Emceeing and Performances

Sadie von ScrumptiousAs Sadie von Scrumptious, I’ve been participating in Wellington burlesque since 2010. What I do includes show and party emceeing, production, posters, and workshops. I also love stylish, quirky events such as subculture conventions, club nights, and fashion shindigs.

What makes burlesque special? A burlesque event, cabaret, or ball is a zone outside of daily life, be it grungy or glam – and emceeing should create that space for the audience and the performers. When I emcee, my style is Mae West meets Weird Al Yankovic.  I bring snappy, swanky patter to New Zealand events in my American accent, I’ve got plenty of chutzpah,  and I never pay retail.

Events

2013:

2012:

  • “Burlesque Rainbow” at Wellington Out in the Square queer pride festival, January 21st – Producer
  • Dr. Sketchy February, “Revenge of the Redheads” – Host/playlist
  • Burlesque Rocks March 23rd – Emcee
  • Caburlesque April 7th – Emcee
  • Dr. Sketchy April, “Steampunk!” – Host/playlist
  • Caburlesque June 4th – Emcee, in the persona of “Naughty Queen Liz” for the Diamond Jubilee
  • Frolic Lounge, June 15th/16th, September 15th/16th – Poster design and Emcee
  • Caburlesque August 4th, October 4th – Emcee
  • Underground Burlesque, August 17th and 18th – Emcee
  • Aethercon, October 2013: Steampunk Conference and Ball – Master of Ceremonies
  • Caburlesque October 6th – Emcee
  • Frolic Lounge, November 15th and 16th – Emcee
  • Bare and Back Again: A Burlesque Journey to Middle-Earth! Nov. 30th and Dec. 1 – Producer and emcee.
  • A Very Merry Caburlesque, December 8th, The Fringe Bar – Emcee

2011:

  • NZ Burlesque Festival, February – walking for The Dreamstress in her vintage lingerie show
  • Frolic Lounge – Emcee  – June, September, November
  • Dr. Sketchy July, “Belle’s Beauties,”  Host/playlist

Questions I Get Asked

Where do you get those sequined dresses?

I stalk them. Like the lion stalks the okapi. Except online. TradeMe and eBay are my sources. I’m branching out into making my own, too.

Can you get me burlesque dancers for my event?

I could, but I’d get them by calling Miss La Belle, so why not contact her directly?

Can you emcee my wedding?

I do emcee conferences, balls, and bar and bat mitzvahs – but not weddings. Most wedding emcees are also wedding DJs. Allow me to recommend Crystal Misschief if you want a naughty burlesque flair in your New Zealand wedding emcee. Crystal’s voluptuous voice makes her a great choice for voice over work or other events, too.

Your inspiration?

Endless hours curled up around the boom box listening to Dr. Demento, who introduced me to Ruth Wallis; the ever-fresh content and charm of Murray Hill; the brashness of Jonny Porkpie. The vintage clothes I loved from the 80s onwards. And, of course, all those brave beauties on stage.

I want to be in a burlesque show too! What do I do?

Burlesque is having A Moment in New Zealand. Burlesque classes are popping up everywhere, even as the standards of performance are increasing. Start out with this article on Burlesque Advice.  I know of several sets of Wellington based classes that will specifically set you on a performance path:

 

Leave a reply