Red Snapper

Tub Tales 10.29.23

I went to my 17th John Mayer concert last night and we performed our last Cirque du Burlesque last night. Here's my viewpoint on both.

Full Reveal Rewind: The Boobies

I have a nerdlesque act in the wayback machine for you! Enjoy this performance of Andi and Bran from the Goonies-themed burlesque show at Monday Night Tease in 2014. (I know I enjoyed seeing how awesome my ass looked.)

Behind the Scenes: The Beginning and the End

Last night was Nutmeg's debut at Viva's Lounge. It was also the last Cirque du Burlesque show ever. It's a little strange that both happened at the same time.

We've known the end of Viva's was coming, so we've had time to pre-mourn. Our big focus last night was Nutmeg's debut. Lots of practice, lots of prep, lots of preoccupation with setting her up for success.

Here's a sneak peak at the act from our last rehearsal before we headed to the venue, shot on the fancy new GoPro. I sing/talk to her throughout the act, trying to give her verbal cues and visual cues together.

We need to find another safe place to perform together. She loved being on the stage.

Shooting Promo Pics With Nutmeg

Our last Cirque du Burlesque at Viva's Lounge is next weekend! The producer has plenty of studio photos of me, but she doesn't have any of Nutmeg. (Note: Live performance photos are a little raw, so studio photos are usually preferred for fliers and such. Performers are wild-eyed and sweaty, and those images aren't always enticing for new members of the audience.)

As you may know, we've been shooting pictures of this baby since we met her at four weeks old. She's also heavily featured on our YouTube channel (which is totally SFW). She's amazing at being cute, but she's not yet amazing at mugging for the camera.

That means plenty of ridiculous outtakes while she's resting on my boobs. She was also trying to nap, I think.

She makes this look exhausting.

Okay, that's a cute one. Can't use it for a flier.

We took  couple shots in my Nutmeg tee for YouTube, and she was still exhausted.

I have no idea if we'll appear on the flier or not, but better to be prepared.

Behind the Scenes: Matchy Matchy

It's the end of the month and our costumes for Nutmeg's debut are almost complete! I have to hem the legs and sleeves of my jumpsuit, plus add buttons for accents here and there.

The fancy pockets with built-in belt loops seem a little high. I may have to remove them and reattach them a little lower. I'm waiting for some belts to arrive in the mail so I can decide.

I love how we match. I love the sheen of the fabric, especially since I can't trust my co-star to not eat rhinestones or other embellishments. It seemed fairly sturdy, but it frayed a lot while I was working on it. It also snags, which I discovered while I was stitching velcro to Nutmeg's dress.

Let's see how our wardrobe grows and changes as we continue to pursue this dog entertainment wild hare.

Full Reveal - Speak & Strip? Reaction Video

With the Hawaii trip and Mr. Snapper's class reunion this month, I thought it would be fun to share this gem from the vault with you.

Should I revisit this act? Maybe rebuild the costume and only offer a video version for online shows so I don't get caught up in conversation with the audience?

Tub Tales 09.23.23

Here's a story from my trip and some details on the end of an era in Dallas burlesque. Enjoy!

My Hawaiian vacation and how I got very few photos of myself

When I first told Mr. Snapper that we should go to Hawaii, I thought about the opportunity to find some little beach and shoot in the nude. I considered the possibility of getting some photos in some cute outfits, and how we'd have pictures of the two of us having a great time.

We also took my mom and my favorite sister. I love them both. I also got so few photos of myself alone and maybe two of just me and the husband. That means very few photos to share with you about the amazing time we had.

I usually tried to squeeze in something touristy when I'd tour to different places. It's very rare for me to go anywhere and not work. It was weird to have no gigs and just be a tourist.

One of my highlights was going to Kualoa Ranch for the Jurassic Valley tour, a location used for a couple of the Jurassic franchise films and the television show "LOST." It's a beautiful area. Getting out into the world fuels my creativity.

We also visited Lyon Arboretum to take in the local plant life. I don't really have a green thumb, and I'm glad my sister suggested it. It was really lovely. Also, you can see my mom's reflection in my sunglasses.

