The Questionnaire: Scarlett Wetter
UAN: Hi! Could you quickly introduce yourself? What are you known for and which shows do you produce/regularly appear on?
Scarlett Wetter: My name is Scarlett Wetter and I’ve been performing for my entire life but started doing burlesque just one year ago after taking Trixie Minx’s Burlesque 101 Workshop. I have appeared in a variety of shows including Show Me Your Noobs, Big Gay Baby, Venusian Nights, Bette Tittler’s Broadville Follies, Minx Burlesque and Renaissance NOLA. I produce my own show which started last month at The Domino. The Here To Slay Cabaret
What is your favorite performance medium?
Burlesque with live singing.
Let's go back...what are your earliest memories of seeing performance, what first inspired you?
I grew up in New York with a mother who was obsessed with the 'divas' of her time. I grew up being inspired by singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Barbra Streisand. But I think my whole world exploded when I saw “Singin’ in the Rain” for the first time. I knew I wanted to do THAT. Sing, dance and now strip while putting on a show? All of that. Yes please.
Was there a decisive moment that made you think: "I can do that!"? How did you feel when you made that life choice?
I knew I wanted to be on the stage basically from birth. Stage fright? Who is she? But what I didn’t know was that I would fall in love with the art form of burlesque specifically. Now I get to combine my love of theater with my love of tease and I’m excited to continue growing in this world.
Tell us about performing at your first paid show, how were you feeling?
It was a graduation showcase and we made great money which honestly really surprised me. But more than anything what I was feeling was overly excited to be owning my body and my sexuality in a public way. As a queer, fat woman I sometimes shrink into the background afraid to own my power. Burlesque told me to forget all that and let it all hang out so that’s what I did and I just tried to have some fun! And I just couldn’t stop and now here we are a year later.
How is the New Orleans show scene different to where you spent your formative years?
I think burlesque is more experimental here in New Orleans than it is in NYC. Not saying people don’t do cool things in New York, I just feel like New Orleans is a very special place with a very special and diverse set of talents and histories. It all comes together to make something truly one of a kind.
What are the best and most annoying things about a performer life?
I am so incredibly bad at doing my own make up. Sometimes I feel like a football player at a debutants ball, pretending to get pretty when really I have no idea what the heck I’m doing. But I love learning from other people. It’s a work in progress. Annoying but worth it. The best part is undoubtedly community and being able to lift each other up and support one another’s goals, ambitions, and dreams. Make those fantasies come to life!
What's the most esoteric/out there act you've ever done? What's the weirdest act you've ever seen?
Weirdest act I’ve ever seen? In New Orleans? C’mon that’s an impossible question. Dick Jones lays their entire body down on glass shards. I’ve seen a guy drill literal screws into his head while having a conversation with the audience. The list goes on and on.
Do you spend a lot of time experimenting/coming up with new acts or costumes when you're not working?
New acts are constantly running through my head. And since I’m a singer first, the song and lyrics often dictate the costumes and mood of the piece. I learn the song first. Everything else comes after that and I build a picture around the song. In a dream world I will also do drag one day but I need to up both my costume and makeup game before I dare to dabble!
Time to name some names. Where do you like to go for fancy feasts, casual bites, cocktails and a post-show beer/wind down?
My favorite bars are Twelve Mile Limit and The Domino which is why I wanted to host my show there. They are both owned by the same local folks. Good people. Good safe queer spaces. And cheap. When I’m feeling fancy I dress up and go to n.7 or Bacchanal. For post show celebrations, I often stay for the next show that goes on at AllWays Lounge and Cabaret, or stay on St. Claude for some karaoke at Kajun’s. Cheap eats that are also delicious (not that that’s hard to find in New Orleans) include Afrodisiac Nola and Tia Maria’s Kitchen and if you’re a coffee nut like me try Baldwin and Co., Rook Cafe, or Pond Coffee.
What's the most memorable performing experience you've ever had?
Small venue, small audience in NYC and big appreciation from the few that were there. I was in a weird headspace that night and was feeling down as a performer. A little stuck. That evening when I got out on stage and sang Adele, I got my first ever standing ovation. That sticks with you.
You're at home. Maybe you've had a couple of cocktails, maybe you're feeling lazy, maybe you need a quick comfort snack. What are you making? Give us your guiltiest, messiest pleasures and don't skip any details.
I eat chicken fingers basically every day. Homemade, ordered in, picked up in my car. All varieties and combinations. A chicken finger will get rid of all your worries and cares, especially with the right dipping sauces.
Where are your cities for shows or music or art outside of New Orleans?
