Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip:
Keep your dressing room footprint small.
Most dressing rooms are not large or lavishly appointed (oh, I could tell you dressing room horror stories) and a lot of people need to use them. You don’t want to take up more than your fair share of space.
Keep your stuff (make up, costume, hair tools, &c.) compact and under control, rather than sprawling all over. Not only does it make you a more pleasant person with whom to share a dressing room, it keeps your things from getting lost, damaged, or accidentally appropriated. Also, you’re ready to leave more quickly at the end of the night, if you re-pack as you go.
If there’s somewhere else you can hang out if you’re not actively getting ready, you should leave the dressing room for those who currently need it. If not, be as out of the way as possible, especially keeping clear of those performers who are going to come racing in for a fast change. If you’re one of those, warn everyone in advance. Not only will people stay out of your way, you’ll probably even get some offers of help.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
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If you need a lot of strips of fabric, like for can-can ruffles, corset binding, or quilts, a rotary cutter is the way to go. It’s fast, easy, and accurate. you will also need a special cutting mat and acrylic ruler, but the investment pays off in saved time. Use the lines on the mat to line up your fabric. Set the ruler as a straight edge and run the cutter along side it. Before you know it, you’ll have heaps of fabric strips (or squares or triangles). Just be careful — those cutters are sharp — and close the safety cover when you’re not actively cutting. And replace the blade (it’s easy) when it starts getting dull.
It will make your life so much easier when submitting to festivals or working with a producer. I keep these files handy on my computer and then cut & paste the necessary information as needed. For each act I have the name, a link to the video, the song title, artist and length, a basic introduction, a short description, set up and clean up, lighting and sound notes, and anything else important. 
To keep your lip makeup intact, drink with a straw.
Tip your bartender.
When planning my trip to 
