Responsibilities
True or False: Wardrobe is responsible for helping performers do quick changes (< 1 minute to change).
True! Wardrobe is responsible for helping performers do any quick or complicated changes that they cannot do alone.
True or False: When something is broken on a costume, Wardrobe should NOT fix it.
False (sort of)! If something is broken on a costume, wardrobe should definitely fix it if they can, particularly in cases of performer safety. This might mean sewing or safety pinning, depending on the situation. If you are not sure how to fix it, or do not have the skills to fix it, do you best to get through the performance, take a note and leave it for the shop to fix in the morning.
What do you call this piece of paperwork?
A check-in/check-out sheet.
True or False: Every costume in a production is washed.
False! While every costume is treated somehow to eliminate germs and odor, that does not always translate to washing them as we might wash out clothes.
How should wardrobe crew come dressed for each run?
All black and wearing comfortable, moveable clothing/shoes.
Name three things that wardrobe is responsible for PRE-show.
1. Checking out costume pieces.
2. Distributing clean laundry.
3. Helping with hair and makeup.
How should wardrobe enter dressing rooms?
Door open: Universal sign of a "clear" dressing room with no chance of any performers changing. Wardrobe should still announce themselves but can enter freely.
Door closed: Universal sign that the dressing room is potentially in use, meaning that you should assume someone is changing. Knock firmly three times and announce in your full voice, "Wardrobe!" Wait for an affirmative response from the performers inside that you may enter. In the absence of an affirmative response, wait a moment and ask again. DO NOT enter if you are told not to.
Why does wardrobe use check-in/check-out sheets?
This paperwork ensures that all of the costume pieces are present and accounted for before and after the show.
What is this piece of paperwork?
This is a laundry sheet. This document tells us how each clothing item in the show should be laundered and dried.
True or False: While performers should not eat in costume, it is fine for wardrobe crew to eat whatever they want around the dressing rooms.
False! Wardrobe crew should also not eat around the costumes. Please arrive having eaten, and if you need a snack, make sure its dry and non-staining. Snacks can be eaten in the green room away from folks in-costume.
True or False: Wardrobe is responsible for pre-setting costume pieces both before and during the run.
False! Wardrobe is only responsible for pre-setting items during the show. If performers have pieces that need to be pre-set at the top of the show, that is their responsbility.
What does this item have to do with leaving notes for the costume shop?
Notes should be written on these tags, clipped to your clip board and brought up to the shop each night. Make notes as clear and specific as you can, even if you don't know the technical terms for things.
What information can you learn from a costume plot?
Costume plots show us a zoomed out view of when performers change and what look they're wearing in each scene. It can also show how long they have to change.
True or False: Wardrobe has to stay to do the laundry every night.
True (sort of)! Wardrobe is responsible for the laundry, but on week nights (Monday-Thursday), wardrobe only needs to get the washer going. Kate or Erin will move the laundry to the dryer during the day so it's dry for that night's show.
Friday and Saturday, wardrobe crew members will need to determine who is either staying late or arriving early to swap the clothing to the dryer before the next show.
What should you do if you're confused about where a performer will be for a change, what is being changed, etc.?
Just ask!
If you're wondering where a performer will exit, where they might need something preset, etc., feel free to work with the performer and ask them directly!
If you're confused about what is being worn, how it should go on, etc., please ask Erin or Kate! We're always happy to help.
Why is wardrobe crew vital in supporting the vision of the costume designer?
Wardrobe crew's job is to ensure the performers go onstage looking exactly how the designer envisioned them.
Define informed consent.
Informed consent is the mutual act of asking before touching someone and receiving a clear yes before proceeding.
What is this piece of paperwork called?
A dressing list. It tells you exactly where a performer exits, what pieces they're removing, what pieces they're adding, where they re-enter, and how long they have to do the change.
What do we mean "spraying" costumes?
We use a specific, alcohol-based liquid disinfectant that can be sprayed on clothing to help with germs and odor. This is often used for dry clean only, delicate or heavily decorated costumes that cannot be laundered by traditional means.
What is something both performers and wardrobe crew can (and should) consume during a show?
Water! Please bring a water bottle with a spill-proof lid so you can stay hydrated before and during the show. Performers are also allowed to drink water in a spill-proof container.
Name three things that are NOT wardrobe crew's resonspibility.
1. Finding missing costume pieces during check-in at the end of a run.
2. Cleaning up after performers.
3. Changing costumes for any non-safety reasons.
What does informed consent have to do with wardrobe crew?
Wardrobe crew is trusted with the very important and personal work of dressing other people. When we help people change, it is important that we receive their clear permission to touch them before we proceed so that both the performer and the dresser feel safe. In situations where receiving informed consent during a change may not be possible (ex. a quick change backstage), dressers should receive consent prior to the change either pre-show or at intermission.
What should you do if something is missing/inaccurate/changed from your paperwork?
Write it in pencil on your paperwork copies then let Kate and Erin know.
Each night, wardrobe crew launders performers' "skin layers" (ex. leotards, undershirts, tights, etc.) in their labeled laundry bags. What should wardrobe crew do if they notice that a performer hasn't put their laundry bag with skin layers in the laundry basket?
Nothing! It not wardrobe's job to hunt down performers' dirty laundry. If a performer does not include their laundry bag to be washed, wardrobe should proceed with washing the bags and items they were given.
Wardrobe crew will have aprons to store tools in. Name five things you might find in a wardrobe apron.
1. Safety pins
2. Snips
3. Oak tags
4. Writing utensils
5. Pre-threaded needles for hand sewing
6. Top Stick
7. Tide stain-remover pens
8. Bobby pins/wig pins
9. Make up wipes
10. A headlamp or "bite lite"