Behind every child who has spent their entire young life performing is usually a dedicated stage mom. She shows up to every show, competition, and concert and is almost as passionate about your art as you are. Here's 5 tell tale signs that you have a stage mom
1. She critiques your performances.
If you're a child with a stage mom, she has most likely seen you perform so many times that she knows your full potential. Stage moms are real with you, even when you've had an off day. If you've ever heard your mom say, "I saw you were a little off in that turn section" or "I heard that line flub in Act 3 Scene 2" - Congratulations, you have a stage mom. The fact that your mom is honest with you about your performances is a good thing. Chances are your family will tell you how amazing you are no matter what, but having a stage mom to remind you that there is always room for improvement is always a good thing.
2. She tells you to put on more makeup.
As a child, most parents usually tell their children to take it easy on the makeup. Stage moms are the exception. They know when you should glam it up or keep it soft. "You can use a bit more glitter there.." and "You should wing that eyeliner out a little more..." are only a few of the remarks I have heard my mother say throughout the years when preparing for my performances. It may seem unconventional to most parents, but stage moms understand that even though it may seem clown-like in person, when those lights hit you on the stage you're going to look like a superstar.
3.She can pin a head piece like no other.
Okay now I'm talking to dancers specifically. Almost every dance costume has some sort of head piece whether it's a bow, a hat, a ribbon, etc. There's no doubt that a real stage mom can apply any head piece and have it feel as if it was glued to your head. A hurricane could blow through the theatre and that thing would survive. It usually takes a long time and many, many, MANY bobby pins, but you won't have to worry about that baby flying off your head. This is one of the stage mom's greatest accomplishments. So next time you see a dance number and everyone's head piece stays on, know that the stage moms are the unsung heroes.
4. She runs lines/routines with you.
There have been several occasions were my mom has sat on the couch with me and read lines with me until I had them memorized. It usually works out that you read your character while she plays everyone else. It's a great bonding experience and often extremely amusing to watch your mom play every character in a show at one time. Stage moms usually want to see your dance numbers too. If your mom asks to see your routines and then gives you advice about how to make it better, you definitely have a stage mom.
5. She cheers the loudest.
The final sign that you have the ultimate stage mom is if you can hear her cheering from the crowd. Stage moms are the proudest people in the audience and want everyone to know that they are extremely proud of their child's performance. Although they may critique you and at times be a bit overbearing, they will always be the ones cheering the loudest despite your mistakes. Stage moms are your strongest supporters and biggest fans, and I have to say I owe a lot of my onstage successes to her!
