If You've Ever Had To Remove Blood or Worse From A Costume, This Post Is For You!!
This isn't technically a costume rigging issue, but as a costumer it's a related subject we've all had to deal with at one time or another.
Due to the lovely monthly visits from Aunt Flo, I think we've all had unexpected leaks at one time or another. I know I've fallen off of "riding the cotton pony" doozies!
For a performer, getting your period, while on set or stage, in a costume, can be quite embarrassing, especially when someone else is responsive for keeping costumes clean.
At the Theme Park, where I work, if we find any type of "hazardous material" or bodily fluid stain including blood, urine or feces found in a costume, we're supposed to destroy the costume. That's not always possible on a tour or show with no backup costumes.
There are many ways to Remove Blood Stains from costumes, but I'd like to tell you about a few products I've found on shows and on social media that can prevent stains and protect costumes.
The first time I was turned into this product, I was a local working on the tech week rehearsal for
"So You Think You Can Dance?"
I had the unfortunate job of cleaning up after one of the young ladies who danced an entire set when "Shark Week" showed up unexpectedly. It was a noticeable mess that followed her through several costume changes. (with no back up costumes!) Fortunately, the rehearsal was not open to the public, but most of her producers and other performers were watching. I've seen worse end up on social media, so in that respect, she was lucky.
The show had a policy of lining all the costumes of each female performer as soon as they advised "it's that time of the month" with a product called "Commandos". This is a good tour policy and here's more on that amazing product:
Commandos - Moleskin Panty Liners with super stick and finger like sides that wrap around the crotch of a garment in a much more secure way than a standard panty liner, don't slide around, are low profile and come in Nude, Black and White.
Here's the link.
Another new product I recently learned about due to my own crime scene like issues:
Thinx - Period Panties.
Put them on, bleed in them, rinse, wash, reusable. They can also be used with normal sanitary products as a second layer of protection. Make these little jems your standard issue female entertainer underpants and you may never have to clean up a bloody costume accident ever again!!
Here's the Link:
Some of my friends also swear by menstrual cups, give those a try. There are several types and brands on the market. I am not a fan, after I bounced a full one across the floor in a public restroom. Wasn't pretty. There weren't enough wipes in the world, to clean up that hellified mess.
On Beyonce's Formation World Tour, I recently learned about another blood containment method I had never heard of, from a lady on their crew. She'd been using natural sea sponges for years. She said she'd heard about them in Europe.
Here's a link to buy those!
I hope these products help in your work and personal life!
Have you heard of any new period products you'd like to share?
Please post your comments and suggestions below!!