From what I've observed, making contacts in the world of the male stripper is the best way to get hired as a male stripper.
Most guys who want to become male strippers make friends with someone connected to the industry. Once inside the door there are many options beyond male stripper, such as go go boy, pole dancer, male review, nude male dancer, strip-o-gram and even fill-in bartender. Let's find out how these differ and how you can get hired at each.
Learn New Skills
Shake off your preconceived notions of what you think a male stripper should be. Substitute the phrase 'exotic male dancer' in the place of male stripper. You've just added several options to your hire-ability.
In the world of exotic male dancers there are male strippers, go-go boys, pole dancers, male reviews, strip-o-grams, nude male dancers and just for fun, let's throw in fill-in bartender. As I describe each one below, evaluate your skill level and assess your current ability to be successful.
The Male Stripper And The Strip-Tease
The exotic male dancer performs a strip-tease on stage at a club or in private parties. The performance is focused around a theme such as a policeman, superhero or construction worker. A costume, the music, props and any performance related activity are centered around that theme.
Starting from being fully dressed, the male stripper seductively removes his clothing until he is nude. The nudity part being based on what is allowed by law, and what is negotiated with the client in their contract.
The performance is called a strip-tease. A good male stripper will learned the art of teasing the audience while removing his clothing. He follows the principle of 'give them suggestions and glimpses but always leave them wanting more.'
Bar and Club Performances And Auditions
Male Strippers are hired by show directors and club managers. Some clubs use an outside agency. New hires are determined by appearance and ability demonstrated during an audition.
If you are wanting to work at a specific club that features male strippers ask the manager or show director how they hire male strippers at their location. Follow their instructions.
For Private Parties - Find An Agency
Male Strippers are very often a featured entertainment at bachelorette and bachelor parties. They are sometimes hired for birthdays, retirement parties, engagement parties or other life celebrations. For these situations a male stripper is hired through an agency or a male stripper may be self-employed.
If you are interested in going through an agency for private party opportunities, you will need to contact the agency and audition. Prepare two one song performances for the audition.
I recommend that you do a YouTube search for "male stripper at a birthday party", "male stripper at a bachelorette party" and "male stripper at a bachelor party". Develop your own audition performance based on what you see.
Private party performances require more audience participation and interaction with the male stripper. Become an expert at the lap dance.
The Go-Go Boy
This exotic male dancer performs at bars, clubs and events providing atmosphere and eye candy to the event. Of all the types of exotic male dancers, this one requires the best dancing skills. The successful go-go boys have the best dance moves.
In some situations, costumes are provided or coordinated with a show director. Go-Go Boy physical assets include full bulges and tight ass bubble butts.
Go-go boys are hired in much the same way as male strippers. Ask a club manager what you would need to do to be hired at the club. Follow through with their advice.
The Pole Dancer - Athlete And Artist
This exotic male dancer is the most skilled. Pole dancing is a mix of athleticism and artistic expression. Stripper poles for male dancers are found mostly in gay bars and clubs.
Becoming a quality pole dancer requires regular practice. This can be obtained at the club before, during and after club hours. A portable pole can be purchased and installed in your home.
There are also pole dancer studios that provide training for a fee. Do a google search for those located in your area.
The pole dancer can take their skills beyond the male strip club. There are serious pole dancer competitions held every year. See our Recommended Resource page for more details.
Pole dancers are rarely the featured entertainment at a club or venue. If you become exceptional at pole dancing, this becomes a possibility. For everyone else, pole dancing can be seen as a skill that will help you get in the door, and make you a more valued entertainer.
The Las Vegas Style Of The Male Review (or Male Revue)
The exotic male dancers involved in a male review perform together in producing a Las Vegas style show. Most cater to a female audience.
There are male review shows that remain at a specific theater or venue in a home city. Others take the show on the road and travel around the U.S. and other countries.
Smaller male review shows often feature solo performances by the members of their group.
Male dancers for male reviews are hired through audition. These auditions are held for the upcoming season or tour. During the season, a job opening will occur only if someone has had to drop out.
Smaller male review shows will usually have shorter seasons or tours which makes it necessary to hire new dancers more often. They may even hire for occasional one night shows.
The Strip-O-Gram At The Office
The exotic male dancer who performs a strip-o-gram is usually a young well-built male who wants to make a few dollars on the side. Hiring is done by an agency that specializes in the Strip-O-Gram.
The male stripper delivers a gift or message to an unsuspecting recipient at their home or office. They do a quick strip and present the gift or message to the honoree. The most common reason for a strip-o-gram is a birthday surprise.
Strip-O-Grams are less popular than in times past. There are potential legal issues including sexual harassment that must be considered in the current social climate.
The Nude Male Dancer-Did You See That?
There are a few clubs around North America where dancers perform in the nude. This requires a certain type of person with certain physical characteristics.
I have been to all but one of the fully nude male strip clubs in the United States, as well as two in Canada. From my observation, the most successful male dancers at these clubs are well-endowed, physically fit and very good looking.
You will need to personally apply at the club and give an interview to be considered for employment.
Check our Recommended Resources page under Documents for a list of clubs that feature fully nude male dancers. Their contact information and location are included.
The Fill-In Bartender - Looking Good Behind The Bar
The exotic male dancer who can also fill-in as a bartender when needed is a valuable asset to a bar or club. If the main bartender is running late, or needs to be absent for a night, someone will have to fill in for them.
In some clubs the male dancers are not scheduled every night. If you are also a bartender, you might be able to work in that capacity on the nights that you do not dance.
The customers will also appreciate eye candy behind the bar. And if you are able to wear some of your underwear or costumes while bartending, all the better.
There will come a time when stripping is not an option. Being a bartender is a valuable skill to pick up while dancing. A good place to start is to serve as a barback. Watch and learn from the head bartender.
A bartender license is required in some locations. Ask your head bartender if there is any licensing that you might need.
Final Thoughts
If you are wanting to work at a specific venue, visit that location on a night when exotic male dancers are featured. Become familiar with what the dancers are doing in their performances. Pay attention to the music they are using, the costumes they are wearing, and how they interact with the audience. This will be valuable when you are interviewed and when you audition.
Many venues hire through a contest or amateur night. The contests usually have a cash prize as well. Prepare yourself and sign up to participate.
Serving as a fill-in DJ is another position you might consider. But, be aware that DJ's do not normally make the same amount in tips that dancers and bartenders do. It is still another way to increase your value to a bar, club or venue.
These blogs I wrote may also be helpful:
How to become a male stripper at a gay bar
10 Things Looked For By Managers And Show Directors When Booking Exotic Male Dancers
