Costume issues can happen anytime during a theatrical performance, whether it's a tear, a stain, a malfunction, or a missing piece. How can you deal with these unexpected situations without ruining the show? Here are some creative ways to solve costume issues during a performance, based on the principles of theatrical production and improvisation.
One of the easiest ways to cover up or replace a costume issue is to use props and accessories that are already available on stage or backstage. For example, if a button pops off your shirt, you can use a scarf, a tie, a brooch, or a pin to hold it together. If your skirt gets ripped, you can wrap a shawl, a coat, or a blanket around it. If your hat falls off, you can pick up another one from a rack, a table, or a basket. Props and accessories can also help you create a new look or a character trait, as long as they match the tone and style of the show.
I think being able to be creative & use things around you for a quick solution to fix a wardrobe or whatever you are wearing is important. It doesn't have to be during a performance. It also happens in real life when you least expect it. I would use accessories or any thing I can find in my purse if I'm out & about. For example, I had to use a pen/pencil to hold my hair up in a bun on my way to work because I can't find any of my hair clips. There's also an incident where I used a scarf as a belt. It was actually cute & gave my outfit a more feminine touch. As for during a performance, using props is a smart solution. Using a scarf or a prop like a book to cover stains or rips, or using hair ties to make a costume more fitted works too!
A simple way to start a low budget show is to ask actors to provide black pants and black shirts. Accessories can bring the character to life and add period details. Almost everyone can provide black pants and top.
As I’ve been told by almost every TD I’ve worked with, duct tape solves nearly everything. I don’t think, however, this extends to the box office.
An example of incorporating the issue into the performance: My Pearl necklace broke and I grabbed it before it hit the floor and sexily “dribbled” the necklace into my cleavage, held there by the bust of the dress! One girl I know, whose tutu straps burst on top danced the last 30 secs of the dance facing the back wall (cyc, screen/curtain)! For using what’s around: I had a hole in the leg of my black morph suit - made worse by the fact a 9yo was wearing my morph suit and I, a full-grown adult (although I’m not very tall) had no choice but wear his at the last minute, which made the hole much larger - and had no time to sew (which would not have worked well, anyway), so I grabbed a black texta and coloured the hole in on my leg!
Accessories and props can be used to improve your outfit or cover up a defect. For instance, can add a scarf, cap, or jewellery to spice up an otherwise boring costume. Then might use a prop like a book, a purse, or a coat to hide any rips or stains on the costume. In order to convey irony or contrast, accessories and props can also be used. If your character is a villain, for instance, you could wear a prop—like a cross, a teddy bear, or a flower—that symbolises benevolence or innocence.Performance may become tense or humorous as a result.
Another option to solve a costume issue is to swap costumes with another actor who has a similar size and role. This can work well if the issue happens before or between scenes, and if the swap does not affect the continuity or the plot of the show. For example, if your dress gets stained by coffee, you can borrow another dress from a fellow actor who plays a friend, a relative, or a background character. If your shoes get broken, you can exchange them with another actor who wears the same size and color. Swapping costumes with another actor can also add some variety and fun to the show, as long as you do it discreetly and respectfully.
Tools and out-of-the-box creativity are your friends: - Safely pins - Fast drying fashion glue or fabric glue - Staples - Pins (but only if it can be done securely) - Even brooches Don't feel bad for using these items in a pinch. Also, don't be overly concerned about it being seen especially if it's a show or performance from a far. Even with people as close as the catwalk, so many things go unnoticed even at that distance especially when an object or person is in motion. Do what you can or as Tim Gunn would say, "Make it work". The show must go on!
Exchange costumes with other performers to make a scene funny or confusing. If the character is meant to be disguised as someone else, for instance, can switch costumes with the actor portraying that part. When the other characters and the audience are tricked by your appearance, it might make for an amusing scenario. To illustrate a shift in your character or the story, you can even switch costumes with other performers. You may switch costumes with an actor who plays your new identity or circumstance, for instance, if the character has a metamorphosis or revelation. This could produce a dramatic effect where the other characters and the audience are taken a back by the sudden change.
Sometimes, you may have to modify or repair the costume on the spot, using whatever tools and materials you have at hand. This can be challenging, but also rewarding, if you manage to fix the issue without compromising the quality or the appearance of the costume. For example, if your zipper gets stuck, you can use a safety pin, a clip, or a needle and thread to secure it. If your sleeve gets torn, you can use scissors, tape, or glue to mend it. If your wig gets loose, you can use bobby pins, hair ties, or hairspray to keep it in place. Modifying or repairing the costume on the spot can also show your skills and creativity, as long as you do it quickly and carefully.
