Essay: Scene Prep

Scene preparation

After having agreed to scene with someone, the very first thing you should do to prepare for that scene is to do negotiations. in this conversation, the bottom and top discuss and decide together what will go on during the scene. This includes what type of play will go on, any health or safety issues that need to be discussed, hard limits of either party, what safeword will be used, and other things that either party may need or want to fulfill their desires for the scene. Once all the talking is taken care of and boundaries are established, both (or all) parties begin to work setting up and preparing for the scene.

Cleaning should be done in whatever area the scene is to take place in. It is important to have a safe and clean area to play in to help both parties maintain the headspace for play. This could mean vacuuming or sterilizing your equipment, whichever applies to the situation. Dungeon furniture should be moved into place if it is going to be used. All toys and necessary safety equipment should be laid out. Aftercare supplies should be ready or close on hand as well. The bottom should dress in comfortable, easy to remove, and scene-appropriate clothing, and maybe even pack a change of clothes just in case. All general hygiene should be taken care of, as that is just common courtesy to the other person. If possible, the area should be clear of loud conversations and people for the beginning of the scene. Turn on music if there isn't already dungeon music playing (if desired).

 Once (or while) all of the physical preparations are taken care of, the Top and bottom then have to get into the frame of mind to play. This could be a ritual the Top performs, for example laying out all of the toys, or playing with one of them before the scene, or even talking to the bottom for a few minutes prior to the scene, or double-checking safety equipment. For the bottom, this could be walking around, or sitting quietly for a few minutes before the scene starts, or stretching, or looking over the Top's toys and taking a deep breath. Once both people are ready, play can begin.