Best Kept Backstage Secret – The Virtues of Cheap Vodka

 

Vodka 1

Hello everyone!

Who knew that Popov had a place in my life after college? I didn’t until I began running wardrobe backstage. Now I’m never without it at home or in my suitcase.

Vodka is primarily used in cleaning clothing quickly and cheaply. It’s safe to use on even the most delicate fabrics, making it great to avoid frequent dry cleaning (something that can be costly, take too much time, and ultimately limit the life of the garment because of nasty chemicals). It’s useful for shoes. It’s useful for the lining of bags. It’s great for cleaning the inside of hats. EVERYTHING.

No, but really. (Source unknown)

No, but really. (Source unknown) 

 

Here are 5 reasons why cheap vodka is amazingly handy to keep around…

  1. It disinfects. Alcohol of a high percentage is quite good at that. I put mine in a spray bottle and use it on everything – wool sweaters, dry clean only coats, hiking boots, you name it.
  2. It removes odors, unlike Febreeze or something else that simply masks them. You may need to let the first attempt dry and then spray again, but it will work.
  3. It evaporates quickly, making it useful for backstage and real life.
  4. It doesn’t stain when applied, and can even remove stains in tricky materials (silk, wool, painted fabric, what have you). Apply to a clean rag and use light friction to ease the stain out. If you’re concerned, test it out on a small patch of the fabric first.
  5. It’s easy to obtain in most countries and counties. If you can’t find vodka (or, say, you’re working somewhere where you can’t have drinkable alcohol without an alcohol permit), rubbing alcohol cut with water is a fine substitute if you can’t get the good stuff.

Need another person to vouch for vodka? Check out this post from my friend and wardrobe veteran Amy at Behind the Scenes Beauty.

Thanks for reading!

 

 

What’s in my event stage manager bag

What's in my event kit post 09222014

Hello everyone!

A well stocked stage management kit is essential, and a good stage manager takes pride in having everything on hand. However, it’s been a while since I’ve been in a rehearsal hall or had a desk to call my own. You have to get choosey about what you keep around when you don’t have the space for everything. I’m now so picky that it has to all fit in one bag, and, even with my pack rat inclinations, I’ve kept to this routine for the last 6 months.

Please note that I’m not sponsored by anyone – if I mention the name of a brand, it’s because it really works well for me.

Here’s a list of what’s made the cut…

1.   Small(ish) backpack

Whoa, whoa, I know you think I’m crazy. I’ve already said that I’m limited to one bag, and now I’m adding that it has to be small? Yes, and I stick by it. You never know what type of event conditions you’ll encounter, so the kit has to be of a manageable size. I really wanted a Herschel bag, but my JanSport Barhop pack is a decent (ahem, cheaper) version. It’s a top loader, has a laptop sleeve, and is roomy enough for everything in this list.

2.   Convertible wallet

Not the most fashionable thing I own, but it’s great for when you have to ditch the bigger pack somewhere, but you really want to keep your valuables on you. My Keen wallet is amazing. It has a removable strap and enough room for my iPhone, a lip balm, and my keys, in addition to all other normal wallet stuff that is kept in there. I picked this bad boy up for backpacking in the UK this summer, and it’s awesome.

3.   Large water bottle

I like my Nalgene, but whatever works for you.

4.   Travel coffee mug

Or travel tea mug. This one by OXO never spills. Seriously.

5.   Snacks

Nuts, protein bars, and whatever else works for you.

6.   Smart phone + charger

Don’t forget your charger!

7.   Laptop + charger

Really, don’t forget your charger!

8.   Sunscreen (smaller bottle or travel size)

I’ve made many friends at work by just having this in my bag! You never know if the producer will send you outside in direct sunshine to spray paint Jenga pieces (true story), so I always keep some with me. Neutrogena Clear Face and Coppertone Sport work well for me.

9.   Hand sanitizer

If you get it in a spray bottle, it doubles as an air freshener.

10.   Bobby pins

11.   Nail file

12.   Lip balm

Bonus if it has sunscreen in it.

13.   Pigmented lip balm/stain

Easy to throw on for the VIP party, and easy to hide the fact that you’ve been onsite since the wee hours. I really like the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

Sometimes I’ll even be crazy enough to carry a mirror, concealer, powder, and mascara if I need a full freshen up, but I’ll save that list for another post.

14.   Hand cream

15.   Deodorant

16.   Travel toothbrush + tooth paste

17.   Cheap sunglasses that don’t suck

You can’t be too precious about some things during events, as they are bound to get ruined or lost. A common theme with many items on this list.

18.   Mints

19.   First aid kit, containing the following:

  • Mole skin
  • Band aids of various sizes
  • Neosporin
  • Azo + Cranberry pills
  • Midol
  • Cold medicine (non drowsy!)
  • Emergen-C
  • Tums
  • Ibuprofen
  • Eye drops
  • Kleenex

20.   Travel lint roller

I have a white cat, and she manages to get cat hair on everything I own. Even when I haven’t been home for a week, I manage to find a bit of Glacier cat on my clothes at work.

21.   Tide pen + Shout wipes

Good for you and good for that throw pillow that was stained during the event that the producer still wants to return in the morning.

22.   Eyeglass repair kit

23.   Full fingered gloves with grip

24.   Mini MagLite + belt holster

25.   Headlamp

Look, you will be made fun of. Trust me. But you will also have the last laugh when you’re loading a box truck at midnight without any other light source.

26.   Small key chain tape measure

6′ long and it fits in my convertible wallet. Plus, isn’t it the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?!

27.   Medium tape measure

28.   Multitool with a knife & multiple screwdriver heads + belt holster

I have a Leatherman Juice XE6, but Gerber and Swiss make fine versions.

29.   Pens + pencils

30.   Sharpies of various sizes

31.   Post it notes

32.   Crappy kid scissors

There is a small pair on my Leatherman, but I like having these around for opening boxes and cutting through material with adhesive. And, again, if they look like they’re fresh from the back-to-school aisle, people won’t steal them.

33.   Cheap clip board + legal pad

Essential if you’re working somewhere with limited table space.

What do you swear by in your kit?

What item/product/tool makes your job easier?

What am I missing?

Tell me in the comments below!