It is the start of SPRING! & We are excited! We have so many exciting events coming up that we cant wait to share with you!
This last month Jazida has been at Darwin Festival, BLEACH Festival, and now Brisbane Festival!
With performances also at Bar Beirut.
At Flazeda we also hosted a wonderful Hens, and had a Bangarang! We have been at the Old Bus Depot Marketa and at The Canberra Fair! We also held our Open Day, which was a great success & we would love to thank everyone that supported us!
We also have a brand new EASY booking system with an app! & a pay later option.
Term 4!!
EARLY BIRD SALES ARE UP!!!
Early bird sale ends on the 18th of SEPT!! Book now!
Flazéda, Unit 4, 68 Emu Bank Belconnen ACT 2617 0433 727 857
Posted 84 weeks ago
Posted 87 weeks ago
Posted 87 weeks ago
APRIL @ FLAZEDA
Okay.. We know we said that February was BUSY… but March was BUUSSYYYYYYYY!. We managed to host multiple events at Flazeda including Burlesque Brunch, Red Light Confidential, and Shades of Marilyn, on top of 5 wonderful workshops (all of which can still be streamed on our websites!); all whilst Jazida has been touring Nationally with Finucane and Smith for Dance Hall and The Destroyer! What a time!
Jazida is off continuing the Dance Hall Tour this month (& the remainder of the year!), & we still have MANY Canberra events through JazidaProcuctions at Circus Fest, we will also e at Folk Festival, and Workshops & shows at Flazeda!
Term 1 at Flazeda is wrapping up and the plans are in motion for Term 2!
Term 2 starts Tuesday 26 April!!
If you would like to Sponsor The Apprentease ACT for 2022 please go here: LINK
The Apprentease aims to shine a spotlight on new talent and semi-established artists keen to refine their skills and advance their performer profile. Co-Owned and Founded by The Sugar Duchess & A'dora Derriere.
With long history and selling out venues and loud acclaimed in Canberra, Decadence and Debauchery is a Burlesque Variety Night that has been running for many years and has toured Australia wide!
Each show tours a new cast of internationally acclaimed headlining performers and an eclectic mix of artists sharing vintage striptease, circus/sideshow, fan dancing, live music, comedy and more!
Doors open just prior to 8pm and show starts at 8:00pm at The May Wirth Big Top- Lions Youth Haven, Kambah Pool Road | Saturday, 23 April 2022 from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM. Tickets are $55.50 each.
This show is all about the local talent here in Canberra. Catch burlesque, drag, live music, and all sorts of other antics at the home of alternate performing arts, Flazeda!
Your MC for the evening is Canberra’s man about town, Guy Alias!
Featuring performances from:
Chocolate e Claire Cherry Sunday Sparklemuffin Ravi Oli Jupiter Rayne Gerri Canns The Swords of Flazeda The Velvet Sledgehammer
Doors open at 7pm
Show starts at 7:30
Entry by donation!
All proceeds will be going to help fund DocDir - Australia’s LGBTIQ+ friendly doctor directory
Flazeda Hub through JazidaProductions are supplying mentoring through community support and professional development for x5 individuals to attend the MC Workshop with Idris Stanton & Ella Bella for FREE. Workshop details below:
“Idris Stanton and Ell Bella have been MCing together for over 8 years and separately for longer. Co-hosting the popular circus cabaret Papillon that toured Australia, they have also hosted awards nights, gala events, variety shows, comedy shows, late night events and kids carnivals. They’ve toured around the world and performed and MCs in different countries across the globe. This workshop will talk through some of the do’s and don’t’s of MCing, give you exercises and tricks as an MC. This workshop is suitable for everyone from absolute beginners interested in MCing for the first time, to more experienced MCs who just want to learn a few new tricks to make them even better.”
