tailored material.

Research past events

The first step to getting gigs at your local colleges and universities is to find out what they’ve booked in the past. This can help you learn more about their interests, and you may even discover new trends that could be incorporated into your act. Students want to bring new, impressive groups to their events, so your job is to show how you can help them reach their goals. Once you’ve done the research, you’ll be able to reach out with specific examples and material.

Here are a few things to prepare for your initial contact:

• Videos: Include media examples that display your live performances. High-quality live videos of a past show are perfect for this.
• Testimonials: Include past reviews or testimonials that you have received to build confidence and show your experience.
• Social Media Accounts: Share your social media links if you have a strong online presence to show that you’re active and how you interact with followers.
• Local Interest: If you have a local following, include any information to demonstrate this (Social Media followers, crowd sizes via photos, upcoming shows, etc).

Find out who is in charge

For most colleges, student-run organizations are in charge of booking entertainment and planning events. The university provides a budget for these groups to plan events for their fellow students.

These organizations are typically referred to as the Campus Activities Board or Student Activities Council. The name may vary between schools, but the task remains the same. These students are your gateway to performing on campuses. Find more information about these groups by searching your local university’s website. Most of the groups will have their own page that includes all of the information you need to take the next step.

Make the introduction

Now that you have the necessary contact information, you can reach out directly. Normally, you’ll find a list of names, email addresses, and possibly phone numbers on the university’s website. Specifically, contact the president of the group. But don’t stop there! If possible, reach out to a number of the students involved as well.

Email template

Here’s an example email you could use to make the introduction:

Generally, you should keep your emails brief and friendly. Being too wordy could hurt your chances of a response. Don’t forget to attach your supporting materials to help demonstrate your skills and expertise.

👉 Pro tip: Point potential clients to your GigSalad profile instead of a website. Not only will they be able to see your media and reviews there, but they can also request a quote and book you through the platform for a secure and seamless experience.

🏫 You might also like: How to Get Gigs at School Assemblies

How to Expand Your Opportunities

If you’re really serious about breaking into the college gigging scene, there are organizations that can help you. NACA, or the National Association of Campus Activities, is an organization that hosts conferences to help colleges find the perfect entertainment. With regional conferences all across the U.S., you can attend and connect with student organizers near you or specifically target any region that you’d be willing to travel to. Musical Acts, comedians, magicians, and even rental services like bounce houses or photo booths are sought after for campus events, so you’ll have a chance to connect with fellow performers in attendance as well.

Join NACA

To participate in NACA events, you must have a NACA membership. (Regional membership prices begin at $335/year.) With a Regional Membership, you’ll get access to the conference and member directory of schools in your region. NACA also offers a National Membership, which gives you access to all national and regional conferences and the entire NACA member directory.

Exhibit at a conference

Performers are required to purchase booth space in the exhibit hall in order to attend a NACA conference. The price for an exhibit booth is $1,345. To showcase, you must also purchase a booth. Space is limited, so if you’re interested in attending a conference, be sure to reserve your booth space early.

Showcase your talent

You can also apply for a showcase performance, which is the best way to put your talent in the spotlight. There are a few different ways to showcase your act depending on the size of your group, the type of performance, and the region you’re in. You can choose the showcase category that fits you best within the application.

In order for your showcase submission to be considered, you must have a current NACA membership, an exhibit booth at the conference, and pay a $180 application fee. If you’re chosen for a showcase, there’s an additional fee of up to $875 to perform. It may seem costly, but the benefits and opportunities may be worth it if you’re serious about focusing on the collegiate circuit. Colleges and universities spend tens of thousands of dollars yearly for campus entertainment, so this investment could lead to some very profitable gigs.

💡 Looking for more gigging tips? 12 Proven Strategies for How to Book More Gigs

Colleges and universities offer numerous opportunities for entertainers, with many events taking place year-round. By following the outlined steps, you can enhance your visibility and establish valuable connections with organizers eager to create memorable experiences for students. So, dive in, showcase your unique talent, and prepare to make your mark in the collegiate entertainment scene! 🏫✨

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