The Morning After The Night Before

We all love a good party. The planning, rehearsing, checking things off the list. Then there’s the excitement and anticipation of the event itself. Will it all go as planned? (No, but we’ll make it work). Will they like it? (Yes, we’re trained professionals – this is what we do).
Then there’s the day after. The afterglow of a job well-done. The remnants of glitter in the hair and eyelash glue around the eyes. The slight ache of a muscle overused with the pump of showtime adrenaline. The partially empty water bottles (Is this one really mine?). Oh yes, and then there’s the laundry. The not-so-glamourous part of showbiz.

In a physical business like ours, it can be olfactorily catastrophic if one forgets a sweaty costume balled up in the corner of the suitcase. It’s even worse if one throws it in a plasitc bag while damp. Ever put a costume away thinking “I didn’t really perspire that much” only to take it out for the next gig and be overwhelmed by putrid vapors? Worse still, ever had to put on a costume with someone else’s pungent sweatiness oozing from the fabric? Well, I have. And I’m here to save you from these unpleasant experiences.

TIPS FOR FRESH COSTUMES AND A FRESH YOU
PREVENTION
1. Shower before the gig
You might think this one is no-brainer. Sadly, it’s not.

2. Wear Anti-Perspirant
Enough said.

3. Freshen up
Freshen up the armpits between rigging and warming up and putting on your costume. Wet Ones aren’t just for baby bottoms. And, there are lots of fun naturally fragranced wipes now available. Pomegranate, Lavendar, Green Tea – oh my! Visit a pharmacy or health food store near you, and keep a stash in your bag.

4. Febreeze
Bring a spray bottle of Frebreeze and spritz the pits and crotch of the costume before you put it your bag to bring home. This gesture is especially appreciated if you’re been lent a costume and you’re giving it back to someone, like me, else to launder.

5. Unpack right away
Unpack your bag as soon as you get home. Air your costume out to dry RIGHT AWAY. Time is of the essence. Or should I say “Es-scents”. Don’t give the bacteria a nice moist home to thrive in. Once the smell gets in, it’s super hard to get out.

6. Launder ASAP.
Add some Woolite to cold water. Gently handwash your costume, giving extra attention to the pits and crotch. Roll delicate costumes up in a towel to squeeze out as much water as you can. Then lay flat to dry or hang on clothesline.

7. Put clean dry costume away for next time
We store our costumes in see-through Ziplocs for ease of identification. Get a system. Use it.

That’s today’s lesson on bringing you fresh entertainment, in super fresh costumes, one amazing event at a time.