Kirsty, in partnership with Flazeda dance hub, presents Cairo Nights belly dance workshop - a two hour tutorial on Egyptian style belly dance, featuring the latest music, moves and trends to come out of Cairo. Students will walk away with a brand new choreography to one of the most popular songs in Egypt right now, complete with a translation and transliteration of the song. Kirsty has recently returned from one month in Cairo where she studies with master teacher Teito Seif at the Al Sadaf dance festival.
February was BUSY, with so many great events at Flazeda and a lot of bigger shows like Exotic Hypnotica at Adelaide Fringe and Canberra, as well as performance nights at Wakefields, and at Beirut! March is going to be great! We have multiple workshops with guest teachers, many great events, and are hosting lots of private functions!
Check out below for more info on our amazing range of Workshops for the month & more!
Red Light Confidential is coming back to Canberra for a hot and sticky summer show.⠀ ⠀ We will have one heck of a line-up for you, with some incredible acts keen to have some fun at Flazeda Canberra & truly dazzle the audience!⠀ ⠀ Entry is by donation (10, 15, 20, 40$). Please get in contact if you would like to organise to donate more!⠀ ⠀ Keep your eyes peeled for performer announcements coming your way shortly!
Our monthly Burlesque Brunches are going SO well! & tables are selling out! So get on and book your March table before you miss out!
This months theme is 1920’s Pin Up. Don’t forget to dress up! (or don’t, its up to you!).
Were having a NEW Menu from Capital Roast and this event has a specialty drink at the FlazeBar!
Check out a photo from the last Burlesque Brunch & our drink for this month below!
Posted 107 weeks ago
Interview with a Stage Daddy: Miss Cherrybomb (a.k.a. Cherry)
What is a stage daddy?
Well, to understand what a Stage Daddy is, you really need to understand the whole stage ecosystem. You’ve probably heard of Stage Kittens, they’re the seldom heard from, sweetly done up folks who tip toe quietly around stages in search of pasties and panties gone flying. They survive on a healthy diet of finger snaps and literal cat calls from the audience. Clock them by their all black ensemble, and occasional kitty ears adorning their heads. Then there’s the Stage Hand, and the name really outlines their qualification as being quite handy. Useful to keep around for larger props, you’ll find them at the end of the night during bump out, they’re always the first person to start stacking chairs. Next is the Stage Manager, and you can identify a Stage Manager in the wild by observing their desperate hold on their clipboard, and a frequent twitch of their wrist carrying their all important watch, making sure the show is running in order and on time - and by god it always does. Again, you’ll seldom hear from them in the context of any show unless you’re on cams. Most anyone with enough training can become a stage Kitty, Hand or Manager.
Finally we come finally to Stage Daddy; Stage Daddy is a way of life, it’s a vibe. No one ever puts baby in the corner, and the same stands for Stage Daddy. Stage Daddy is a part of the show; Stage Daddy never skulks around a stage meek and quiet, nor do they watch the clock. Stage Daddy holds presence, the show runs when Stage Daddy says it runs. From the moment they enter the venue, to the minute they leave Stage Daddy is the point person for all performers, venue staff and a reliable aid for the Producer to lean on and trust to make all of the nitty gritty parts of show run, and run seamlessly. All while wearing the most bitching, impractical outfit you’ve ever seen.
Where do you stage daddy?
You’ll catch me Stage Daddying at Flazéda, and most shows produced by Jazida Productions. But you may also catch me Daddying at my day job, because frankly, someone needs to keep the wheels turning.
What’s your most memorable stage daddy experience?
My most memorable Daddy moment was absolutely, hands down from the Flazéda Fundraiser event in 2020, where we were fortunate enough to have Monica Trapaga (icon for so many reasons, but specifically for her work on Playschool!) Emcee the show. We were still deep in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions, and Monica’s initial plan to walk through the audience during a number she was performing was foiled during tech. Vetoed by our COVID-19 safe plan, and the venue. During the adrenaline and joy of the show, Monica got caught up in the moment and performed her number walking sexily through the crowd. Once her number ended and she was back on stage she remembered that she wasn’t supposed to do so, and as Stage Daddy I had no option other than to tell her off. How did Stage Daddy tell her off? On stage, in front of the entire audience, bending her over, having her grab her ankles and spanking her with her own clipboard. Best moment ever.
