When I was first approached about being in Bottom’s Up (the long running Vegas style revue), I was told that I would be the “fat girl” in the show; and asked if that would be a problem.

Nope.

No problem.

I’m fat and female.

Qualifications met.

But when I joined the group, I was given a lesson from the star and producer Breck Wall, that has stayed with me.

Looking at the clothes I had brought to use in the show, he told me, “Just because you’re fat, doesn’t mean you can’t be glamorous.”

So I had to rethink my wardrobe and up my glamour game.

Out came the high heels and the glitzy mini dresses, and the makeup, and the false eyelashes.

I was the only fat person who was part of this Vegas style revue, but I was part of a Vegas style revue and I needed to style myself appropriately.

Words to live by:  “It’s Vegas where they’ll sew a sequin to a rat’s asshole.”

I had not thought of myself that way before – as glamorous.

Now I know better.

This lesson has colored how I view my appearance on stage ever since.

How I look and dress is a part of the role that I am playing.

It informs my performance.

It is important to me, and to the audience.

Great part of theater; when it opens your eyes to possibilities that you might not otherwise consider.