Burlesque Backstage Pass (Article 2): Rhinestones Ain’t Cheap - The Financial Realities of Being a Burlesque Performer
- Dee Lightfull
- Jul 16, 2025
- 6 min read
Burlesque is an art form rooted in self-expression, creativity, and performance, but for those who pursue it professionally or as a dedicated hobby, there are significant financial factors to consider. The monetary costs associated with being a burlesque performer can be extensive, often outweighing the income unless a performer reaches the upper echelons of the industry. This article explores both sides of the financial equation—income and expenses—to provide a realistic view of the economic realities of burlesque.
Common Income Sources for Burlesque Performers
Burlesque performers generate income through various means, but these earnings can be unpredictable and highly variable depending on experience, reputation, and location. Below are the primary revenue streams available to burlesque artists.
1. Performance Fees
Standard Pay Rates: Performance fees vary widely, typically ranging from $50 to $300 per act, depending on the venue, location, and experience of the performer. Well-known headliners or internationally recognized artists can command $500 or more per act.
Festival Performances: Many burlesque festivals offer little or no payment, instead providing networking opportunities and prestige. A few may cover travel expenses or offer small stipends.
Tips and Gratuities: Most producers collect tips during shows which can add an additional $20 to $100+ per show, depending on audience generosity. Note that the general policy is to do a “tip split” where tips are collected throughout the show and then divided up equally amongst the performers. This is different than most drag shows where each performer keeps their own tips.
2. Private Events and Corporate Gigs
Private events, corporate parties, weddings, and themed parties tend to pay more than standard club shows. Rates can range from $300 to $1,500 (or more! Negotiate!) per event, depending on the client’s budget and the complexity of the performance.
3. Teaching and Workshops
Experienced performers can supplement their income by teaching burlesque classes or workshops.
In person or virtual group classes can bring in $20 to $50 per student, while one-on-one coaching can generate $50 to $150 per hour.
Teaching at festivals or conventions can sometimes pay a flat rate, often between $75 and $500 per class.
4. Merchandising
Selling branded merchandise (t-shirts, stickers, signed posters, costume pieces, or burlesque accessories) can be a supplemental income stream.
On average, performers make $5 to $50 per item sold, but upfront costs for printing, production, and inventory must be factored in.
Online platforms like Etsy, Patreon, or personal websites allow performers to sell items, but they take a percentage of sales.
5. Online Content Creation
Subscription platforms like Patreon, OnlyFans, and Ko-Fi allow performers to earn income by offering exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, or instructional videos.
Earnings vary widely, but successful burlesque content creators can make anywhere from $50 to $3,000+ per month.
6. Touring and Guest Appearances
Established performers may be invited to travel for shows or guest appearances. Travel gigs may pay $200 to $1,000+ per event, though this often depends on whether expenses such as flights and lodging are covered.
7. Producing, Kittening, and Emceeing
Some burlesque artists supplement their income by producing shows, which can net $100 to $2000 or more per event, depending on the venue and production costs.
Emceeing a show typically pays between $100 to $250.
Being a stage kitten, which is also a great way to get into burlesque, typically pays $50 and up.
8. Grants and Sponsorships
Some performers seek arts grants, sponsorships, or crowdfunding campaigns to fund productions and cover expenses.
Depending on the project and sponsor, grants can provide anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Expenses Associated With Burlesque
While income can be variable, the expenses of burlesque are often significant, with many performers reinvesting a large portion of their earnings into their craft. Below is a breakdown of the major costs associated with being a burlesque artist.
1. Costumes and Wardrobe
Costumes: High-quality burlesque costumes can cost between $200 and $5,000 per outfit, depending on materials and embellishments.
DIY Costuming: Some performers make their own costumes to save money, but materials (sequins, rhinestones, feathers, corsets) still add up to $50 to $2000 per costume.
Shoes and Accessories: High-heeled dance shoes, boots, gloves, stockings, pasties, wigs, and headpieces can cost an additional $100 to $1000 per act.