Favourite thing you’ve seen behind the scenes?
There are so many incredible behind the scenes moments, but the one that comes to mind is when Chris from Captivitae Photography was running from operating the streaming equipment backstage at Flazéda to the stage to take photos of an act, his shirt caught the door handle and ripped every button off his shirt and left him looking like the photography equivalent of Superman getting changed in a telephone booth. Hilarious!
What makes a performer good to work with from a daddy-perspective?
It is so important for all acts, but particularly acts with a prop element to know what shenanigans the performer intends to get up to on stage and what are the things that could go wrong. I take it upon myself to make sure I have a conversation with every performer before every show, regardless of how many times I’ve worked with them, to make sure I’m across their props, placement and pressure points. For danger acts, what is the safety plan, what are the things that go wrong, and what is my role in helping should things go wrong. For messy acts, if a performer doesn’t come prepared with the right equipment for me to clean up after the act, and relies on the venue providing tidy up equipment you can bet Stage Daddy is going to be grumpy, and the audience is going to know about it. Performers who have every possible outcome covered, are open with their needs and do the work to make sure they’re safe, the audience is safe and their fellow performers will be able to hit the stage safely after them make Stage Daddy happy.
What’s the daddy-performer power balance? Who’s in charge (who’s the top)?
Just like sex, there are many conversations about consent that happen between performers and Stage Daddy, because why? CONSENT IS SEXY. Dynamics are discussed well before the lights go up, and the doors open to the audience. No one ever wants to be blind-sided on stage or made to feel less than their full fantasy, so there is a rolling dialogue between to discuss things that are fun to highlight and things that are not okay to joke about. Also like sex, after care is important - so this conversation extends after the show to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable with the power balance. Daddy wants you to enjoy the whole experience!
Top ten things you keep in your stage daddy toolkit in case of emergencies?
Well, I officially have a Stage Daddy tool box filled with everything anyone could ever need for any conceivable emergency thanks to my incredible Flazé-Fam. But my essentials are:
⁃ 2x redbulls (no one likes an under-caffeinated Stage Daddy)
⁃ A large bottle of water (no one likes a dehydrated Stage Daddy, see above “Redbull”)
⁃ Bandaids
⁃ Power bank with multiple charging cables for many phones
⁃ A sharpie
⁃ A bangle of gaff
⁃ Hairspray/Bobby pins
⁃ A dramatic, oversized handheld fan (to thwoorp at appropriate intervals, and because Stage Daddy gets hot)
⁃ My Flazéda pronoun badge
⁃ a DJ air horn hotkey at the ready
Tips for becoming a daddy-of-the-future?
There are not nearly enough Stage Daddies in the world, so if you want to become a Stage Daddy, you’ve just got to get out there and do it. Come along to a show, have a chat or shoot myself or the Flazéda page a message, and we can get you on your Stage Daddy journey!
Posted 118 weeks ago
Burlseque Brunch: Down the Rabbit Hole
Article by Artemis Seven, photography by Daniel Evans
If you’re going to go down the rabbit hole, there’s no better time than 11am on a Sunday. Time may just be a construct, but so is brunch, and the last time I got a side of boob with the concept of linear time I was too young to know a darker time was coming.
Burlesque Brunch answers the existential question:
“I suppose I ought to eat or drink something or other; but the great question is ‘What?’( —Chapter 4, The Rabbit Sends in a Little Bill) & with a mimosa or OJ on arrival, a delicious High Tea courtesy of Capital Roast and a range of entertainment from performances to games -you will be free of that choice. As someone who panics and invariably parks across two spots if there’s more than one car spot available (don’t worry, I fix it you sneaky narc) I appreciate a beautiful display of High Tea sweets on each table, and distractions on stage for me to weasel away 6 of the same one when no one is looking. PS. Dietary requirements can be allocated for!