I had a gig at Viva's a few days before the trip, and Mr. Snapper had a gig at Viva's the week we came back. We're packing in his class reunion before Nutmeg's debut and our final Cirque du Burlesque show at Viva's.

Next time we go to Hawaii, we'll do a better job getting photos.

Behind the Scenes: Costumes for Two

I was trying to take it easy in the sewing room before Nutmeg's debut. I knew I would have to make her costume, but I was hoping I could just order a great jumpsuit. I need something with pockets and a little style. I can't use rhinestones in our collective costumes yet because she eats things.

I ordered a lovely retro jumpsuit from England. It's a bit more airplane mechanic than cute, and it's very baggy. I'm sure I can wear it for a shoot or something, but it won't work for this.

Since the pandemic, there are fewer fabric stores to visit. I had to go to JoAnn Fabrics for my silky fabric, settling for the best available. I also grabbed three more jumpsuit patterns to find the right look. I'll use the others for different projects down the line.

Looks like I'm building two costumes when I get back from Hawaii. The important thing is that we'll match and look good.

Full Reveal: Cocktails with Red Snapper - Tropical Wank

With my vacation ahead and Dallas days finally under 100 degrees every day, I felt like celebrating with a new cocktail concoction. Enjoy!

Tub Tales 08.27.23

That's right-- we wrote a book! It's been a busy month, between the Muppet-themed co-production and preparing for our Hawaii trip while it's been over 100 degrees every damn day. We finished the book a few weeks ago, and we just got our cover squared away.

It's now available for preorder on Kindle. Paperback will be available soon.

Rewedding Day!

Happy August, friends! Today marks 10 years from our rewedding at Monday Night Tease. Monday marks 30 years of wedded and creative bliss.

I'm fortunate to have a creative partner who fully supports my pursuits. He puts in a lot of work behind the scenes for my Patreon, and sometimes he does some in front of the camera as well.

We're currently planning our next shoot day, hoping that the daytime temperature drops below 100 in the next two weeks.

Tub Tales 07.30.23

I have some sad news and some happy news.

Our home venue is in its final months, which means we're getting Nutmeg ready for the stage sooner. There's no public announcement from the venue yet, but they know I'm telling you.

The bright news is that we're working on our Snapperama YouTube channel (probably 10+ years since I was kicked off of YouTube for boobs). The content will be less risqué than my Vimeo, and far less risqué than you get here. Our first focus is Nutmeg and shaping her into a performer.

We're also releasing our relationship book in August. Finally!

Full Reveal: Mega Costume Reaction Video

I no longer perform this act, but I loved the process of creating it. I performed it for several years. Enjoy my show and tell of "Is You Is Or Is You Ain't, My Baby?" (Mega Costume).

The Great Pastie Caper

Mr. Snapper and I are so pleased to co-produce The Great Pastie Caper with Vivenne Vermouth at Viva's Lounge next month. We've talked about it for years and the opportunity is finally here!

If you're a fan of Henson and you're in Dallas, you'll have a great time at this quirky show.

Behind the Scenes: Finishing the Pandemic Act

In 2020 I started building this act with a green tribute bra and gorgeous panel skirt. I bought a vintage mint-colored dress for my outer costume. I think I made the fancy panty shortly after I moved into my house in 2021. It's been in the works for a while.

I took a resource for granted and forgot all about the costume, knowing I'd have the opportunity to put it on the stage when I felt it was ready. No need to rush until the time was right.

I have to get the act together in the next three months. I'm faced with some costume decisions now, like maybe I rebuilt this tiny tribute bra for something a little stronger. I have to make fancy pasties and embellish that panty, and I haven't assessed my rhinestone stock. The zipper pull needs some care. And then there's the choreography.

I'm co-producing a show in August, working on publishing a book, and getting Nutmeg ready to debut as well. Oh yeah, I'm also going to Hawaii in September.

But first thing's first. Do I rebuild the bra?

Midsummer Activity

I thought I’d get a lot done this summer, and then summer happened to me.

My 30-year class reunion was in June. I had a fantastic time reconnecting with former classmates. I also sponsored and assembled goodie bags and “yearbook” memory pages for autographs. Lots of prep and a little travel for a fun experience.

