Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip:
When working with slippery, slithery, or otherwise difficult fabrics, baste them in place first.
Yes, it takes extra time and thread, but you’ll thank me later. I make these mistakes so you don’t have to.
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.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!
If you have the option, buy travel insurance.
When planning my trip to New Mexico, I decided on a whim to opt for the travel insurance for my airline ticket. It wasn’t much additional money and I’m so glad I did. As you might recall, there was a snowstorm that screwed up my travel plans. I ended up having to buy a ticket on another airline to get home in a reasonable amount of time and the insurance reimbursed me for the cost of my original ticket. As traveling showgirls on a budget, it’s worth it to have that safety net in case things go wrong.
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.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! I’ve been working on a new costume piece for The Big Time and that reminded me of this tip:
Canned food makes great pattern weights.
I like to use short cans, like tuna (I always get the kind with the mermaid!), pineapple, or water chestnuts.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s another tip on the theme of big props:
When you are using a big prop, use it.
A big prop should be integrated into your act like any other aspect. I always think it’s such a shame when a performer has this lovely prop and they spend just a little time with/on/in it, but basically ignore it for most of the act. The prop is just as important as your costume, music, choreography, &c. I love acts where the performer uses the prop throughout the act in creative ways.
You can see if I take my own advice in The Big Time on May 19 and 20.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Today’s tip continues on the theme of big props:
The big prop is not the star of the act. You are!
Don’t let your big prop overshadow you! It’s there to support you, not replace you. It’s one of the many elements that go into your act: costume, storyline, choreography, music, &c. Let it be just one part of a stunning ensemble.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!
Festival rejections are not a judgement on your worth as a performer.
It’s burlesque festival season, which means it’s also stress and rejection season. Please remember, my dears, that we do burlesque because we love it, not because we want a crown. We should be striving to improve our performances and entertain our audiences, and if a festival happens to like our submitted act, great.
Remember, often it’s not you, it’s them. You never really know what the festival committee is looking for. That act on which you have worked so hard and for which you have received so much praise may not suit the festival’s needs. Maybe one of the invited guests is using the same song. Sometimes it’s just a small thing that tipped the balance. Perhaps something else in your arsenal would have been accepted, but you just don’t know that at submission time and you can’t know that.
Also, remember that festival performances are often for other burlesque performers. An act that may wow your fans may be seen as not new or different or innovative enough for a particular festival. That doesn’t doesn’t diminish the act’s worth. It just means it’s not right for that festival.
Rejection hurts. It’s true. I myself have been rejected by more festivals than I care to count, even ones to which I had been previously accepted. I know some brilliant performers with splendid acts who have been rejected by festivals. Take some comfort from knowing that you are not alone.
If there’s a particular festival that you really, really want to perform at, it’s worth it to attend as an audience member (or even better, as a volunteer) and see close up what sort of acts they like.
While you can tailor your submission to try to fill the bill, please remember keep your style, your uniqueness, your personal stamp on the act, because no festival is worth losing that.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Here’s your tip!
When doing leg work, keep your legs strong and your toes pointed.
When your legs are supposed to be straight, keep them straight. If they’re bent, bend them at an attractive angle. What you don’t want are mushy knees. You don’t have to get your legs up very high or open very wide, if flexibility is an issue. As long as you’re making a nice line, your legs will look lovely.
Photo by Cassandra Mia at The Great Burlesque Expo of 2011
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
I’m so tired. My trip to New Mexico was wonderful, but the travel home wasn’t. I’ll tell you all about everything once I’ve gotten some rest. However, that won’t be soon. Tonight I’ll be performing at “Kiss Me, I’m Not Irish“, a variety show featuring performers from all over the globe.
But it’s Friday (I’d almost lost track of what day it is) and time for your tip.
When traveling, pack at least one more outfit than you think you’ll need.
Most times you’ll take it home unworn, but one day you’ll be really glad to have the extra clothes.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! As you read this, I’m winging my way to The Land of Enchantment (that would be New Mexico) for a few days of performing, sightseeing, and catching up with friends. but I wouldn’t neglect your tip.
Bring your music to a gig in multiple formats.
Now, a good producer should have had you submit your music ahead of time and everything will be all set when you arrive for the show, but stuff happens*…
Bring your music on a flash drive, so it can be imported again, if necessary. Also, bring your music on your phone. You’re going to want to listen to it on your headphones backstage anyway. In a pinch, your device can be used for playback.
And of course, if you come so prepared, none of your careful created backups will be needed. Such is the way of things.
*At our New Year’s Eve show, Betty’s song, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”, started only playing one channel. As half the lyrics were inaudible, this made for a problematic performance. Fortunately, it was re-imported and played the next night without mishap.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! I just got back from a lovely little vacation to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico only to have the temperature in Boston plummet. Brrrr… In just one week, I’ll be performing at A Night of Classic Burlesque in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Maybe it will be spring when I get back.
And here’s your tip!
Take risks!
If you only do what’s safe on stage and in your life, you won’t really process as an artist. Try something new, something daring. It might not work, but you’ll definitely learn something along the way. In the best case, you’ve challenged yourself and improved, perhaps in an unexpected way.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
Oh, The Glamourous Life! 