Let me speak to you about the food - an arguably vital part of brunch. The selection of sweet treats appeared straight out of a Wonderland garden party . Macarons are a crowd favourite, but my favourite was the tiny cheesecakes. Perhaps miniature cheesecakes are normal high tea fare but I chose to imagine I was Alice having made the mistake of growing too large just before a dinner party.
Let me give you another pro social tip - nestled in Flazeda Hub, it’s the perfect outing to mix your extroverted & introverted mates - whether you’re looking forward to your conversation being interrupted by dancing or your dancing being interrupted by conversation - you will get your wish. There are no losers at Burlesque Brunch - just winners suddenly assailed by glitz, glamour, flesh and absurdity. Plus, there’s a feather tree in the corner so you’re guaranteed to leave with a set of selfies that say “I’m busier being less busy than you”, which is the ultimate flex in these trying times.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to invite your burlesque-virgin mate or family member with optimal time to coach them in between acts. There’s bingo, song snippet games, trivia - and if you find it awakens something within you there’s a full roster of dance classes right there at Flazeda Hub. It’s time to convert your Grandma into a Grandmilf, and Flazeda can help you*
And of course whether you like your poison poisonous or virginal, Bastian behind the bar knows how to whip up the kind of drink that had me internally screaming like Rebelle’s Red Queen “DWINK DWINK”. Instead, I went for a gin and tonic which I requested as an “angry drunk water” because I am a brat who routinely replaces vocabulary in my own head to feel a sense of power (I’m too shy to jaywalk, so I need this power trip). Bastian understood my request, which is a testament once again to their Bar Butch glory.
Now, let us discuss the acts -
CHESHIRE CAT
Rebelle Velveteen began as Alice - bouncy and cute and adorable and surrounded in a halo of blonde curls, and giving in to a giant piece of cake, the 2nd thing on the stage screaming “Eat me”. Transforming into the Cheshire cat upon snacking, she had us all on board for a day of brunching in Wonderland. Cheeky and enlivening, it was the perfect start to the day and made us all weirdly attracted to the Cheshire cat.
TIME FOR TEA
As is customary at a Burlesque Brunch, tea was spilled, from a giant teabag onto Jazida herself. Frankly, we all could’ve used a shower after watching Jazida balance a full cup of tea - ON HER HEAD- all while remaining entirely graceful. It was a bitter pill to swallow as someone who manages to spill any hot beverage placed in my hands but if a bitter pill comes with a side of tassel twirling I’ll take it no questions asked. Bonus backstage moment - Jazida did not have a towel backstage and so ended up tea-staining a white sheet to get dry like some kind of dramatic Grecian goddess.
THE MARCH HARE
Then it was my turn - The March Hare. The March Hare knows how to brunch, as evidenced by their philosophy of setting the bar low and setting your indulgence levels high :
“"Take some more tea,“ the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. "I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t take more.” “You mean you can’t take less,” said the Hatter: “It’s very easy to take more than nothing.” — (1865 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, ch.7)
And take more than nothing I did, stealing away a plate of treats during my act as an “offering” to the March Hare, unofficial brunch deity. My thievery aside - with a trap remix, scythe arms and a hare’s head that steals your soul through it’s eyeballs - it was an important reminder that brunch is SERIOUS BUSINESS.
LYRA
Jazida then took us through the rabbit hole itself, curling around the lyra hoop like her body had forgotten to adhere to the rules of normal human limitations. If you’ve always wished you could have brunch with your therapist, and perhaps that your therapist did slightly more body hypnosis therapy (Look into my LINES, they’d say, turning into a spiral) I’d say this is a pretty good substitute. Do you have any idea how good it feels to freely chow down on brunch while watching someone doing the ab equivalent of a marathon??? Given that Jazida’s brand new solo show Exotic Hynotica comes out FEB (CHECK DATES) I find myself SUSPICIOUS of this act. So suspicious I must watch the recording on repeat.
