Wardrobe

(I.A.T.S.E. LOCAL 357)​​​​​​​

The Festival Wardrobe Crew work is to support Artists backstage before, during and after performances, including providing assistance in getting in and out of costume, preparing items for quick changes and ensuring that costumes, footwear and accessories are maintained and repaired throughout the season to ensure safety, comfort and consistency of design. The Wardrobe Department in each theatre is supervised by a Wardrobe Venue Head who is responsible for the overall care of costumes in that theatre and is a general point of contact for the Artists, Stage Management and other Production staff.

The majority of a Wardrobe Crew member’s work week takes place during show calls, with the remaining time being dedicated to cleaning, repairing, and maintaining costumes. Workdays may begin as early as 8:00 a.m. and extend until after the final curtain.

During Rehearsals

Each production is assigned a Wardrobe Show Head who supervises the Wardrobe Crew working on that show. The Show Head will attend all onstage rehearsals and will flag quick changes and costume concerns as the rehearsal process develops.

Once technical rehearsals begin, one or more Wardrobe Crew members will be assigned to your dressing room. Their role will be to provide support to the Artists in that dressing room and to oversee the care and maintenance of the costumes stored there.

Please note that dressing rooms may feel spacious during rehearsals, but once the costumes, hats, shoes, and personal boxes arrive for multiple production, space becomes limited. Please keep personal belongings to a minimum once technical rehearsals begin.

Throughout the Season

The Wardrobe Show Head and crew members will work directly with you to determine the timing and location for costumes changes, particularly for quick changes and for changes occurring outside the dressing room. Typically these discussions occur throughout the onstage rehearsal process and at the Quick Change rehearsal.

Depending on the demands of the show, you may be assisted in your changes by your assigned crew member or by another member of the team. During performances, it is essential to be in the correct place at the correct time for your changes, as the crew members may have only one opportunity to assist with a particular change before moving on to another actor.

Caring For Your Costume

When time permits, please hang up your costume after removing it to help maintain the garment. The Wardrobe Crew will ensure that all costumes, footwear and accessories are properly stored at the end of each performance.

There will be a laundry basket provided in each dressing room for show laundry. Please ensure that items that can be laundered daily, including t-shirts, underwear, dance belts, socks (pinned together), etc., are in the basket at the end of the show.

All other costumes will be cleaned and maintained regularly, either by laundering, spot cleaning or dry cleaning, depending on the needs of the garment. If you have questions about a specific garment, please speak with the crew member assigned to your dressing room.

Please care for your costumes by following these basic guidelines, along with any other specific care instructions provided by your Wardrobe Crew:

1. Food and drink are not permitted in dressing rooms.
2. Wear a cover-up over your costumes when eating or drinking, or when leaving the backstage areas (i.e., going to the Greenroom or outside).
3. Smoking while in costume is never permitted, due to the risk of damage and odour retention.
4. Show and rehearsal footwear must never be worn outside.
5. Lift trains on gowns, robes and capes to prevent damage, soiling or tripping hazards.
6. Always wear underwear (including a t-shirt or camisole, if provided) under your costume to minimize odours and stains.
7. When possible, apply makeup, skincare or other body products before getting into costume, to avoid spills and accidental transfer onto the costume.