NY is the only other place so far but I hope to expand to many more in this coming year! Not just nationally, but internationally.
Do you make your own costumes and props? Is that something you enjoy or is it a chore? Where do you look for/find inspiration?
Here is what I have learned: if you’re like me and not very good at making costumes or props, skip the Amazon cart and BUY FROM OTHER PERFORMERS. For instance, Jahireen.com aka Qween Quan makes the most delicious fans and boas and is a really amazing costumer all around. When I spend my money with them I am not only supporting their amazing and important career, but I am also supporting our local scene as a whole. Buy from other burlesque dancers if you’re not good at those other creative things like me.
You have an unlimited budget for a show. Who is in the line up (anyone, living or passed, real or fictional)? Where is the venue?
Nina Simone is singing with a live band for us to do a burlesque show to her greatest hits. We’re all laughing and drinking and having a good time. I would want the show to have the local performers and talent from New Orleans that I love but I would want the performers to have the option to sign up for a slot. I appreciate the other shows in town that make opportunities accessible for the newbs. I would want to do the same thing. It’s a great show whether it’s all seasoned performers or just people who are really passionate about the art form. It all counts!
What are your favourite showgirl/boy/performer-related pieces of media? Any go-to movies or tv shows?
Rocky Horror and anything on Broadway pretty much. Theater is my number one inspiration source for making art.
Do you have any unfulfilled act ambitions? A skill that you're determined to nail, a tribute or spectacular show stopper that you're working on?
Oh I do but I can’t reveal that here! 😝 I’ll give you a hint (it’s a mashup of some really famous ladies all doing what they are most famous for).
How else do you relax, besides getting as much sleep as possible?
I spend a lot of time reading, writing, shooting pool, and I am blessed with a huge and supportive friend group who force me to sit down sometimes. Oh and sex. Great sex. Can I say that here? 👀
OK, leave us with one showperson tip or performer hack/juicy piece of gossip/your favorite corny joke. Or all three. Thank you so much for joining us!
Support those around you. Those that inspire you. Those that you inspire. When we life each other up and make space for one another, we all win.
The 'Here To Slay Cabaret' features new and tenured burlesque performers alike to bring you a tantalizing spectacle. Experience live singing, dance, and debauchery for only a suggested donation of $5-$10 at the door. Join them on the third Thursday of every month at 10pm at The Domino.
More performers!
UAN: Hi! Could you quickly introduce yourself? What are you known for and which shows do you produce/regularly appear on?
Scarlett Wetter: My name is Scarlett Wetter and I’ve been performing for my entire life but started doing burlesque just one year ago after taking Trixie Minx’s Burlesque 101 Workshop. I have appeared in a variety of shows including Show Me Your Noobs, Big Gay Baby, Venusian Nights, Bette Tittler’s Broadville Follies, Minx Burlesque and Renaissance NOLA. I produce my own show which started last month at The Domino. The Here To Slay Cabaret
What is your favorite performance medium?
Burlesque with live singing.
Let's go back...what are your earliest memories of seeing performance, what first inspired you?
I grew up in New York with a mother who was obsessed with the 'divas' of her time. I grew up being inspired by singers like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone and Barbra Streisand. But I think my whole world exploded when I saw “Singin’ in the Rain” for the first time. I knew I wanted to do THAT. Sing, dance and now strip while putting on a show? All of that. Yes please.
Was there a decisive moment that made you think: "I can do that!"? How did you feel when you made that life choice?
I knew I wanted to be on the stage basically from birth. Stage fright? Who is she? But what I didn’t know was that I would fall in love with the art form of burlesque specifically. Now I get to combine my love of theater with my love of tease and I’m excited to continue growing in this world.
Tell us about performing at your first paid show, how were you feeling?
It was a graduation showcase and we made great money which honestly really surprised me. But more than anything what I was feeling was overly excited to be owning my body and my sexuality in a public way. As a queer, fat woman I sometimes shrink into the background afraid to own my power. Burlesque told me to forget all that and let it all hang out so that’s what I did and I just tried to have some fun! And I just couldn’t stop and now here we are a year later.
How is the New Orleans show scene different to where you spent your formative years?
I think burlesque is more experimental here in New Orleans than it is in NYC. Not saying people don’t do cool things in New York, I just feel like New Orleans is a very special place with a very special and diverse set of talents and histories. It all comes together to make something truly one of a kind.
What are the best and most annoying things about a performer life?
I am so incredibly bad at doing my own make up. Sometimes I feel like a football player at a debutants ball, pretending to get pretty when really I have no idea what the heck I’m doing. But I love learning from other people. It’s a work in progress. Annoying but worth it. The best part is undoubtedly community and being able to lift each other up and support one another’s goals, ambitions, and dreams. Make those fantasies come to life!