RED QUEEN
The Red queen famously claimed “It is better to be feared than loved”, but Rebelle’s Red queen never has to choose. Dripping in rhinestoned red, we were gasping at the beauty, long limbs and curves like the stripes of danger on a snake - and then gasping at her effortless recline on a BED OF NAILS. Rebelle’s red queen was so natural I found myself side-eyeing her backstage later. Was she going to shank us with a hair pin? Drink our blood? And would I say “Thankyou” or “Thanks your highness” when she did? I have survived but I do feel like a little bitch any time I sit on a normal chair now.
To wrap the festivities, a Very Merry Unbirthday was had with surprises for each guest and sadly, I had to leave the brilliantly lit and sound-scaped Hub (shoutout to Cherry Bomb who never misses the perfect sound effect).
The whole team at Flazeda Hub is glorious and a testament to owner Jazida’s efforts to create a creative hub that invites everyone to be their most decadent, debaucherous self.
If that sounds good to you - Burlesque Brunch is returning on Sunday the 23rd of January - with a Rocky Horror theme. Tickets are available now on the Flazeda Hub webstore, so make sure you get your mates together for next-level daytime debauchery.
*Not an official slogan, but I am campaigning every day.
Posted 121 weeks ago
Decadence
and Debauchery to make a (digital) splash at SpringOUT 2021
Brought to you by Jazida Productions – winner of Canberra
Local Business Awards for Outstanding Performing Arts, 2020 – Decadence and Debauchery
is back in November to deliver a delicious digital celebration for SpringOUT
2021, showcasing an incredible line-up of performers.
The iconic Canberran burlesque variety show is a full of top shelf performers
to deliver a decadent night of debaucherous behaviour, this time just in the
comfort of our own homes.
Decadence and Debauchery will return during Canberra’s own Pride
celebrations during November, in a digital format allowing attendees to participate
online while enjoying pre-recorded performances by some of the most salacious performers
on the Jazida Productions roster – Artemis Seven, Fabulous Fan Dancers, Hula
Hoop Hotshots, and Jazida – alongside incredible interstate performers Malcom XY,
Kween Kong (SA) and Miss Cairo (VIC).
Utilising the model of the highly successful Get Down in
Lockdown Zoom shows produced by Flazeda Hub, Decadence and Debauchery
will be facilitated behind the scenes in a way that unites the entire
production to the exceptional quality Jazida Productions is notorious for, while
also being presented by a live MC on the night to provide that high octane energy
audiences have come to know and love.
It’s
been a wild ride for all of us during Canberra’s Lockdown pt. 2, but
we’ve been having a boogie in the comfort of our own homes with the
endlessly entertaining and highly successful ‘Get Down in Lockdown’
shows.
Our
final show is happening soon - the 22nd of October - and we would
absolutely love to see just how many people we can get into a Zoom room
to dress up and get down with.
After so many long weeks of lockdown, we are thrilled to be returning to the studio on 1 November!
This
means that we’ll be back running classes, small events, and hiring out
the studio. This term coming at you with the bonus of offering
online/livestream options if you don’t feel up to coming back in person.
This term Jacqui will be teaching a teaching a modern shabbi to a fun and hard hitting track straight out of Egypt.
It will be modern shaabi belly dance as opposed to mahraganat, but will
take inspiration from that more street style mixed in with all the
usual cute stuff
This class will also be live streamed for those who prefer to dance at home or can’t make it to class that week etc.
Burlesque (with Umbrellas) with Jazida *livestreamed*
This term Jazida is bringing a new prop in to the studio for us to play with… Umbrellas!! We’ll
learn some vintage strip tease while concealing/revealing with our
umbrellas opening and closing together (bonus points for maintain social
distancing with our props)… Umbrellas provided in class and available
to loan.