I had an actor once who — right before a dress rehearsal — was very upset about her costume. We talked through her concerns, trying to identify the problem, but it became very clear that it wasn’t the costume so much as just general nerves. So I looped a tea towel on her apron belt (the character was a maid) so she would have something to handle — dusting, wiping a table, her hands, etc. — to focus her jitters. All of a sudden, she was happy, calm, and I was the nicest costume designer she had ever worked, ever. Whew! (Had I realized I’d just invented the fidget spinner, I’d be very rich now…) The key takeaway, I believe, is to listen to your performer and honor their concerns, especially the non-verbal ones. Solves a lot of problems.
Quickly fix a problem or create a new look by altering or mending the costume. If your costume is too big, too little, or too lengthy, you can adjust it with pins, clips, or scissors. A needle and thread, safety pins, or a patch can be used to fix a broken costume. Furthermore, you can easily adjust or modify the costume to match the performance's tone or theme. You can alter the outfit to reflect the various emotions of the character, like anger, rebellion, and melancholy. You can rip, damage, or discolour your costume to convey your emotions or attitude. You can also change some aspects of your attire to showcase.
I totally agree and most times I helped with costumes, I pulled a "McGuyver" to repair or alter them, usually minutes before the performance.
Another creative way to solve a costume issue is to incorporate it into the performance, as if it was part of the script or the character. This can work well if the issue happens during a scene, and if it does not contradict or distract from the message or the mood of the show. For example, if your shirt gets ripped, you can act as if it was intentional, and make a joke, a comment, or a gesture about it. If your pants get wet, you can act as if it was an accident, and apologize, explain, or laugh about it. If your necklace breaks, you can act as if it was a symbol, and use it as a prop, a gift, or a clue. Incorporating the issue into the performance can also enhance your improvisation and communication skills, as long as you do it confidently and appropriately.
To make the problem appear purposeful or organic, you might include it into the performance. For instance, you may pretend that your character's lost, ripped, or filthy costume is a necessary element of their tale or circumstance. Your character's motivations and personality will determine whether you choose to ignore, defend, or explain the situation. To add humour or drama, you can even include the problem into the performance. You can utilise an unsuitable, ill-fitting, or unexpected clothing, for instance, to generate drama or humour. Depending on your character's role and relationship to the other characters, you can highlight, contrast, or make a statement about the matter.
La capacidad de improvisar de un actor durante una presentación es fundamental, podemos utilizar ese problema a nuestro favor. Hace algunos a?os en medio de una actuación en el Sur de Chile no pasó eso en el escenario, debía colocarme un overol, este por alguna razón estaba mal dispuesto, esto sumado a la oscuridad, nos dio la oportunidad de improvisar jubto con mi colega de escena. El resultado, una escena divertida, fuera de guión, pero que al público le encantó. En resumen, es una gran oportunidad, no una amenaza.
Sometimes, with aerial performances, you can get away with using the costume malfunction in your act and sometimes you need to continue the act as if nothing is happening. Preparing yourself by using nipple covers, nude bra or underwear etc. can make all the difference when there is a wardrobe malfunction. You can continue your act without the risk of exposing yourself to the audience - even though you might feel very exposed!
The last resort to solve a costume issue is to ask for help from the crew or the audience, depending on the nature and the severity of the issue. This can work well if the issue happens in the middle of a scene, and if it prevents you from continuing or completing the show. For example, if your costume gets caught on a prop or a set piece, you can ask for help from the crew to free you or cut you loose. If your costume gets damaged or lost beyond repair, you can ask for help from the audience to lend you or donate you a replacement. Asking for help from the crew or the audience can also show your humility and gratitude, as long as you do it politely and sincerely.
One of the best and most beneficial ways I have discovered to keep costuming difficulties to a minimum is to utilize ** Costume ** pieces** in a production that have cohesiveness to them ! I had the HUGE pleasure of being the Guest Artist in a production I did with THREE different Ensembles ; We all wore white blouses/shirts and Theatre Blacks on the bottom ( Slacks or skirts ) This was exceptionally cost effective , those items could be found anywhere quite readily if the need arise for any actor's Theatre pieces to be replaced, and it brought such visual continuity to our production ! We were Three TERRIFIC Looking Ensembles!! Break A Leg Out There, Everyone !!!!
Based on my own experience as a stage manager, I strongly recommend informing your crew about any issues as soon as you’re able. Even if it was a small issue with a costume that you were able to fix on your own, your stage manager will want to take note of the problem so it can be properly fixed before the next performance. Your crew is also more likely to have access to tools that can help you temporarily fix a costume or have the dexterity to leave the stage and find those tools when their show-related responsibilities allow.
In aerial performance, sometimes your costume can get stuck on the apparatus or rigging - even when you've rehearsed with the costume on. One trick I use to be prepared for this scenario is to use nude undergarments and then rip the costume when needed. It may not feel great in the moment, but it allows you to continue with the act and the audience will soon forget - or not even notice - the malfunction. The costume can be repaired backstage ro after the show, but making sure the performer is safe and the show continues is the priority in these situations.