The sentiment is true. In order to perform in the larger venues, one must practice, and be practiced. So here's a tip...start small.

House concerts, like the one I did with Pam Faro this last week in Colorado, are a perfect way to get known and practice your craft in front of an audience. These house concerts are different from a guild meeting or story circle, because you are not just practicing with friends, you are performing!

Unlike renting a theatre, or paying for a breakout room in a hotel, or finding a coffee shop that works, the costs are little or nothing. You might need some extra chairs (ask people to bring their own folding or "camp" chairs). You can provide snacks or drinks, or ask folks to BYOBeverages. You can charge a small fee ($3-$5), and break even, or perhaps donate some of the funds (charge a little extra) to charity (a great incentive for people to attend).

It's easy to promote, use e-mail and social media to invite friends, and friends of friends. You could do the whole evening yourself, or have several tellers. You are in control.

As you can see from the photo on the right, its different from performing on a stage. The audience is "up close and personal." This is also a good way to practice "reading the crowd". You will definitely know whether they like your telling when they are only five feet away!

If you start small, in both numbers and space, you have little to lose...and a lot to learn!