#333 - The Female Impersonator's Handbook Pudgy Roberts Capri

Female Impersonator's Handbook
by “Pudgy” Roberts
Capri Publishers
Newark, New Jersey
1967

digital replica

A female impersonator, stripper, comedian, and magazine editor, prolific “Pudgy” Roberts had a lot to say and the ability to communicate. Presented with clarity and sincerity, his Female Impersonator's Handbook, offers a wealth of information on the craft and commerce of entertainment professionals. He cared about quality, safety, and honesty.

Although women and transvestites may benefit from Mr. Roberts' explicit guidance on how to dress, fix hair and use cosmetics, the main focus of this how-to book is the onstage singer, dancer, comic, or stripper. He makes helpful suggestions about how to develop a convincing feminine persona through proper voice, posture, walking, standing, sitting and positioning of hands.

One chapter matches the cut and style of clothing with body proportions. He defines categories of personal color, considering hair, complexion, and eyes, and suggests fabric colors to wear and avoid.

He codifies best hair styles for five face shapes, and diagrams how to identify which-is-which with measurements. His list of facial problem areas includes hair style strategies that help to minimize negative appearance of a less-than-perfect chin or nose.

The longest chapter instructs on effective use of make-up. Detailed charts match hair color and skin hue with three types of rouge, pancake, powder, lipstick, eye shadow, pencil and mascara. The reader learns how to select cosmetics as well as optimum methods of application.

One chapter describes medical procedures and products intended to improve facial and figure features. He addresses the pros and cons of seven hair removal methods. Another section discusses gowns and undergarments, where to obtain good value and 10 styles of striptease routines.

Sharing his knowledge about the business end of entertainment, he writes about the functions of agents and professional organizations. Mr. Roberts lists his conventions for proper on-the-job conduct, such as punctuality, sobriety and
observance of house rules.

Describing the unique talents, strengths and acts of best performers in the female impersonation profession, he calls them “Greats” and lists their admirers and unique achievements. Like C. J. Bulliet in his Venus Castina history, Mr. Roberts lavishes extravagant praise on the impeccable female presence of Julian Eltinge.

A gallery of photographs of female impersonators ends the book, but Mr. Roberts is pictured in varied theatrical costumes on several pages. In one surprising picture, Salvador Dali kisses his hand.

The digital replica includes all the content of the original volume. The text has been completely re-set for the ebook version, with a small amount of spelling, punctuation and syntax modification. Charts and diagrams were placed as pictures in the ebook, without modification.

Color charts and face/hair diagrams will prove useful for all who cross-dress. Those who aspire to comedy will derive important information from the reference drawings of facial expressions and costumes. Comprehensive information, advice, guidance and illustrations have been carefully presented in the convenient digital replica.

A successful performer, Mr. Roberts understood both major principles and nuances of his business. He devoted a lifetime to making audiences laugh. His dedication to professionalism and contributions to the success of ambitious newcomers authenticates his insightful prose.

One ebook, delivered by download from your 30th Street Graphics account.