I got a promotion at my day job and attended an on-site leadership meeting in July. My work trips are pretty tightly managed from end to end, which means little time for leisure activities or shooting content while I’m there. I thought about shooting a Tub Tales, but I was so wiped by the end of each day that I crashed out shortly after returning to my hotel room.

September holds the big family trip to Hawaii. I’d like to shoot something while I’m there, but I’m traveling with family and we’ve packed the schedule. I don’t think I’ll get to any beach nudes.

That means we’re kicking up a content frenzy in August when there’s no travel on the books. I mean, we’re co-producing a Muppet-themed burlesque show with Vivienne Vermuth at Viva’s Lounge at the beginning of the month, but no travel.

Our Muppety show was supposed to happen in September but we had to do some rearranging with the schedule so it’s show prep for the rest of this month.

Even with the summer travel and added activities, we’re working on burlesque projects this month as well. We're editing our relationship book, working with Nutmeg for her November stage debut, recording podcast episodes, and pondering new acts.

Tub Tales 06.24.23

I'm busy with positive creative and life activities. From the day job promotion and related travel to Snapper activities galore, plus a vacation on the horizon, July has been a whirlwind and there's more to come in the months ahead.

Full Reveal: "El Corazon" Reaction Video

This is my first reaction video. As I've mentioned, sometimes the Full Reveal gives you insight into my process. I'm excited to share this act that saw the stage only once.

I still have plenty of steel thread and a little steel velcro left. I had Sparkfun's e-textiles basic kit, and that's what set me down this path. No arduinos, no button controls. You can see my steel thread circuitry along with my tiny LEDs and power packs in the video.

I was delighted to find video of this act on its only time in front of an audience. I enjoyed the process of creating the costume and the act. I just wish the lights had a better 'wow' factor. I also wish I'd used wire instead of steel thread where it was likely to short out. I was just so excited to work with e-textiles that I hadn't learned how to work smarter until the project was done.

Tough Costume Decisions

Nutmeg's official stage debut will be late November at Viva's Lounge. The team has been fantastic with allowing me to work there with her for the past year. They're also very gentle and loving with her, making it a comfortable place for us to work.

If all goes well, her second act will be at Viva's Star Wars show in May. I'll be Endor Leia and she'll be my little Wicket. She won't be stripping me for a while. I want her to successfully perform a few times, and then we'll work up to her assisting me with garments.

Her outfit will be easy for Endor. I just have to get the right-sized hood and rehearse with it. Mine will take a bit more care. You see, my hands still aren't fully healed from December. Hand sewing and finishing garments still hurts, and I can't risk being impaired for my mortgage- and health insurance-paying day job.

I'm going to pay a cosplay costumer to do the work for me. I could very easily lose money if they don't get it done on time or if the costume sucks in person.

This is the one that looked the best to me. Look at those breast pockets! I could stash dog treats in pockets like those. The detailing is incredible! But is it really necessary to spend $600 for a costume from Italy in an act where the dog will be the center of attention?

These two seem like they're basically the same costume. No sexy breast pockets in the overshirt. They might be made of the cheapest fabric, and I don't know if those pants would fit my ass. I like the price, though.

This one might be the winner. Maybe. The trick here is that the costume is made to match the pictured collectible figure, not necessarily the costume from the movie. They will customize the size for this one, so maybe my ass can fit into the pants.

I may have to reach out to each of them to pepper them with questions, including inclusion of useful pockets for puppy snacks.

I'm hopeful I find a love connection in the costume. I already found it in my little starlet.

Behind the Scenes - Fucking Flies

As the talent, I tend to just focus on getting myself ready and remembering what I have to do on shoot days. Sure, I do some pre-production stuff like making drink syrups, curating or creating costumes, or commissioning soundalikes. But when we start the shoot day, Mr. Snapper takes the helm for all things in the production space.

Sometimes that includes sweeping up fluff pulled from dog toys, and sometimes that includes getting rid of flies. Here's a silly bit from our last shoot.

Tub Tales 05.28.23

This was one of the most ridiculous Tub Tales shoots to date. I hope it brings you a laugh or two.

