I currently work at a regional theatre as a wardrobe supervisor, and I have been running wardrobe on and off for about 3 years. If you choose to try working backstage in any capacity, whether it be stage management, wardrobe, or deck crew, you will realize fairly quickly what does or doesn't work for you. While everyone has their own unique preferences, these are just a few of the things I have found I can't live without backstage.
1) Skechers Go Walks.
Seriously. I thought I was never going to be one of those people who forwent fashion in the name of comfort, but these shoes are a HUGE game changer. I first realized that I might need to up my shoe game when I shadowed with a shopper at a costume shop in New York City-- a job where you can expect to walk 5+ mile on any given day. Shortly after, it then became all too clear that comfort was going to have to take precedence at my first profession tech week, at a company where tech consisted of 4 10/12's. I would go home at night and not be able to get up off my bed after I sat down.
I finally gave in and bought some Skechers Go Walks and have never looked back. It is the biggest game changer imaginable if you are like me, and are on your feet for up to 16 hours straight. I have also run into multiple Stage Managers in the NYC area who swear by these shoes as well. As a theatre artist, you are on your feet constantly, so you have to take care of them!
Funny story, at my current theatre, during our first show of the season, all the backstage interns joked around, saying things like "I think I'm good...I always wear my TOMS anyways," when I recommended comfortable shoes. By the 3rd show, all of them had these. And the black/black option is perfect for any theatre's backstage attire, as even the stitching and the logo are black! (And make sure you get the ones with the Goga Mat Technology that I linked to above, because I found that the Goga Mat insert has the most superior support.)
2) Hand Sanitizer
One of the most important things about working backstage is staying healthy. This is actually a lot harder than it sounds. Working wardrobe, you are always working very closely with the actors, and if one of the performers you dress gets sick, it is only a matter of time before it reaches you. I will go through weeks backstage where every time I go through a door, I will put a little hand sanitizer on.
Not only disease, but working backstage, you tend to come in contact with a lot of dirty things that you'll want to freshen up a little bit after touching. Sweaty costumes. Used tissues and cough drops. It always makes me feel a little better to sanitize periodically throughout my day. One of my lovely actresses just bought me this spray sanitizer, and it's a small obsession of mine currently. It smells so good!! And everyone can benefit from a calming lavender during tech week!
Previously, I've always really liked the Bath and Body Works Pocket Bacs. I love getting slightly interesting holders for them, to add some black pizzazz to my otherwise boring backstage ensemble.
3) Oil of Oregano
In the same vain, as soon as the plague starts going around the cast, I start using Oil of Oregano. You put 4 drops of it in ice water and drink it, and it is supposed to boost your immunities (like a natural Emergen-C). I have been sold on this stuff every since I was Eliza's dresser in a production of My Fair Lady, and my Eliza got so sick, she would have coughing attacks all the way through our quick changes, and I never ended up getting whatever she had. When you drink it with water, it has a bit of a "natural" flavor, but it's not overwhelming.
4) Ritz Crackers Snack Tubes
An amazingly easy snack that is perfectly portioned and easy to eat on the go if you start getting hangry but still have 30 things to do before you can sit! Enough said!
5) My Happy Planner
As a wardrobe supervisor, I am constantly scheduling meetings with designers, my shop manager, and the production manager to ensure a smooth transition as I am planning out how a show will operate backstage. I also am keeping track of my intern's hours, as well as work I need to get done for my side freelance gigs and commissions. I adore my Happy Planner that I bought last summer. There is so much space to write everything you need down. It also has a very aesthetically pleasing design, and countless different ways you can personalize it, and I'm all about the personalization!
I want to hear from you!
What are some of your must-haves for working backstage? Comment below!**That Girl with the Arts Degree is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
