Dear Constant Reader,
Today’s tip comes from my good friend, master costumer Rae Bradbury-Enslin, the one who taught me most of my costume MacGyver tricks.
If someone is close enough to see a mistake in your costume and comment on it, they’re close enough to punch in the nose.
P.S. And don’t forget to vote for me for The MacGyver Award !
Dear Constant Reader,
We’re getting closer to The Wrathskellar and, among other things, are putting the finishing touches on costumes, which leads me to this tip:
If you have limited time, money and/or materials, invest them in the bottom layer of your costume. It’s the last thing the audience is going to see and you want to leave them with a dazzling impression.
P.S. I’ve been nominated for a Golden Pastie Award! Please vote for me for The MacGyver Award (For the performer who can fix any costume malfunction anytime, anywhere, and with anything).
Dear Constant Reader,
Before your weekly tip, I just wanted to let you know the latest news:
Devora’s surgery went well and she’s recuperating at her grandmother’s. Rehearsals aren’t the same without her.
After emergency auditions and a *long* deliberation, we have a new Lost Girl.
And now for your tip… This is something Scratch posted on Twitter yesterday and I think it’s advice we all could take.
There are mean people and jerks in the world. Try not to be one of them, OK? Create don’t destroy. Positive not negative.
P.S. Please nominate me for The MacGyver Award (for the performer who can fix any costume malfunction anytime, anywhere, and with anything) at the Golden Pastie Awards! Nominations close today!
Dear Constant Reader,
Sometimes you get lucky.
Don’t count on it, but if it happens, enjoy every minute.
P.S. Please nominate me for The MacGyver Award (for the performer who can fix any costume malfunction anytime, anywhere, and with anything) at the Golden Pastie Awards! Nominations close September 7th.
Dear Constant Reader,
Before today’s tip (which I know you are eagerly awaiting, like all of my pearls of wisdom), I’d like to mention that nominations are open for The Golden Pastie Awards at the New York Burlesque Festival. Perhaps you would like to nominate me? I wouldn’t want to structure your experience, but I’m thinking The MacGyver Award (for the performer who can fix any costume malfunction anytime, anywhere, and with anything), although usually I’m known as The Martha Stewart of Burlesque.
And on that note:
If something is spilled on your costume, quickly rinse it with cold water and blot with a clean towel.
Heat will set stains, hence *cold* water. Rubbing will grind the stain into the fabric, so blot. And by towel, I mean, napkin, paper towel, hankie, spare sock, &c. Once you get home you can properly care for the stain, without having made life harder for yourself.
For more helpful costume care information, attend my class at BurlyCon in November!
Dear Constant Reader,
Make eye contact with your fellow performer before engaging in stage combat.
N.B. Some romantic actions can be considered stage combat.
Dear Constant Reader,
Heavily embellished costumes should be stored flat.
If you put them on a hanger, the weight of the beads, rhinestones, &c may stretch the garment out of shape. If you need to fold them for storage, pad the creases with acid-free tissue paper.
Dear Constant Reader,
Be responsible and responsive.
If someone contacts you about a gig, get back to them in a timely fashion. If you don’t want the work, say so (politely, of course). It’s rude to leave someone hanging.
Dear Constant Reader,
Today’s tip comes from Betty Blaize (and her hairstylist):
When trying to get body in your hair, do the opposite of how the hair naturally falls – if it falls left, brush, curl or gel it to the right. If it falls right, go left. Hair in the back goes toward the front, hair in the front goes back.
Dear Constant Reader,
Always carry a notebook and a pen – and use them! You never know when inspiration will strike. Or when you will need to jot down an important bit of information.
