My Absolute Kit Bag Essentials
A question I often get asked by students when I’m guest lecturing is: “What do you keep in your stage kit bag?”
Above: My personal work belt. I wear this during shows to have the essentials to hand at all times
I have one work belt that I wear around my waist, one extra kit bag, and one hanging kit organiser I can hang in quick change. What I have in which place changes depending on the show, what the artist needs, and what the costumes are. The belt has a few absolute essentials that I keep to hand at all times, and the hanging kit organiser is for everything I may need to grab quickly. I often keep doubles of items, so they are easy to grab depending on what I need to do and where! The extra kit bag keeps an overflow, and I usually carry everywhere with me from when I enter into the dressing room to get the artist ready
These are the absolute essentials that I think most people would agree with. There’s also a list of things that people maybe wouldn’t usually think of HERE
Head Torch and Flashlight
The head torch is useful if I need to do a quick repair in a dark place back stage. The flashlight is a great way to lead the artist to stage - shine it on the floor and they can follow and see they aren’t going to trip over anything
Lint Roller
Its a fact of life - fluff gets everywhere! A quick roll of the suit or dress before the artist goes out on stage every time! I also carry a clothes brush for when speed is of the essence. Same job, just quicker
Shoe Horn
A straightforward one - to make it easier to help the artist into their shoes. I use a short horn, but I also keep a longer one handy for the artist, to save them having to bend down when necessary
Small and Big Scissors
Small scissors to trim rogue threads, or release fabric. Big scissors for any last minute major surgery to long hems!
Pre threaded needles in my clover dome device (From Japan)
I always have an colour assortment of pre-threaded needles ready to go, for any emergency repairs on stage or in quick change. I always make sure the colours cover whatever colour ways the costumes or wardrobe are on stage
Needles and Thread
Extra to replace the pre-threaded as I use them
Elastic pieces
You never know when you may need to quickly sew a piece of elastic into a costume to adjust the fit! Especially if you haven’t seen the costume before quick change…
Safety pins, silver and black
Always have a range of sizes in both colours. Matt black pins are great for stage as they don’t show so much on those big screens!
Double sided tape
Can be used for all sorts of different last minute tasks. I’ve used it for sticking neck lines to keep the costume in place, sticking cushioned insoles into a shoe, flapping appliqués, crystals that have worked their way loose, and even a trouser hem!
Shoe heel grips and Insoles
New shoes can be uncomfortable for anybody, and even more so if you have to dance in them. Always be prepared to help alter the shoe fit and comfort for your artist
Anti slip shoe stickers
I’ve needed to use these when its a new shoe we haven’t had time to rubber (or been in a small market with no open cobblers!) or when its been raining and the stage is wet, to add extra grip to the sole
Antibacterial Gel
I use it before any change or interaction with the artist, and I think we can all appreciate why right now
Tissues
Somebody always needs a tissue. Runny noses, allergies, sweating, running mascara, crying from the pain of dancing in uncomfortable shoes - you get the drift
Baby Wipes
Useful for last minute marks on costumes and cleaning in quick change
Extra socks, tights (pantyhose) and underwear
Spares in case of holes, different thicknesses of socks for different footwear, and the underwear has a story…
Sharpies, Pens and Paper
I’ve used sharpies to colour in scuffs on shoes! Pen and paper is pretty obvious - you always need to make notes
Is there anything you think I’ve missed? Leave it in the comments below
Don’t forget to check out my list of less obvious kit at the link HERE