What are best practices for coordinating the wardrobe department in a theatrical production?

The wardrobe department is an essential part of any theatrical production, responsible for creating, fitting, maintaining, and managing the costumes worn by the actors on stage. A well-coordinated wardrobe department can enhance the visual impact, authenticity, and consistency of a show, while a poorly organized one can cause delays, errors, and frustration. In this article, you will learn some best practices for coordinating the wardrobe department in a theatrical production, from planning and communication to execution and evaluation.

1 Plan ahead

The first step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to plan ahead and establish the scope, budget, timeline, and style of the costumes for the production. You should consult with the director, the designer, the stage manager, and the actors to understand their vision, expectations, and needs for the costumes. You should also research the historical, cultural, and artistic context of the show, and find sources of inspiration and reference for the costume design. You should then create a costume plot, a detailed list of every costume piece worn by every character in every scene, and a costume breakdown, a breakdown of how each costume piece is constructed, sourced, or altered.

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Vincent Muller

Collaborateur Expertise Sociale
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Je suis dâ€™accord avec la planification du budget, des diffÃ©rents costumes sur les scÃ¨nes, etc. Par contre, je pense quâ€™il faut laisser cette tache au dramaturge qui va nous permettre de trouver un fil conducteur dans toutes les propositions du metteur en scÃ¨ne. Câ€™est son mÃ©tier, au dramaturge, que de trouver une harmonie, une logique aux costumes, aux dÃ©cors, Ã lâ€™Histoire en gÃ©nÃ©ral. On ne demande pas Ã un artiste de faire un budget de production, Ã bon entendeur.

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2 Communicate effectively

The second step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to communicate effectively with the rest of the production team and the wardrobe staff. You should keep everyone updated on the progress, challenges, and changes of the costume design and production, and solicit feedback and input from relevant stakeholders. You should also establish clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the wardrobe staff, such as the cutter, the draper, the stitcher, the dresser, and the laundry person. You should create a communication system that allows you to share information, documents, and instructions easily and efficiently, such as using email, phone, text, or online platforms.

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Monica Shekupe

Performing Artist | Assistant Manager | Choreographer | Composer | Entrepreneur | Event Coordinator
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In my experience, planning and communicating with the team and staff helps in running this department smoothly, but with every production, there are challenges so being in several different productions helps gain more experience and improve skills.

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3 Execute professionally

The third step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to execute professionally and ensure the quality, safety, and functionality of the costumes. You should oversee the fabrication, procurement, or modification of the costume pieces, and make sure they fit the actors properly and comfortably. You should also organize the storage, transportation, and maintenance of the costumes, and keep track of their inventory and condition. You should train and supervise the wardrobe staff on how to handle, repair, clean, and change the costumes during rehearsals and performances. You should also prepare contingency plans and emergency kits for any potential issues or accidents that may arise with the costumes.

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4 Collaborate creatively

The fourth step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to collaborate creatively with the actors and the other departments to enhance the artistic expression and coherence of the show. You should work with the actors to help them understand and embody their characters through their costumes, and to accommodate their preferences and requests as much as possible. You should also work with the other departments, such as lighting, sound, makeup, and props, to ensure that the costumes complement and harmonize with the other elements of the show. You should be open to suggestions, feedback, and adjustments that may improve the overall aesthetic and impact of the show.

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5 Evaluate critically

The fifth step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to evaluate critically and learn from the experience of the production. You should collect and analyze data and feedback on the performance, quality, and efficiency of the wardrobe department, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of the costume design and management. You should also document and archive the costume plot, the costume breakdown, the inventory, the receipts, and the photos of the costumes for future reference and use. You should also thank and acknowledge the contributions and efforts of the wardrobe staff and the other production team members, and celebrate the success of the show.

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6 Keep learning

The sixth and final step to coordinate the wardrobe department is to keep learning and improving your skills and knowledge as a wardrobe coordinator. You should seek out opportunities to work on different types of shows, genres, and styles, and to explore new techniques, materials, and trends in costume design and production. You should also network and connect with other wardrobe coordinators, costume designers, and theater professionals, and exchange ideas, tips, and resources. You should also read books, articles, blogs, and magazines on costume design and production, and attend workshops, seminars, and courses on the topic.

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7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ken H.

Council to the Executive Staff at The Academy of Arts
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I personally believe all costumes should be tracked by a bar code tag. Free software is available by open source software authors . Tags could be easily laser printed or screen printed ,transferring to the fabric you make the tag from. I surely think, if this isnâ€™t state of the art for all theater companies, it should be. Using the same system to track props, entire designs for complete character development could archived. Making it easy to keep track in a database you choose. There are many options today for theaters, of all sizes to benefit ,not only to keep track of wherever you put things, but where the whole ensemble; props, accessories, and costumes; with rental in mind as an extra income! Whole Systems easily assembled.ðŸ¤“

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What are best practices for coordinating the wardrobe department in a theatrical production?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate effectively

3 Execute professionally

4 Collaborate creatively

5 Evaluate critically

6 Keep learning

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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Directory

What are best practices for coordinating the wardrobe department in a theatrical production?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate effectively

3 Execute professionally

4 Collaborate creatively

5 Evaluate critically

6 Keep learning

7 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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