What's the most esoteric/out there act you've ever done? What's the weirdest act you've ever seen?
Weirdest act I’ve ever seen? In New Orleans? C’mon that’s an impossible question. Dick Jones lays their entire body down on glass shards. I’ve seen a guy drill literal screws into his head while having a conversation with the audience. The list goes on and on.
Do you spend a lot of time experimenting/coming up with new acts or costumes when you're not working?
New acts are constantly running through my head. And since I’m a singer first, the song and lyrics often dictate the costumes and mood of the piece. I learn the song first. Everything else comes after that and I build a picture around the song. In a dream world I will also do drag one day but I need to up both my costume and makeup game before I dare to dabble!
Time to name some names. Where do you like to go for fancy feasts, casual bites, cocktails and a post-show beer/wind down?
My favorite bars are Twelve Mile Limit and The Domino which is why I wanted to host my show there. They are both owned by the same local folks. Good people. Good safe queer spaces. And cheap. When I’m feeling fancy I dress up and go to n.7 or Bacchanal. For post show celebrations, I often stay for the next show that goes on at AllWays Lounge and Cabaret, or stay on St. Claude for some karaoke at Kajun’s. Cheap eats that are also delicious (not that that’s hard to find in New Orleans) include Afrodisiac Nola and Tia Maria’s Kitchen and if you’re a coffee nut like me try Baldwin and Co., Rook Cafe, or Pond Coffee.
What's the most memorable performing experience you've ever had?
Small venue, small audience in NYC and big appreciation from the few that were there. I was in a weird headspace that night and was feeling down as a performer. A little stuck. That evening when I got out on stage and sang Adele, I got my first ever standing ovation. That sticks with you.
You're at home. Maybe you've had a couple of cocktails, maybe you're feeling lazy, maybe you need a quick comfort snack. What are you making? Give us your guiltiest, messiest pleasures and don't skip any details.
I eat chicken fingers basically every day. Homemade, ordered in, picked up in my car. All varieties and combinations. A chicken finger will get rid of all your worries and cares, especially with the right dipping sauces.
Where are your cities for shows or music or art outside of New Orleans?
NY is the only other place so far but I hope to expand to many more in this coming year! Not just nationally, but internationally.
Do you make your own costumes and props? Is that something you enjoy or is it a chore? Where do you look for/find inspiration?
Here is what I have learned: if you’re like me and not very good at making costumes or props, skip the Amazon cart and BUY FROM OTHER PERFORMERS. For instance, Jahireen.com aka Qween Quan makes the most delicious fans and boas and is a really amazing costumer all around. When I spend my money with them I am not only supporting their amazing and important career, but I am also supporting our local scene as a whole. Buy from other burlesque dancers if you’re not good at those other creative things like me.
You have an unlimited budget for a show. Who is in the line up (anyone, living or passed, real or fictional)? Where is the venue?
Nina Simone is singing with a live band for us to do a burlesque show to her greatest hits. We’re all laughing and drinking and having a good time. I would want the show to have the local performers and talent from New Orleans that I love but I would want the performers to have the option to sign up for a slot. I appreciate the other shows in town that make opportunities accessible for the newbs. I would want to do the same thing. It’s a great show whether it’s all seasoned performers or just people who are really passionate about the art form. It all counts!
What are your favourite showgirl/boy/performer-related pieces of media? Any go-to movies or tv shows?
Rocky Horror and anything on Broadway pretty much. Theater is my number one inspiration source for making art.
Do you have any unfulfilled act ambitions? A skill that you're determined to nail, a tribute or spectacular show stopper that you're working on?
Oh I do but I can’t reveal that here! 😝 I’ll give you a hint (it’s a mashup of some really famous ladies all doing what they are most famous for).
How else do you relax, besides getting as much sleep as possible?
I spend a lot of time reading, writing, shooting pool, and I am blessed with a huge and supportive friend group who force me to sit down sometimes. Oh and sex. Great sex. Can I say that here? 👀
OK, leave us with one showperson tip or performer hack/juicy piece of gossip/your favorite corny joke. Or all three. Thank you so much for joining us!
Support those around you. Those that inspire you. Those that you inspire. When we life each other up and make space for one another, we all win.
The 'Here To Slay Cabaret' features new and tenured burlesque performers alike to bring you a tantalizing spectacle. Experience live singing, dance, and debauchery for only a suggested donation of $5-$10 at the door. Join them on the third Thursday of every month at 10pm at The Domino.
More performers!