I studied theatre before I studied costuming. My dad’s been acting since he was young and he has passed his love of theatre to his kids. I acted in high school and that’s where I learned most of my theatre and costume etiquette. (Did not prepare me for equity theatre rules….still not sure I’m aware of those….)
Today I’m going to lay down the law for Costumes. Theatre costumes to be specific. These aren’t in order of importance, and it does depend on the show you’re in.
- Never eat anything while in costume. The idea here is to prevent stains.
- Water is okay.
- Secure cups with a straw-also okay.
- Borsh, red wine, ketchup, -very not okay.
- If the script calls for eating (like stuffing your face with a banana or popcorn) than eat. Use care.
- Do your make up in such a way that it will not stain or discolor your costume.
- Do not alter your own costume.
- If your costume gets damaged-see a costumer/stage manager immediately.
- After the show-do not meet the audience in costume.
- Not only does it break the illusion-but they could have roses with thorns!! Those could stain or maim your costume!!!
- DON’T ever do something detrimental to another’s costume.
- IF a character is practicing a line to the effect of “kiss my butt”-DON’T kiss the white stripe with your red lipstick. Just don’t.
Granted-some of these might have been to reign in high-schoolers who don’t have a concept of production costs, but for the most part-this is pretty standard.
For cosplay-know your fabric, know your costume, and know how messy you eat-adjust accordingly at each convention.