What Actually Happens When You’re a Part of the Costume Crew

by Inés Botto

1. You basically get to play dress up for 20+ people, all of whom have at least three costumes.

And it’s actually the best because you get to design costumes that people would probably never even dream of wearing (because, let’s face it - no one in real life would wear that much pink).

​2. You become unofficial permanent residents of the Swirnow Theater dressing rooms.

Because it’s more convenient to do homework or take a quick break from costuming by watching an episode of House of Cards and eating goldfish in the dressing room than leaving the theater to do so, only to have to return later and start working on everything again.
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3. You get to play the “this cashier must think I’m crazy” game.

Because you end up buying weird combinations of things, such as spray paint, a fake rolex, white, furry slipper boots, and ten sets of orange scrubs,* and there’s no way any sane person would have a need for all of those weirdly niche items all at one time.  
*these were all actually purchased for this show   

4. You hold a lot of power.

Because whether an actor’s costume is too tight, really big, or particularly, atrociously ugly is entirely up to you.

5. You become really good at undressing people.

Because of all of those one minute quick changes on the side of the stage in the dark.  

6. You’re suddenly in high demand.

Because an actor’s favorite thing to ask is “Is Costumes here?”

7. You get really good at making mistakes look like they were intentional.

Because no one in the audience needs to know that the paint splotch on the graphic tee you were making wasn’t actually supposed to be there in the first place*
*if you’re reading this and will be in the audience, I apologize that I now ruined the illusion of competency that we were going for

8. You get to use snarky memes to answer the question “How’re costumes going?”

Because this pretty much sums it up.

9. You come to love your love-hate relationship with technical theater.

Because as much as you joke about it, you wouldn’t give it up for anything.