Are you part of a production crew and wondering which items are handy to have backstage?
Audiences are often oblivious when things aren’t going to plan. Usually, this is down to the quick thinking and preparation of the backstage crew. Seasoned professionals have picked up tips over the years and know which items to have nearby in case of an emergency.
But what are these items and how can they get help to prevent disaster?
In this article, we’ll share 4 of the best things to have handy backstage. These everyday items can literally save a show from ending in disaster.
Read on for more information.
1. Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of the greatest inventions ever and, has been getting production crew out of sticky situations for years-pardon the pun.
It can be used to temporarily fix things such as curtains, props, and lighting. Plus, if an actor has a costume malfunction, the right color duct tape can be used to help mend it on the fly.
Keep several roles nearby that are different colors and widths.
2. Safety Pins
This is perhaps the fastest and easiest way to mend a costume.
We’ve likely all seen a production where a costume rips or a jacket won’t stay buttoned up. When this occurs, safety pins are the most efficient option.
Not only will they do the job, but they’ll cause minimal damage to the costume. Ensure you have a few boxes close by and even keep half a dozen in your pocket at all times.
3. Bottles of Water
Acting in a show can be just as physical as a workout. In fact, musicals such as Hamilton are physically exhausting to the actors.
Due to the physical demands and standing under hot lights for hours, actors will sweat buckets. So, it’s important they keep hydrated to prevent them from feeling ill. Also, if they have dry mouths it can affect their speaking and singing ability.
Keep bottles of water at both sides of the stage so actors can drink during costume changes etc.
4. Walkie-Talkies
As the curtain call approaches, backstage often becomes very chaotic.
Problems often arise such as props breaking and costumes going missing. So, instead of running around the theatre trying to find colleagues, it’s much easier if everyone has a walkie-talkie.
This way you can communicate with lots of people at once and solve issues.
We recommend the Motorola Talkabout T460 which has great privacy features and is waterproof. Discover it for yourself by reading this Motorola T460 review.
Things All Crew Members Need to Have Backstage
We hope you have enjoyed reading our article and it has been useful.
As you can see, there are some great items you can have backstage to help get you out of tough situations. Ensure you have all the items we’ve mentioned backstage at your next show or concert.
Finally, check out the rest of our blog for information on music and entertainment.
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