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Opening Night Essentials for Performers
11
items I’ve been in musical theatre for over 15 years and these are some of my favorite performance essentials for the rehearsal process & show dates.
Sections
3
Voice Prep
Costume Basics
Stage Makeup & Hair Prep
Voice Prep
I LOVE this vocal steamer. It’s a super great budget-friendly alternative to the more professional vocal steamers and is a great way to hydrate your voice - especially if you like going out the night before a show. I use this steamer before auditions...
Vicks Sinus Steam Inhaler
I love this flavor even when I’m not feeling tickly or sick, but this is a must have. Throat Coat has been my saving grace when I’ve lost my voice and I always have a box of this tea in my medicine cabinet and my performance bag.
Throat Coat® Tea - Original with Slippery Elm
Apparently Ariana Grande uses these … I definitely see why! These saved me during a performance of Spamalot as Lady of the Lake (lots of belting). Don’t chew!
GRETHER'S Pastilles Classic Blackcurrant
Definitely my favorite throat lozenge for performances (and when I’m sick!) Kind of minty with a honey aftertaste - super delicious but also super effective for relieving dry throat!
Ricola Natural Throat Drops , 24 Count, Honey Herb
Costume Basics
I have these in black and caramel. You NEED to invest in good character shoes. My Capezio shoes from high school lasted me a good ten years, and since then I’ve definitely upgraded to a 2 inch heel and these Manhattans are perfect. Super comfortable,...
Manhattan Character Shoe | Capezio
If you’re a beginner tapper like me, you have no clue what kind of tap shoes to buy. I highly recommend Bloch tap shoes for flat taps, although I would definitely size up a half size.
BLOCH Tap Shoes
Most theatres will require a base layer under your costumes for quick changes, keeping the costumes cleaner, etc. I’ve worn these for almost every show - I love that the high waist means you usually can’t see any seams, and I can tuck my undershirt i...
Maidenform Womens Shapewear with Tummy Control, Cool Comfort High-Waist Body Shaper Boy Shorts, F82107 Sizes S-3XL - Walmart.com
Sometimes the costume calls for a strapless bra and it’s hard to find one that’s comfortable and secure, especially when you’re dancing. This one is my absolute favorite - I was genuinely surprised at how little it moved during my last performance. T...
Strapless Push-Up Bra
Stage Makeup & Hair Prep
Wig prep is so important and you definitely don’t want to be putting a wig directly on top of your hair. A wig cap helps keep all your hair under the wig and helps keep the wig secured to your head - just use tons of bobby pins. I have a ton of hair,...
Evolve Neutral Wig Cap, 2 Count
I definitely prefer a wig, but if I’m styling my own hair this is my go-to hairspray. It’s super affordable which means it’s easy to stock up on (which is great when you need a ton of hairspray for multiple show days)
Rave 4X Mega Hold Hair Spray, All-Weather Protection with Vitamin-Rich Formula, 11 oz
At the end of a performance I just want to take off my makeup ASAP and go home - but I have super sensitive skin and can’t use harsh wipes or cleansers. These have been my favorite that I’ve found so far!
Neutrogena Fragrance Free Makeup Remover Facial Wipes, 50CT