Dear Constant Reader,
Happy Friday! Today’s tip continues the series on dressing room and backstage etiquette:
Respect other’s backstage rituals.
People prepare for the stage differently. Some are social and chatty. Some are quiet and meditative. Some listen to their music. Some stretch. Some work on costuming or other handwork. Some need to keep moving. Whatever you need to do to get ready for your performance is fine, as long as it doesn’t encroach on someone else’s needs.
So, wear your headphones. Keep the conversation to a moderate level. Find some space out of the way. Explain your needs in a clear and polite way. Everyone should be able to get their energy up and focused in their own way so you all can have the best show possible.
Like this tip? There are lots more in Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Better Burlesque.
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If you’re going to use hairspray, loose glitter, spray-on stockings, &c, ask permission of the other inhabitants of the dressing room.
Keep your dressing room footprint small.
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 
