My Life as a Showgirl
What’s it really like?
It’s about five minutes sparkling onstage, soaking up every second in the spotlight. But it’s also hours of rhinestoning costumes, weeks of rehearsal, squeezing into tight backstage corners to change, and giving up weekends to make tech runs and call times. It’s keeping up with social media so you stay visible, constantly building new acts, and driving from venue to venue. It’s the pressure of needing to be “on,” the enjoyment of nailing the act, or the let down of it not going the way you expected. It’s the mix of exhaustion as we wash off the sparkles post-show and the excitement to put them back on for the next one.
The Good, The Bad, The Glittery
Stage Persona
I have to be “on” when I’m interacting online, when I post on social media, when I show up to my gig, when I’m onstage, when I’m mingling with the audience after, and if I run into anyone in public that knows me as Eevee.
Costumes
Do I need to make something new? Do I need to buy a new piece? Does this look good on me? Does it look cheap? Does it fit well? Do I need to take it in? Do I need to let it out? Is it what the big names are wearing? Is it unique? Are there enough rhinestones on this? Do I have time to add more? *Sits and glues tiny gems of sparkly plastic for HOURS* Now to keep these all organized, clean, and accessible for any last-minute bookings. Oh my god I have to order more fishnet stockings again.
Social Media
Am I posting enough? Too much? Will this shadow ban me? I have to promote the show on my posts and stories and at the best time of the day to reach my audience and everyday. Show posters don’t always generate the most interactions. I should make a unique post to promote the show. I should have other content on here too so that my followers interact. And some days, I want to stay off completely, but I still have to post and promote.
Building New Acts
Do I already have a costume that I can use? What song fits the theme or character? Is it long enough for a full act or do I need to pick a second song? Is it too long and I should choose a shorter song? I need time to choreograph. I need space to choreograph! I need time to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.
Festivals
I need good video of my best acts to be able to submit. I need to pay attention to when submissions open. I need to be ready to travel and figure out all logistics if they say ‘yes’. I need to be prepared for the sad feelings if they say ‘no’.
Show Day Prep
I send my music and my stage notes before the deadline. I pack my show bag: costume, makeup, extras, etc. I need to eat!!!! I need to warm up. I need to run it a few times. I need to stretch. I need to drink water. I need to load up the car. I need to do my hair and makeup. I need to get there by call time. I need to walk around the stage before the show if I can!
Backstage
My things are tucked away as tightly as they can be in this small cramped room full of other performers. I check the lineup order and pay attention to when I need to be ready to go on. I may record the act of another performer if asked and if I’m able to be in the audience.
Onstage
The music starts and all eyes are on me. I hope all of my costume removals and props go just as rehearsed and if they don’t, I’ll have to improvise! I may choose someone to interact with and hope that they are receptive. It’s so short a time but I try to move around the stage or room so everyone can see me. Don’t let the adrenaline make you rush! Breathe, step into the spot light, enjoy the performance.
Offstage
Wait for my costumes and props to be returned to me. Drink some water and cool off. Tuck things back into my bag. Get dressed for another act or get dressed for curtain call. Watch the other performers if I can.
Post-show
Pack my show bag, change, haul my show bags to my car (get an escort if I can for safety!). Drive home, stop for late night food if hungry. Shower to get all the glitter off. Get in bed. Put a pillow under my feet to elevate. Go to sleep. Unpack the show bag. Pack for the next one!