Full Reveal: Cocktails with Red Snapper - Snapper's Punch

I love riffing on classic cocktails. My recipe in the video is for one serving, but I made two so I could share with my trusty production crew. :)

I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed making it.

Behind the Scenes - Making Cocktail Syrups

I'm allergic to a lot of weird stuff– weird as in not conventional allergies. This means we spend plenty of time in the kitchen for cocktail crafting. This is a completely practical video about turning jam or jelly into a mixing syrup.

Slow upgrades

This is my sweaty backstage selfie from this year's Star Wars show at Viva's Lounge. Hair is messy from the helmet and I had minimal makeup since I was only performing Mando.

The first year I performed this act, I had a few weeks to cobble together a costume while Mr. Snapper created the Grogu marionette. I had a 3D-printed helmet, foam armor, and some Amazon overnight garments: a black cardigan, black fringe shorts, and a silver sequined tube top.

The second year I performed this act, I replaced the gauntlets and pauldrons with 3D-printed versions. I found a better solution for the helmet fit when I entered a costume contest in the fall.

When I put the costume away, I taped notes on the garment bag so I could figure out what to upgrade next. I've updated the  notes for next time.

The corset made its debut, which you can see in this photo by Scott Fisher.

I need to improve the closures and fit of the gauntlets for next year. They weren't designed for a stripper. If I can sort out a paint booth (instead of my windy yard), I'll refinish and repaint the armor and helmet. I may even make dedicated underthings for next year.

I'm also thinking about a new act for next year's Star Wars show. Nutmeg may be ready for the stage by then, and the plan is to do Endor Leia and Wicket. I'm not sure if we should focus on dog tricks or if I should plan on removing any clothing. I have to start assembling my costume and wig now so I can focus on Nutmeg as the date approaches.

Full Reveal: Red Snapper Does Mr. Snapper 2

I laughed when Mr. Snapper suggested I give his acts a whirl in the Full Reveal series. I also laugh when I perform his acts. I think I made the top because of the fringe, he made the pants, and I made the bag. (It's been so long that it's hard to remember.)

I hope you enjoy watching this silliness as much as we enjoyed making it.

Behind the Scenes: Davy Crockett

In the "Red Snapper Does Mr. Snapper" series, I tackled Davy Crockett. I believe he choreographed this one himself back in 2010 or 2012. There were two tricky bits of choreography that I had to learn. You can laugh while I fumble my way through in the company of three dogs.

Tub Talk 03.27.23

Funny story time. When I finished my Tub Tales last month, Mr. Snapper hopped into the tub with me. (We had a bigger tub in our first apartment in Dallas, and a much bigger tub when we shot in a hotel with a jacuzzi. He's 6'1" and filled the tub.)

I thought he was just hopping in to soak with me for a couple minutes when he pitched me this idea. I didn't realize the camera was going until he mentioned a couple people by their positions or stage names. That's when it clicked. "Oh crap! You should be interviewing him."

You also get to hear from all of the dogs as they make recording as interesting as possible. Enjoy this fun gem.

"You know what would be a good idea?"

An idea pops into my head on March 31st. Despite my still-healing thumbs (tendonitis), I suspected I'd be performing something in the Star Wars show at Viva's this year. Our Mandalorian act was a pretty safe bet, so I had this bright idea to replace the sequin tube top I've worn for the past couple years with a proper corset.

I haven't made a corset for two or three years. My pattern pieces, coutil, twill tape, and boning were tucked away in the back of a closet in my sewing room. I think my grommet machine is in the attic.

I also had a work trip that ate the better part of last week.

Perfect timing to start a project for an upcoming show.

I ordered lining fabric (above) and outer "armor" fabric on April 1st. The lining and coutil were cut and combined before my trip, and today was all about building the lining.

While I'm not taking on the armor again before my next performance, I think I'll replace the fancy 3D-printed armor with quilted armor next year. The 3D armor is built for cosplay, not for stripping. It all gets in the way of easy stripping.

Of course, next year's plan is to perform Endor Leia with Nutmeg as Wicket.

Tub Tales 03.27.23

I was so happy to perform at All Con, even if I was a late addition to the lineup. I hope I can take a class next time I do a convention.