Burlesque Backstage Pass (Article 3) - From Tassels to Taxes: Business Skills for Burlesque Performers

Dee Lightfull
Jul 16, 2025
6 min read

Burlesque is more than just an art form—it’s a business. Every shimmy, every tease, every elaborate costume tells a story, but behind the sequins and feather boas lies the unglamorous world of contracts, taxes, branding, and marketing. Listen, I’m not one to yuck on anyone else’s yum, so if that stuff is your jam, DM me because I need more friends like you to keep me on track...because this is me when I start thinking about all of my burly admin:

For many performers, stepping into the business side of burlesque feels daunting, even overwhelming. After all, most of us didn’t get into this for the paperwork. But make no mistake: the most successful burlesque artists aren’t just dazzling onstage—they know how to manage their careers like seasoned entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a solo performer or producing your own shows, mastering business skills is essential to longevity in the industry.

So, let’s dive into some of the essential business strategies every burlesque performer should know—from legal structures and branding to finances and taxes.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert financial, business, or tax advisor. You should contact a professional service provider for the laws, requirements, and regulations where you live and work. For reals.

The Business of Burlesque: DBA vs. LLC

As a burlesque performer, you are your own business. The moment you start accepting payment for your performances, you step into the realm of self-employment. But how you structure that business can make a significant difference in your legal and financial well-being.

Many performers begin their careers as sole proprietors, using a DBA (Doing Business As) to perform under their stage name without forming a separate business entity. This approach is simple and cost-effective, but it comes with risks—namely, your personal assets are not protected if a legal issue arises. When I first started, a DBA in my county cost $25, and I had to fill out a short form. It was easy peasy lemon squeezy.

For those looking to establish themselves more formally, an LLC (Limited Liability Company) offers protection by keeping personal and business finances separate. This means that if an issue arises—a contract dispute, a lawsuit, or a venue cancellation—you won’t be putting your personal bank account on the line.

Setting up an LLC requires more paperwork and a small investment in filing fees, but for performers looking to expand into producing shows or selling merchandise, it’s an invaluable safeguard. New in 2025, most businesses in the United States need to register with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) by completing the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report, required by the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This was all a little more stressy messy lemon zesty…but totally worth it!

🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, a DBA might be enough. But if you’re making a significant income from burlesque or running productions, consider forming an LLC for protection.

Dollars and Deductions: Understanding Taxes as a Performer

The world of self-employment taxes is not for the faint of heart, but understanding it is key to keeping more of your hard-earned money. Unlike traditional jobs, where taxes are deducted automatically, burlesque performers must track and pay their own taxes—often quarterly—to avoid penalties. If you are a performer and you make more than $600 per year from a show or burlesque producer, you must get a 1099 from them. Same goes for if you are producing, if you pay any performer more than $600/year, you must give them a 1099.

The good news? Many of the costs associated with your burlesque career can be written off. That means your glitter-drenched costumes, travel expenses, marketing materials, and even part of your rent (if you have a dedicated workspace) can help lower your taxable income. You can deduct business expenses such as:

Costumes, props, and makeup
Travel expenses (flights, hotels, mileage)
Music licensing fees
Marketing materials (photo shoots, flyers, website costs, social media ads)
Classes, workshops, and coaching

A well-organized performer keeps meticulous records of income and expenses, using bookkeeping software or a simple spreadsheet to stay on top of finances. Keep all receipts and records in digital and paper form for at least seven years in case of an audit. Some best practices include:

Keep records of every payment received, including performance fees, merchandise sales, and tips.
Use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks, Wave, or FreshBooks to track your finances. If you’re newer or perform sporadically, Excel may work just fine for you!
Open a separate bank account for burlesque income and expenses to simplify tracking.

🔥 Pro Tip: When in doubt, a tax professional who specializes in the entertainment industry can be worth their weight in rhinestones.

Marketing Your Performer Brand: More Than Just a Name

A burlesque persona is more than just a stage name—it’s a brand. Think of some of the most iconic burlesque performers: Dirty Martini, Queerly Femmetastic, Bella Sin. Their personas are instantly recognizable because they have carefully crafted an aesthetic, a signature performance style, and a distinct presence that sets them apart. Now, if you’re wondering why is marketing your brand so important when we’re talking about business skills? It’s because your brand gets you booked.

Building a brand means being intentional about how you present yourself online and in person. Your website, social media, costumes, and even the way you respond to booking inquiries should all align with the image you want to project.

A professional website and/or media kit should include:

A well-written bio that captures your essence
High-quality photos that showcase your best work
Videos of your performances (or links to them)
A booking section with clear contact information

Social media plays a huge role in modern branding. Instagram and TikTok, in particular, are powerful tools for burlesque performers, allowing you to engage with fans, promote upcoming shows, and establish a distinct visual style. Post teaser clips, behind-the-scenes content, sizzle reels, and more. Consider what makes you YOU and amplify that unapologetically!

When you’re ready, start an email list and create a newsletter to connect with fans and producers.

Dee Lightfull wearing her Love Thighself merch

I’ll be honest, marketing was not one of my strengths. I watched what others did, I attended all of the free marketing panels offered by the Community Arts Partnership in my community, and I watched YouTubes! One of the hardest things for me is something my co-producer tells me: “Everywhere you go, you should be promoting yourself.” Ugh. For an introvert who struggles with imposter syndrome, you might as well tell me to eat glass. But, I have found ways to do it that work for me. I wear my own merch. I carry business cards and stickers with my logo and Instagram on them in my pockets and backpacks, so I can hand one to anyone at any time. I am getting better at social media engagement. I tell you this, because if I can do it, you can too!

🔥 Pro Tip: Consistency is key! Make sure your stage name, aesthetic, and messaging are cohesive across all platforms.

Making Money Moves: Finances for Freelance Performers

The financial side of burlesque can be unpredictable—one month might be packed with gigs, while the next is eerily quiet. That’s why financial planning is crucial.

Now, I don’t want to have to say this dirty word, but I need to: BUDGET. Savvy performers budget their earnings, setting aside funds not just for essentials but also for investing in their careers. Costumes, classes, and professional photoshoots all require upfront costs, but they contribute to a performer’s longevity and marketability.

We’ve talked about this before; many performers diversify their income streams, ensuring they aren’t solely reliant on gig payments. Some options include:

Teaching burlesque workshops
Selling branded merchandise (stickers, prints, even pasties!)
Producing shows and earning from ticket sales
Creating exclusive online content for paying subscribers

By exploring multiple income avenues, performers can create a more stable financial foundation and avoid the feast-or-famine cycle of gig work.

Along with budgeting your income, you should budget your expenses (I know, I just keep saying this dirty dirty word!). If you’re making a new costume, budget out the items and materials. If you want to go to a festival – budget. If you’re going to be traveling a lot…you know what I’m going to say, you get it. BUDGET!

Final Curtain Call: Treat Your Art Like a Business

At its core, burlesque is about performance, expression, and artistry. But for those looking to turn their passion into something more than a really expensive hobby, understanding the business side is just as important as nailing that final pose. Burlesque performers can build a career that’s not just artistically fulfilling but also financially viable.

So whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your business acumen, remember: burlesque isn’t just about what happens on stage—it’s about what happens behind the scenes, too.

Dee Lightfull, burlesque performer, producer, and self-proclaimed provocateur who 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, “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. Want to make sure she covers 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/