Creating an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

Example of an EPK.

What is an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)?

You've skilfully crafted and rehearsed an innovative program that you cant wait to take on the road, but how do you get the word out and start booking shows? This is where your Electronic Press Kit or EPK comes in. Your EPK is a document that contains all the essential information bookers and media alike will need to asses your suitability for shows and then promote them. From writing a bio, to what links to include this guide, featuring fictional music ensemble The Temora Ensemble, will assist you with creating your EPK to start booking shows.

Where can you be found?

Firstly, the most important part of your press kit, how to find you.

Including information about your social media and website can provide valuable resources about your suitability for a booking, and can also aid in marketing. Don’t forget to include the best contact person so people can get in touch. This could be a member of the ensemble, or a manager if you have one.

Finally, make sure to include the members preferred names, instruments and preferred pronouns.

Ensemble Bio

Your ensemble bio should detail what makes you special. Why should people come see you? Begin with who you are, before giving a brief description of what audiences can expect from your performance. Use emotive language here. What will audiences walk away feeling? Don’t forget to include any significant performances or awards here too.

Here is a brief example for fictional duo, The Temora Ensemble.

It’s a good idea to get a ‘critical friend’ to read it. In Australia, we are usually too modest about our accomplishments, so a critical friend can help us strike the right balance.

Individual Bio

Also include a brief individual bio for the individual performers in the ensemble.

List key achievements, relevant study, and anything that makes your performers stand out.

Here’s an example of fictional musicians Alexandra and Evan’s bio.

From a marketer’s perspective, it can be great to have further information about performers also. Audiences love to know interesting tidbits about you, it helps them feel connected to you. This could be unusual hobbies, something else they excel in, or perhaps they have a relationship to the area or venue you’ll be performing in. This information can be included as a separate link later in the document.

Program Description

Once you’ve outlined who you are, give a further idea of what can be expected from your proposed program.

For shorter programs, write a brief description of each work you’ll be presenting. For a longer program, discuss a selection that will give an overall feel. Don’t forget to tie everything into your program theme.

Here’s an example of fictional ensemble The Temora Ensemble’s program Nature’s Calling.

Quotes

Where possible, include reviews or quotes from reputable publications highlighting your strong performance style, or important elements of your program. Ensure to credit the publication with each quote.

Links

Finally, include relevant links that will show what you do and/or assist with marketing your performances.

Links to professional images are a must (don’t forget to include photographer credit and subject names from left to right), however, other links may depend on who you are pitching to.

When pitching to a venue or booker you could also include online links to performance or professional recorded videos, music streaming platforms, and your full program listing. Once the booking is confirmed it can be useful to provide the original recordings and videos to be used for promotion.

When pitching to media, include a press release (a press article putting together all the information discussed here) also.

Save all of the documentation to a shared drive, such as Google Drive or SharePoint and embed link in the document for external parties to view.

finalising your EPK

Once you’ve compiled all the required information, put it together as a PDF with the links embedded, or store on your website if possible. Add a touch of colour and make it look professional with applications such as Word or Canva. Now you’re ready to send out your EPK and hit the road!