Ever wondered how indie artists get those awesome (paying!!) gigs at colleges? Especially the gigs where their travel and accommodations and meals are paid for? And they seem to play these gigs on a regular basis?
It’s probably the result of their involvement and exhibition at NACA.
The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) “advances campus activities in higher education through a business and learning partnership, creating educational and business opportunities for its school and professional members. NACA now has more than 950 college and university members and over 550 associate members who represent artists, lecturers and performers. “
Basically NACA is the organization that brings all kinds of performers together – in a sort of talent focused trade show – where student activities board members choose the entertainment that will be at their college for the coming semester(s). No matter where you’re located, there’s probably a conference near you. NACA holds one national conference and seven annual regional conferences, one in each NACA region: central, mid-America, mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Northeast Plains, South and West.
In order to get a gig, you typically need to become an exhibitor. You have to pay to get a booth, and then you need to set up your booth in a useable and attractive (interesting) matter (note: snacks and food help). Students will come to your booth to talk to you and you basically have to sell them on the “why.” Why should they pay you to perform at their school? Videos, and listening stations are immensely helpful (you can’t perform live at your booth).
Additionally, artists can vie for a showcase at the conferences, in front of an audience. If you wow them, they will come. And they have budgets.
Tell us what you think: Have you showcased at NACA? Did it help you book college gigs?
The SongCast Crew
Whats the next step?
Checkout http://www.naca.org for further info.
My name is Dave and have been on the collegiate circuit for a few years.
In an effort to help serve the entertainment community I wrote a completely free eBook detailing how the college market works. If you want to grab a copy feel free to visit http://collegemarketdecoded.com/ .
Feel free to share it with others as well
Thanks… enjoy!
-Dave