2017-2018 THEATRE HANDBOOK

Quick Changes Each Dresser/Wardrobe Assistant should confirm with the Costume Manager which actors they will be assisting with quick changes. Determine the timing and location of the quick change. Choreograph the process with the actor. This should be scheduled through the Costume Manager, Stage Manager, and Miss Patti. As the actor goes onstage, the Dresser/Wardrobe Assistant should look the actors over to ensure that they are presentable before they step onto the stage; there should not be threads or lint hanging from the costumes. Confirm that all fasteners are closed appropriately, and accessories, wigs, etc. are placed correctly. Make sure that ties are straight, shoes are tied, shirts are tucked in if necessary etc. The Dresser/Wardrobe Assistants are the mirrors for the actors during a quick change: they must make sure that all aspects of the actor’s appearance are pristine and stage-ready. Costume “Emergency Kit” The Costume “Emergency Kit” should be restocked at least one (1) week before tech week. The Dresser/Wardrobe Assistants are responsible for making sure that the kits have everything that is required for them. The “Emergency Kits” must include the following: • Safety pins of all sizes (approximately 5 of each size) • One (1) seam ripper • Bobby Pins (approximately 15) • A pair of scissors • Three (3) hand sewing needles varying in size • Thread of basic color(s). Pre-show Restocking / Cleaning The Costume Manager is in charge of restocking the costumes from the previous show within the first two (2) weeks after the cast/crew list has been posted or by the first Production Meeting (whichever comes first). Collaborating with the Costumer, the Costume Manager will be responsible for making sure that the costumes are put away correctly; however, the costume crew is required to help with this process. Each costume has a designated category in which it falls under and MUST be put away correctly. If there is any question where something should be restocked, consult with the Costumer. Restocking the costumes includes but is not limited to just full costumes. Costume pieces such as shoes, hats, scarves, purses, ties, badges, jewelry, glasses, etc. are all to be put away within the first two weeks. The sewing tables must be cleaned off as well. There is an organizational system—put things where they go. Take out any trash and reline all the trash containers. Consult with the Costumer before throwing away anything that might be presumed as trash. Any spools of thread, needles, sewing machine parts, pins, etc. left over from previous shows should be put away in their designated areas. Once again, if there is any question on where something should go, or whether or not to throw it away, consult with the Costumer. The Costume Shop must start off the production process with a clean working space; otherwise it will make things a lot more difficult further along in the process. Costume Schedule • Two (2) weeks after the casting schedule has been posted or the first Production Meeting (whichever comes first), the Costume Manager must have the costumes from the previous show restocked (CORRECTLY!) and have set up a working schedule for each member of the costume/wardrobe crew. The Costume Shop should also have already be cleaned up and organized by this time. That includes restocking costume pieces, cleaning up an trash or left over scrap fabric. • By the start of tech week: o Costume “Emergency Kit” must be fully stocked and placed on each side of the stage; o A Costume Notes Sheet should be placed in each dressing room; and o All costume plots must be finalized and approved by The Costume Designer/Coordinator and Shop Manager.