Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! We’re appearing tonight in Burlesque Macabre and I am incredibly excited to be doing a darkly seasonal show. This is the only time of year we get to do anything like this.

Here’s your tip!

Stage kittens have a very important job.
(Photo of stage kitten extraordinaire Guilted Lilly by Bruce Davis)

A “stage kitten”* for the non-burlesque folks are the crew members who clean the stage of discarded costume pieces and props. They also set up and remove any set pieces and sometimes interact with the performers, maybe to hand them an item. Backstage, they are there to support the performers and the best ones always seem to have that thing you need right now, like a safety pin. They are a vital part of the show.

A great stage kitten is an amazing asset to a show and makes performances run smoothly. It’s also a good way to get your feet wet in the world of burlesque.

However, I don’t love the idea that being a stage kitten is a required stepping stone to performing and that one has to pay one’s dues by being a stage kitten before performing. Like I said, I think it’s a fine way to start out, but it’s not required. Not everyone is cut out to be a stage kitten. It requires a certain focus and attention to detail.

I do think every performer should try their hand at it at least once, because it will give you an appreciation for the job and those who do it. It’s absolute nonsense that performers are somehow a step up from kittens (yes, I’ve heard people refuse a kittening job as though it were an insult to be asked). You’re all necessary for a good show!

In the world of theatre, there are performers and there are crew. Stage kittens straddle that line, since they are meant to be a visible part of the show, but also help keep it moving smoothly.

*Also called a stage panther, pickup artist, and other cute names. Let me know your favorites in the comments!

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!

Feathers are happiest in a moderate environment.

Optimally feathers should be kept between 60 and 75 degrees F and at 45-55% relative humidity (these are museum guidelines). Now, most of us don’t live in places that are that rigidly climate controlled, but there are still things we can do to keep our feathers at their best.

Avoid storing them near bathrooms, laundry areas and other places with high humidity as too much moisture can encourage mold. Also, keep them away from radiators, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat. If the feathers get too dry, they can crumble.

Don’t worry too much. Like I said, most of us don’t have perfectly climate controlled places to store our fans and boas and headdresses, but we can be aware of the issues.

I’ll be talking more about caring for feathers and other costume items at BurlyCon next month!

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip.

Carry reusable utensils with you.

Most performers I know are often eating on the go — in the car, backstage, in an airport, &c. Having your own silverware in your bag means you’ll never find yourself without a fork in a time of need and you won’t be contributing to single-use plastic utensils ending up in the trash.

There are tons of options out there — like metal, bamboo, folding, modular, &c. You can buy fancy sets or just use a thrift store find.

I have a metal fork, knife, and spoon I found in the kitchen junk drawer (I think I bought them for my first apartment…) plus a metal straw. I made a cute little bag to carry them all and there was even room for a small cloth napkin. The whole thing takes up almost no space in my purse and it’s been so useful!

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday the 13th! And it’s a full moon! I feel like a should give you an appropriate tip, like something about mirrors or cats or just luck. Maybe ladders… I got it!

Use a spotter.

When you’re trying out some new chair tricks or climbing a ladder to hang lights or anything else where there’s a chance of falling, have a partner available to spot you. Just in case.

May your luck be good today and everyday!

Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

Happy Friday! Here’s your tip! Traditionally Monday is wash day, but this week we’re talking about laundry on Friday…

Color remover will save your ass.

Or at least your white wash. So, let’s say you’re doing laundry and a stray red sock gets in with your whites… Let’s be real, we’re burlesque performers — it’s a stray red feather. Now there are pink streaks all over your pristine white lovelies. Don’t panic! It’s time for a color remover.

It’s a powder that you add to water, either in a basin or a washing machine, and let your stained items soak. Then rinse well or run them through the wash cycle. When the stains are gone, wash as normal. It’s like magic! It’s also much less damaging than chlorine bleach.

The stuff is rather caustic, so wear gloves and a dust mask when adding the powder to the water. My favorite version, Dylon Run-Away, is apparently no longer available in the US (I’m glad I stocked up), but Rit makes a color remover with a similar formula.

This stuff is only for white fabric — do not use it on colors! There are also color removers that work with colored clothing, but I haven’t tried them yet. Also, I’ve never tested it on rhinestones. My instinct is don’t. (But you wouldn’t be tossing your rhinestone-crusted costumes in the washing machine, right?)

Remember, heat sets stains, so don’t throw your dye-stained garments in the dryer. If you can’t get to to it right away when the clothes are still wet, let them air-dry, but it’s best to tackle the problem while things are still damp.

Another favorite laundry aid is color catchers. It looks like a dryer sheet, but you throw it in the wash and it’ll soak up loose dye in the water before it transfers to your other garments. I always use them when washing something I suspect might run.

But my best advice (which I don’t always follow) is to carefully check your laundry basket for stray items that could mess up your wash.

Want to learn more about garment care? I’ll be teaching at BurlyCon in November!

Like this costuming tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Burlesque Costuming.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.

Dear Constant Reader,

It’s Friday again! Here’s your tip!

No wire hangers!

Well, you can use them to remove static, but not for hanging up your costumes. Your costumes cost a lot in time and money and should be treated with respect. Wire hangers are too flimsy and can distort the shape of the garment. Also it’s easy for your clothing for fall right off them.

Padded hangers are great for delicate garments (I use them for my Catherine D’Lish robes) and also for heavier garments because the hangers are broad and supportive

But really, almost any hanger is better than a wire one.

I’ve been thinking about a tutorial on creating your own padded hangers. You can coordinate them with your costumes! If you’re interested, please leave a comment here.

Like this costuming tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Burlesque Costuming.

These writings and other creative projects are supported by my Patrons. Thank you so much! To become a Patron, go to my Patreon page. Or you can just tip me if you liked this.