This class will also be live streamed for access from the comfort of your own home!
Learn
how to balance and dance with swords with Bronwyn. No previous
experience required, Bronwyn will teach you all the trick and tips for
balance, elegance and style when it comes to sword dancing. Challenge
yourself to learn an awesome new skill in this 7 week term!
Swords available for hire in class (also available to loan to practice at home)
In-studio
classes are strictly limited to ensure we are allowing 4 square metres
per person in line with government restrictions, so book in quickly!
Photography & Videography with Chris *livestreamed*
Learn
to create your own professional quality video content and photography
with Flazeda’s favourite photographer, Chris Manchester, aka CaptaVitae
Photography.
Learn techniques and develop the core skills that will take your photography and videography to the next level. The
course will cover how to use camera settings to get the best quality
footage, lighting techniques to make your photos POP, livestream
software & best practices for digitally streaming your acts, what
software to use and how to edit your act to make it professional
quality.
This class will also be live streamed for those who prefer to learn at home or can’t make it to class that week etc.
Tear-Away Bra & G-string with Rockstars and Royalty
Have
you always wanted to know how to make your own costumes? Do you have
amazing costume ideas but not sure how to execute them?
Learn
how to sew beautiful costume pieces with Vicky from Rockstars and
Royalty! This term you will learn to create your own tear-away bra and
g-string (or other panties style) with guidance.
Basic
sewing skills & equipment are required, but Vicky will guide you
through complex techniques. This is a very limited class size due to
restrictions so you will need to book in early!
In-studio
classes are strictly limited to ensure we are allowing 4 square metres
per person in line with government restrictions, so book in quickly!
Beginner Feather Fans with Sara and Miki *livestreamed*
Have you found yourself captivated by feather fans? Do you want to conquer the most prolific and iconic burlesque prop? Are you interested in creating moments of tension or suspense in your dance?
Now
is your chance! Learn how to twist and twirl a set of beautiful ostrich
feather fans with the incredible Sara Martini and Miki Minx.
You
will learn everything from proper fan holding technique and how to care
for your fans to beautiful movements, and the best way to use your fans
for the most impact on stage. These are relaxed and fun filled classes
where you’ll meet great people and leave feeling energised!
Available in person and also being livestreamed for you to join anywhere around the world!
Never have a bad hair day again when Miss Cherrybomb shows you how to style your very own wig!
Pin-up queen and absolute snack, Miss Cherrybomb always looks like a dream with hair styles that stun anyone who walks by. Learn
her magic tricks and come out with your own perfectly styled wig in
this boutique class. The small size of this class means that you’ll get
all the one-on-one help you need and help with all your wig woes.
Bring
your own wig or order one through Miss Cherrybomb before the class
starts. Places are strictly limited so you MUST get in quick!
Available in person and also being livestreamed for you to join anywhere around the world!
This
class is for performers who have already got some experience with
Feather Fans. Join this class to learn how to create beautiful
movements, and the best way to use your fans for the most impact on
stage, while learning a 7 week choreography created by Jazida. Jazida
has passionately taught fan dancing (fan veils and feather fans) for
over 5 years. These are relaxed and fun filled classes where you’ll meet
great people and leave feeling energised!
These classes will focus on fan manipulation technique for advanced fan users.
Available in person and also being livestreamed for you to join anywhere around the world!
Stretch & Flex with Ella Phoenix and Jazida *livestreamed*
Strengthen
and improve your range of movement with this fun and welcoming class!
If you can already do the splits or can’t even touch your toes this is
the class for you!
Be
guided through fun warm up to get your body moving and see how much
range of motion you really have! Learn about PNF stretches, how to
increase your flexibility, and work towards a stretch goal through the
term.
With
guidance from Exercise Physiologist Ella Phoenix and certified
flexibility instructor Jazida, you’ll be bending like a pretzel in no
time.
