THE SACRED SPACE BEHIND THE CURTAIN:

There’s a certain hush behind the curtains before the lights go up. You can literally feel it - the thrill, the adrenaline, the energy crackling through the air. It’s a sacred space - one that holds every last-minute pep talk, costume adjustment, and whispered "you’ve got this" before we step into the spotlight.

And in that sacred space, backstage bonds aren’t just nice to have - they’re absolutely essential.

WHY BACKSTAGE CAMARADERIE ISN'T JUST FLUFF:

Let’s be truthful - no amount of rhinestones or rehearsals will save a show if the backstage energy is toxic. Audiences might not see it directly, but they definitely feel it. When performers trust and support each other offstage, it creates an unspoken harmony that radiates onstage.

Strong backstage bonds:

• Ease pre-show nerves
• Help quick-changes run smoother
• Foster mutual respect during high-pressure moments
• Prevent diva drama or passive-aggressive tension
• Turn individual performers into an actual ensemble

IT'S MORE THAN JUST “BEING NICE”:

This isn't about performative positivity, being fake, or simply pretending to like everyone. We’re all human. Some nights are hard, and some personalities will always clash. But building backstage camaraderie means showing up with basic kindness, professionalism, politeness, and presence.

It means:

• Offering a safety pin, or helping someone with a quick change.
• Not hogging the mirror when someone’s got 3 mins to get into full face.
• Asking, "Are you ok?" when someone looks a little off.
• Cheering others on, even when your own nerves are spiking.

These little acts of solidarity are the glue that holds the backstage chaos together.

PRODUCERS & CREW NOTICE:

As a producer as well as a performer, I see it all. The ones who lift each other up? They stand out. The ones who vanish into their own ego? Also noted. The ones who are rude and selfish - for me; I add them to my blacklist, no matter how good they are on stage! This business is hard enough without a disdainful energy vampire making everyone else's working day bloody miserable!

The energy backstage never stays backstage - it leaks into every audience interaction, every group number, every curtain call.

Performers who build each other up offstage make the whole production stronger. And trust me - producers remember those people.

And yes - producers talk. Behind the scenes, we always ask each other about performers. Reputation - good or bad - travels FAST!

* This behind the scenes network chatter goes for problematic producers too!

YOUR BACKSTAGE BEHAVIOUR COUNTS TOWARDS YOUR REPUTATION:

You can have the best solo in the show, but if you’re known as a bloody nightmare behind the scenes, guess who’s not getting invited back?

If you show up with a helpful attitude, respect the producer, show crew, cast, space, and cheer for others - you’re already a pro in the making, if not already.

FINAL WORD FROM THE BOSS LADY:

The Velvet Burlesque - like so many other shows - is built on far more than glitter and feathers. It’s built on trust, teamwork, and true backstage respect. We work hard. We play harder. But most of all, we lift each other up.

So, the next time you step into that dressing room, remember: the real magic begins backstage.

Fluff your lashes, stand tall, and show up not just for yourself, but for every single cast-mate beside you. Because that energy? That connection? That fierce, fabulous unity?

That’s what makes a show unforgettable for everyone involved.

Want to experience it all for yourself? Join a class, apply to be on our stage, or grab a ticket to our next event!

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Boss Lady - Lara Gothique

Founder, Curator, Choreographer, Performer, Swamp-Witch, and Slightly Feral Producer of The Velvet Burlesque™

© Lara Gothique - Velvet Burlesque™
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