2. Makeup and Beauty Maintenance
Burlesque makeup is dramatic and requires high-quality products, often costing $50 to $200 for an initial kit and $20 to $50 per month for upkeep.
Wigs and hairpieces may cost $50 to $300.
Specialty beauty treatments like lash extensions, waxing, and tanning can add $50 to $200 per month.
3. Props and Stage Equipment
Large props like feather fans, boas, or parasols range from $100 to $5,000.
Specialty props (bathtubs, chairs, aerial rigs) can exceed $1,500, and storage costs must also be considered.
4. Travel and Accommodation
If performing out of town, transportation, flights, lodging, and food expenses can add up.
A single out-of-town gig can cost $200 to $1,000, unless the venue covers expenses.
5. Rehearsal Space and Classes
Renting studio space for rehearsals costs about $10 to $50 per hour.
Professional dance, acting, or movement classes, either online or in person, can cost up to $2500 per year or more.
6. Promotion and Branding
Professional photoshoots for marketing range from $150 to $1500 per session.
Website hosting and maintenance can cost $100 to $500 per year.
Business cards, flyers, and advertising can cost $50 to $500 per year. This area is really variable depending on how much you advertise. Costs could be well in excess of $500 if you are also producing shows.
7. Application Fees and Memberships
Some festivals and shows require an application fee of $10 to $50 per entry.
Burlesque performer associations, such as the Burlesque Hall of Fame, may have membership fees of $50 to $200 annually. I highly recommend supporting BHOF for so many reasons, including care of our burlesque history and providing stipends to our burlesque legends.
8. Insurance and Health Costs
Performers may need liability insurance, which can range from $100 to $500 per year.
Injuries from dancing and high-impact movements can lead to medical expenses, especially without health insurance.
The Financial Bottom Line: Is Burlesque Profitable?
For many burlesque performers, income from gigs alone is often not enough to cover expenses, especially in the early years. The financial sustainability of a burlesque career depends on diversifying income streams, strategic budgeting, and leveraging skills outside of performing (e.g., teaching, producing, or merchandising).
Let’s look at a scenario. You created a basic costume for a new act with no fancy props and spent $1,000. You get paid $75 for each performance of that act. Not factoring in any of the other possible expenses (makeup, wigs, travel), you would need to perform that act 14 times to pay for the costume before you start making any money. Many local burlesque performers perform 2-5 times per month, so it would take you up to 7 months of performing that act to turn a profit. Keep in mind that almost no one performs the same repeatedly for 7 months. Performers have a selection of acts that producers choose from when booking them, so it could be years before that costume is paid off.
While some top-tier burlesque artists manage to make a comfortable living, most performers treat burlesque as a passion-driven side hustle rather than a full-time career. The investment in costumes, training, and promotion can be steep, but for those who love the art form, the rewards go beyond monetary gain. You meet some of the most amazing people and have incredible experiences.
Would-be performers should carefully assess their budget and expectations before diving in, but with careful planning, creative marketing, and dedication, it is possible to turn burlesque into a financially viable pursuit.
Dee Lightfull, burlesque performer, producer, and self-proclaimed provocateur is all about life with a bit more glitter and a dash more sass. Hailing from the heart of Central New York, she is the embodiment of fierce and flirty, a burlesque chameleon who brings a joyous zeal to the stage that is as infectious as it is delightful.
In the series, “Burlesque Backstage Pass,” she is sharing an in depth look behind-the-scenes: from choosing the perfect music to the ins and outs of marketing yourself to costuming tips to the often-taboo topic of money, you will gain an all-access pass to the backstage of burlesque. If you want to make sure she cover a specific topic, email her at deelightfullburlesque@gmail.com.
Dee Lightfull can be found on Instagram or TikTok at @deelightfullburlesque or her website: https://www.deelightfullburlesque.com/
Dee Lightfull merch can be purchased at: https://donmanuelpresents.shop/product-category/dee-lightfull-collection/