What are the most important things you need to perform? You may be skating in an ice show, acting in a play, performing in a concert, or modeling at a photo shoot. Whatever your performance or show, here are my top 7 show essentials.
1. Skates/shoes/equipment
If you are an ice skater, it is going to be very difficult to skate without skates! If you are a ballerina to be performing on pointe, it will be tricky to perform without pointe shoes. Towels, guards, pads for feet, etc., are also important in helping you perform in your equipment. Remember your equipment!
2. Costume/outfit
A costume can make a performer look amazing instead of just good. Remember how you feel better when you dress well or are wearing something special. A great costume can upgrade your performance and actually help you perform better.
3. Music/scripts/portfolio
Without music, actions can seem less exciting in skating and dance. In acting, you will often need a script, unless you’re performing mime or improvising. Sheet music can be essential for a concert. In modeling, you will typically need to bring your portfolio with you.
4. Makeup
Makeup is very important for a show. Even if you don’t wear makeup every day, you need makeup when performing. Lights wash you out, and the audience wants to be able to see your face and expressions.
5. Hair products, straightener, curling iron, hair dryer
No matter what your hair looks like or what length it is, it’s important to style it to suit your role/job.
6. Water & healthy snacks
It’s important to have energy when you are performing. So fuel your body with some healthy food, and drink lots of water throughout your day and performance to stay hydrated. This will help you perform at your best.
7. Fake tan (Fake tan is optional but good for performing under intense lighting such as in a skating performance. It does depend on the role you are playing, though.) Fake tan helps you stand out in the lighting so you don’t get washed out. Also, it can help you look more toned.
I’ve just returned from performing in the Kyran Bracken Ice Party Champions shows. Each time I go away to perform, I’m reminded of how important my presentation is. It’s not just presentation in knowing my routine, perfecting it and performing it with energy at the performance. Obviously, this is very important as well. But it is so important to have my makeup and hair done to suit my routine, my costume designed to fit my character and music, etc.
The listed items may seem like obvious essentials, but you would be surprised at how many of these are forgotten or omitted by performers. Leaving out one of the essentials could be like wearing the worst clothing you own to a job interview. Each essential is very important in its own right. Together, the essentials create a complete package, which looks professional and helps you stand out.
Practice makes perfect, but once it’s showtime it is time to enjoy and let your body do what it knows how to do. The way you can automatically improve your performance and feel confident is to use the essentials. Be the performer the crowd will remember! Stand out from those who will leave out an essential or two.
Photo Credit: Photo by Jane Vernon. Photo of me, Christina Chitwood, and Mark Hanretty.