Backstage etiquette 101
There's been a lot of great articles recently on tips for stage kittens and other backstage helpers. These are invaluable in giving guidance on how you can really work to make a show run smoothly and professionally. Which, let's face it is more fun for everyone!
But, what about the unspoken rules ? That kind of vibe you get backstage when you think something's awry....but can't quite figure it out.
I find it strange that we all have our own expectations and assumptions about how we should behave backstage and with other artists. Yet this never really transpires into anything formal. If you're new, we seem to just expect you to figure it out in your own time. Strange, huh? I can't think of any other work environment where this would happen. Normally expected behaviours are well outlined in any traditional workplace.
While burlesque ain't your typical workplace (I mean most people don't get sparkly boobs in their day job! . But at the end of the day we're all still people trying to rub along together as best we can. So in that vein, I think we have a responsibility to be open with each other about what expectations we have about being backstage. Surely, it will help harmony and peace and love and puppies. Right?
Jo Weldon's "Burlesque Handbook" is the absolute gold standard reference for burlesque etiquette. If you want the ultimate 'how to' (or what not to do) this has everything and more. It's a timely reminder that you should ask before having a backstage selfie and that you check your entourage at the stage door.
But for my ten cents (and you know how I love giving opinions), if you do the following you'll be welcomed with open arms backstage and at future events. And, it would be nice to believe that bookings are based on pure talent, let's be real. It's always better to book a performer that isn't a massive diva or dickhead backstage. No one needs that much agg! (did you get my TOWIE reference???)
1. Check Your Attitude at the Door:
We all have shit days. But backstage you'll have to be sharing a space (often confined) with performers who:
a) want a bit of a chilled out quiet time before they head onstage;
b) need a bit of space to stretch and warm up; or
c) want to have a chat, a drink and finish some makeup
Or a combo of all of the above
So, what's not appropriate?
Coming in with a bad mood. Like a personal thunderstorm over your head;
Having a massive fight loudly on your phone;
Ignoring performers/ general passive agressive behaviour;
Any fighting.
Derogatory comments about other performers at your event.
This kind of attitude wouldn't be tolerated in a day job. You wouldn't treat any other colleague like this or behave in this manner. Why then does it seem to be okay backstage? It doesn't take a huge effort to keep the bad stuff to a minimum, and to just have a polite and friendly demeanour backstage. You don't need to be best mates with everyone. But turning up with a professional attitude with minimum fuss will be a godsend to everyone.
2. Keep Your Stuff Together
Human tornadoes need not apply. When space is cramped, it's best to try to stop it exploding everywhere. A small suitacse or travel bag is great to save some space.
And if you're getting changed, once you've got your costume sorted, put anything you don't need away. Try not to clutter up the shared space with makeup, hair curlers, tit tape and other garb. Keep yourself as contained as possible. It's always going to be cramped, but I genuinely think performers appreciate it when you demonstrate that you are trying to keep your shit from exploding everywhere.
3. Be Nice to the Staff
Ma Cherry always says "Be nice to the people on the way up. As you never know if you'll meet them on the way back down". The extension of this in burlesque? Don't piss off the stage kittens, stage managers or venue staff! As a producer it can be a nightmare negotiating venue arrangements. One nasty performer or one modicum of poor behaviour can jeopardise these relationships.
And it just makes sense not to piss off anyone that you need will be relying on later to pick up your costume! Fair warning!
4. Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself.
This goes without saying. I don't care what drinking or drugs you might do on your own time. But keep it down backstage. We all generally love a pre show bevvie ( although my poison of choice is generally a Diet Coke. Because I'm THAT wild!). But there's a reason we have a one drink policy at Miss Kitty's Meow. No one wants to see a drunk or inebriated performer onstage. It looks tacky and sloppy. And again, as producers you can go through a lot sometimes to secure venues and management. You also put your name on the line with your audience. A drunk, irresponsible performer can wreck that in a second. Don't be that person!