Here's my list for the most requested/forgotten items that someone needs in the dressing room.
- Pastie adhesive: tape, spirit gum, medical adhesive
- Eyelash glue
- Safety pins
- Body glitter
- Hair spray
- Lady supplies: usually tampons but pantyliners and pads are not uncommon
- Scissors
- Pain reliever: aspirin, acetaminophen
- Bobby pins
- Food: energy bar, tiny bag of nuts, Snickers, fruit leather
- Bandaid
I suggest you label containers of stuff that you want back so they don't get permanently rehomed.
If you're a producer or troupe leader, you may consider adding these to your list of necessities:
- Extra fishnets or pantyhose
- Spare single-use pasties
- Break & use ice pack
- Needles & thread
- Black duct tape
- Spare eyelashes
Lili vonSchtupp at the Monday Night Tease typically has a kit backstage that contains some of these items. She asks performers to throw in a couple bucks if they take the eyelashes or pasties so she can replace them.
If you wind up asking for someone to share supplies, be sure to thank the person for helping you out. We all forget something at some point. Don't let the rush of the moment make you come off as ungrateful.
Works backstage for actors, too. I can't tell you how many times I've shared blusher, safety pins, or bobby pins with another actor. I won't share mascara (not sanitary) but I've been asked so often for mascara that I've taken to keeping one or two of the samples I get as part of my Clinique bonuses in my makeup kit for anyone who needs it.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I was asked for powder frequently as an actor. You're right about the mascara. I'd rather give someone a pair of cheap false eyelashes. :) Samples are great for sharing.
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