Available in person and also being livestreamed for you to join anywhere around the world!
Learn
core movements of bellydance with our wonderful teacher, Renee! This
class is for performers who want to learn how to isolate your hips,
chest, shimmy, and have a great time! No previous dance experience
required!
All required props and key costume items will be supplied by Flazeda Hub. Wear something comfortable and easy to move in.
In-studio
classes are strictly limited to ensure we are allowing 4 square metres
per person in line with government restrictions, so book in quickly!
A
one-off workshop with August - offered face-to-face at Flazeda AND
*livestreamed* - running 2pm to 4pm on Sunday 7th of November. We will learn some twerk combos and a short routine! Kneepads required and heels optional!
LEVEL: Open level - all people welcome regardless of experience
August
(she/her) is a dancer of 12 years and a pole dancer of 3 years. She has
learned to love her body through twerk and has been a certified twerk
technician for a year. August is a bubbly, outgoing teacher and loves
talking to students so don’t be afraid to ask if you have any questions!
Decadence and Debauchery is back - digitally! We’re
bringing you an incredible line-up of performers as part of the annual
SpringOUT Canberra celebrations in November, so keep your eyes peeled
for performer announcements and ticket details coming your way soon!
Decadence and Debauchery: PRIDE will be decadent night of debaucherous behaviour!
Save the date for 30 January 2022, because Flazéda is turning ONE!
To
celebrate, we are planning a shindig like no other, hosted by the
incomparable Belconnen Arts Centre, and we would love for you to join
us! We’ll be posting updates as we get closer to the date so keep an eye out wherever you get your Flazéda updates!
Posted 130 weeks ago
Interview with a Stage Daddy - Sara Martini
What *is* a stage daddy?
First and foremost, stage daddy is an energy. Stage daddy is the person who is in charge AND the person who knows what’s going on. They are behind the scenes magic makers and power administrators; resourceful, supportive and ready. Stage daddy just wants to make sure you have a good show and is also the boss of making that happen.
Where do you stage daddy?
In capital cities across Australia and wherever the heaviest props need lugging.
What’s your most memorable stage daddy experience?
Probably the time I had to call an ambulance for a performer mid-performance. They’re ok! We’re good friends now.
Very memorably also moved an entire show set out of a venue in the middle of the night, while a club night was happening, the dance floor was pumping and everything had to be moved off the stage, through the green room and the dance floor and out the narrow back fire stairs. Bit of a mission! Thankfully we didn’t need an ambulance that time.
Favourite thing you’ve seen behind the scenes?
Enough room to turn a circle! Hahaha. There’s so many but I think seeing someone rescuing a bra and then a g-string that had been flung into rigging with a broom is up there.
What makes a good performer to work with from a daddy-perspective?
Someone who knows what they want and can tell me what this is - it helps me bring your vision to life! Realistic expectations are also good, as is a good sense of humour and just being friendly. Oh and I’ll never say no to cat pictures.
What’s the daddy-performer power balance? Who’s in charge (who’s the top)?
It’s a balance to be honest. Stage daddy’s job is two-fold: one one hand you’re hustling to make sure everyone and everything is where it’s meant to be and on the other you are of service; to the performers, to the audience, to the show. Creating the best possible experience is not only about making things happen but about creating the environment for those things to happen. The role requires some fluidity.
Top ten things you keep in your stage daddy toolkit in case of emergencies?
Compassion and a level head - abstract but important - a phone charger, adhesives (spirit gum, and carpet and gaffer tapes), metamucil (yes and it’s been used!), safety pins, hairspray, lollies, water and bandaids.
Tips for becoming a daddy-of-the-future?
Practise being organised, patient and flexible and find the balance between taking charge and letting go. Be prepared to crack the whip but don’t be a dick. It’s hard work and it’s fun work. Be ready to work under pressure and to miss the show really, but have great banter with your fellow crew and feel the warmth of performers being in their element and the audience cheering!
