![Theatre Etiquette - Costumes_550 [i_2434] Theatre Etiquette - Costumes_550](http://www.actorhub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Theatre-Etiquette-Costumes_550.jpg)
Photo Credit: adapted from Lena Vasiljeva via cc
And costume is so important for an actor. It absolutely helps to get into character; it’s the closest thing to you, it touches you. Some actors like to go into make-up and then put their clothes on, but I like to dress first; that’s my routine.
Getting your costume for the first time on a show is so exciting and thrilling – you start to see just how your character will look and how he or she will move. Suddenly everything feels a little bit more ‘real’.
Its important that you respect not just your costume but everyone on the crew who will be taking care of that costume too.
These tips and guidelines are common sense and common courtesy, but I have been in too many productions where people just don’t seem to consider all these little things.
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Stay the same fit!Once you have given a cotume designer or the wardrobe department your measurements it is important you stay the same size!No one likes to get to a fitting and realise that you have had an indulgent Christmas and put on an inch or two, likewise no one enjoys it getting to the dress rehearsal and you’ve been on a crash diet and lost a stone and everything is hanging off you!If you are planning on losing weight, or putting some on (even if you are pregnant!) let people know in advance so that they are aware of it.
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Liaise regarding rehearsalsWhen you are rehearsing the show have a think about your costume too.A good costume designer will have read the script and already thought through quick changes etc, but if you have any worries or something has been blocked – a stage fight, a tumble, even a high kick, which could put strain on a costume then let someone know your worries. Speak to the SM or even better the wardrobe direct and let them know in an adult fashion what your worry is.Nine times out of ten they will be way ahead of you, but its always best to speak now than to get to the tech and rip and tear something.
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AllergiesThis one should go without saying but let the costume designer know about any allergies you have to fabrics. I heard a story about an actress who got to the costume fitting and only then informed the designer that she could not wear scarves or high collared blouses because of eczema. Forewarned is forearmed.Also speak to the costume designer as early as possible if you will not wear leather or fur because of your principles.
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Accept don’t rejectOnce you get your costume do not reject it because you feel silly or think it makes you look ugly or stupid.A director and designer will have a vision and it is their responsibility to reject any costume choices, not yours. Your job as an actor is always to accept and build and this is just the same when it comes to your costume. Accept it and go with it.A designer will tell you to wear the costume a certain way so stick to that – don’t accesorise or tweak what they have done. You can always ask them if you could change the look slightly if you have a good reason, but be prepared and happy for them to say no.
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Feeding TimeThe worse thing in the world is to spill food or drink down your costume! You will be the wardrobe department’s worst nightmare!!If you must eat in costume then wear a coat or smock.
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‘Fess UpIf a zip breaks, a seam rips or a button comes off tell the stage manager or wardrobe straight away. As soon as it happens.If it happens during the show then tell them when you get off stage or during the interval.They should then be able to fix it immediately or in time for the next show.
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Tidy UpHang everything up when you get changed at the end of the night. The costume fairies won’t come in and sort everything out for you.I like to have a checklist of my costume which I can quickly run through before I go home to make sure everything is accounted for and I won’t be coming in the next night and frantically searching for my socks!If something needs washing then take it down to wardrobe or talk to the SM. It is never a good idea to take it home and wash it yourself as it is not your responsibility and if it breaks, shrinks or discoloured it will be your fault and you can do without that hassle.
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Do not go commando!Always think about your undies when it comes to a costume.There is nothing worse than an audience spotting your VPL (visible panty line) or your bright boxers peeping out, and a black bra under a light blouse under those stage lights is not a good look!Invest in skin coloured or neutral underwear which will keep you supported, safe and all in one place!A good costume designer will brief you (no pun intended) on underwear for each and every show.
Professor John P Palmer’s Theatre Essays