A day in the life… Running Wardrobe Edition.
Put on your walking boots. The wardrobe department is usually either 5 floors up or 3 floors down…..
DIVERSE BASICS
One of you lovely readers suggested we add a list of where to get basics in a range of skin colours.
So here are the companies we have found so far, but it is by no means comprehensive. A lot don’t sell a full range or don’t sell globally.
TOP PANTO TIPS
And although pantomimes all follow roughly the same pattern they can be overwhelming, especially your first one. So here’s some hints and tips from someone that’s worked on pantomimes for nearly 10 years…
PANTO TIME
We believe that pantomime contracts for Wardrobe are grossly underpaid. The weekly wage is not increased from the industry norm – even though you are working a 12 show week compared to the normal 8. There are no bonuses or time and a half for working Sundays or bank holidays. And no extra compensation for working around the Christmas holidays often away from home.
WHAT DRAMA SCHOOL DOESN’T TEACH YOU
If you’ve worn some socks don’t ball them up. Who pairs socks to go in the wash? Are you okay?
SHOULD I TAKE THIS JOB?
Not sure if you the job you’ve been offered is worth it?! Follow this handy flowchart….
THE ART OF NEGOTIATION
Talking about money can feel awkward. But the more you do it the more natural it becomes. But where do you start?
ASKING THE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
I asked the producers some more questions and did some quick maths and we negotiated a day rate I was happy with…
MY FIRST JOB AS A COSTUME SUPERVISOR
I remember the designer being massively behind with the set so I stayed one night to help paint it. And on opening night everything costume-wise was as ready as it could be, so I asked if anyone needed any help. The FOH manager asked me if I could hoover and then watched me do it. Keen, foolish, underpaid and exploited.
A TEN YEAR CAREER REFLECTION
There’s no advice about separating life and career; it’s all one thing. ‘Sacrifices for our art’ conversations are commonplace in theatre. But why? Why is that the norm?
