How to Be a Major Player in the Entertainment Industry

Armand Peri

This will sound cliché but stay with me: “entertaining is all about entertainment”. To perform for someone, whether you’re a dancer, a singer, or an actor requires you to promote yourself and to always remember your job is to entertain an audience and keep them riveted. It’s all about how you make other people “feel” and react emotionally to your performance. I began as an entertainer and now run a multi-million-dollar business whose sole product is premium entertainment. Throughout my years I’ve encountered many successful entertainers including dancers, actors, and singers. They broke into the industry with their passion and by following some of these recommendations:

Learn the molecules that matter of the business

When you’re starting out in an entertainment industry, it’s vital to understand the business side of your industry. While starting out my career as an exotic male dancer, I didn’t just dance – I also paid attention. I learned how to promote the club, how to close important deals, and how to connect with businesspeople. And I did all of this even before I launched my club Hunk-O-Mania – which I grew into by far the most popular male dance revue company in America.

Entertainers should dive into their business and not be afraid to wear many hats. I did this because I wanted to be able to cover for any absence and I also wanted the context into the difficulties of every position. That way I can intelligently promote people that excel and also identify staff that need to get out of the spotlight. Entertainers need passion about not just their particular role, but the entire industry. If you want to be a film actor, then take on a job as a grip or work in set design while you take acting classes. Understand how your business really works, not how you might think it works. Figure out the audition process. If you want to be a comic then read about the different tiers of comedy clubs, or maybe get a job at one to pick up some context about what it takes to succeed. There’s a reason so many acclaimed directors were/are actors. They understand the process and what actors go through to succeed and know how to direct them properly.

Pounce on opportunity without fear

My time as a dancer started as more of a hobby than a full-time job and it all began when I met a guy at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. I was eating every two hours during this time period because I was a competitive bodybuilder (grown from a scrawny teenager) and so I needed fuel constantly to maximize my muscle growth and win against others who were not as disciplined at building muscle. A guy started talking to me asking how I was so lean and fit, and we became friends. We discussed working out, nutrition, and other topics. I noticed he had a decent car and seemed to have cash to spend, so I found out he worked as a male revue dancer. He took me to the Escapes club on Long Island, and in two hours I made the same money as I did working a grueling eight-hour shift as a bouncer. It changed my life.

This story isn’t really about the money, but about opportunity. I saw a fun and financially-rewarding opportunity and dove in. Well it wasn’t easy because I’m not a natural dancer and wasn’t that confident with women. However, I saw the chance to make money, and I quickly became one of the most requested dancers because I was a natural at entertaining and tuning into my audience. I understood how to get people to have a good time and present a fantasy version of myself. I danced for several years before founding my own club, but during this time I always exuded positivity and energy. That’s what people love about entertainers. Singers and actors must also take chances and jump on opportunities when they’re presented. Even if you have to fake the initial confidence it takes to get on that stage, you must make the leap.

Mimic others to discover your own original style

Entertainers often need a mentor or role model throughout their career. They require exposure to singers that can pack a nightclub, or a dancer that captivates an audience. To break into the entertainment industry you have to learn from top performers. I closely watched the style, mannerisms, and overall vibe of the best dancers at the club. I mimicked all of them, but I didn’t “copy” them. I put my own spin on my performances and added my own innovation. Popular entertainers pay their dues and pick up tips from others, but they always embrace who they are. Be authentic. What will ultimately stand out is your uniqueness and how you differentiate yourself from the pack.

I developed the skills for dancing, but also saw how to improve the entire industry. Since I worked so many jobs, I saw flaws in process and people. For example, most booking agencies for male dancers wouldn’t pay for the dancer’s time if there was a cancellation. You could drive halfway across New York and not get paid. With my business, I make sure everyone gets paid, not just because it’s fair, but I was once a dancer. This built loyalty with my dancers and a commitment to my brand.

It was my insight into the job and understanding the pain points of customers and entertainers and then innovating how things are done that helped turn my business into a great success. I’ve excelled in the entertainment industry because I put in the work to learn the business and I also discovered my own unique branding and innovation. Entertainers looking to break into the industry have to embrace this mindset of learning the business and then stand out, powered by their positivity and personal uniqueness in an industry that rewards those who can dazzle and deliver.