10 Things I've Learnt Backstage at Burlesque Shows (part 2)

Ok here's part 2 of my 10 things (you can find part 1 here). These are things I learnt behind stage as a performer, as a show maid (or stage kitten or pick-up artist) and as a stage manager for burlesque shows:

1. To get red glitter lips that sparkly beautifully under the lights: use your usual red lipstick, blot with tissue and then reapply (ideally quite a creamy one to counter-act the next stage which dries lips out). Cover this with a thin layer of lip-cote (Benefit Shelaq or Sealed With A Kiss) on the bottom lip. Don't put this on too thickly because a) it dries your lips out b) a thick layer is inclined to peel off. Before it dries quickly use a lip brush to apply ultra-fine cosmetic red glitter the moist lip (I tend to get mine on ebay but you can sometimes get ultra-fine at craft shops). Try to keep your mouth open until the lipcote dries or it won't seal the lipstick properly. Then do the top lip.
2. Stage left and stage right - this is essential to know to stop complications with the setting up of your props/chair/table on the stage by the show's maid or stage manager. Stage left and right mean the performer's left and right facing the audience. Make sure you're being asked stage left or right though and not house left or right (which are the opposite way around, the audience's left or right facing the stage) as I was once asked at a show....not sure why but when I got on stage everything I needed was in mirror image.
3. Provided your false lashes aren't too large, a great way of keeping them in good condition is by keeping them in pill boxes, you know, the ones that separate your tablets into days of the week. To make lashes last longer, always remove all glue VERY CAREFULLY after use holding them in shape whilst doing so. If you rip the glue off from one end to the other like a plaster/band-aid you'll ruin the lash forever by pulling it out of shape. My favourite lash glue is Duo EyeLash Adhesive in dark tone (I think it's in black in the UK). AND always be patient with lashes, let the glue get tacky and almost dry before you even pick it up to place it on your eyelid or it won't hold in place all night. There you got about 4 tips there for the price of one.
4. This one might the most important (other than knowing everyone gets nervous): learn to drop or place your clothes in a small area at the back of the stage. There are several things there. Hopefully you have invested time and energy into your costume/outfit - your audience didn't pay to see someone up on stage in clothes that they could buy in a shop.....even if you're using 'street clothes' to tell your story, you have hopefully blinged or modified them in someway to make them more interesting ....therefore your clothes should be treated with respect (especially if you want the costume to last, but also to signify to the audience that you're someone with a bit of class) and kicking or throwing it randomly somewhere on the stage isn't the way to go. Plus if you throw clothes randomly anywhere you make it harder for your maid to actually retrive all the items (remember she doesn't know your costume intimately, she's having to watch where everything lands and might miss something). You also make it harder for yourself - if you don't drop/place them at the back of the stage then you're in danger of tripping over them when dancing. Get into the habit whilst practising of having a consistent place to place/drop and the reason I was told the back of the stage (originally told this by Goodtime Mama JoJo) is that at different venues you'll walk on and off stage from different sides according to the room set-up, and you don't want to trip over your clothes when walking off stage. Also if you drop them on the opposite side of the stage to the steps, it will make the maid's job of retrieving them harder and the gap between acts longer - and trust me, the more you can stay friends with the show maid the better.
5. Remember that generally the audience want you to succeed. They've paid money for their tickets, they've possibly had to hire a baby sitter, they've spent time dressing up and getting ready - they haven't come out with the purpose to be grumpy and disappointed. They've invested in this evening and so will want you to do well and to make them laugh, smile, be entertained. Know that they are inclined to like you, but don't blow it by boring them. ENTERTAIN THEM!