I've been in the costuming business for many years now. At first, actors we numbers on a slip of paper. It was a jigsaw puzzle of numbers that we had to put together to make a costume work. I can tell when numbers don't line up and are wrong. We designed, measured, and shipped. The costumes won prizes in award shows and shows were a huge success. The costumes were returned, we washed them and put them away to use for another day.
With the purchase of the costume shop to a theatre group, actors no longer were numbers on a slip of paper. They were right before me, spewing their complaints. I can honestly say, that I dislike working with community theatre actors with costumes. Each director I have worked with has a vision for the show they are directing. It's their job to share their vision for the show with the production staff. We then that vision and go with it, asking questions along the way. When a director has no opinion, it's to me the costumer, to get a vision for the show, design it, run it by the director, & then costume it to fit those folks on the slip of paper, or in person. Directors can be a pain, but for the most part, they are easy to work with on a production, when communication has happened. They become difficult when the change their minds a lot, or can't articulate their vision for the show. After weeks of work, comes fittings, publicity photos and dress rehearsals. I'm human. I make mistakes. Actors lose weight during the run of a show...pants need to be altered again. It's a normal process to the show. What seriously angers me are actors who complain no matter what you put them in. I love it when actors simply put on their costume(s) and go with it. I like to see them on stage and then assess what works and doesn't work. Some folks are great and others are miserable and love to complain about everything. Usually it's because they have frustration about not getting a bigger role and want to yell at someone. They will then direct that frustration at the costumer. What some of the miserable actors don't realize is, that when they are nasty and continuously complain about costumes, their costume "needs" go down further on my list. I am in no hurry to make them comfortable. Why don't they realize that I have complete power to make them look gross on stage. The one production staffer you do not want to piss off, is the costumer. I get complaints that used to take up to much rental space in my head. Some of my favorite complaints is, "I don't like this costume color." Lady, I don't give two craps if you like the color of your costume, because your character loves that color. BTW- YOU. ARE. NOT. YOU! You are playing a character. Get over yourself. Unless there is a fit issue and you can not do the freaking high kicks, that most of the time I am unaware of because the stinking choreographer hasn't discussed choreography with me, the costumer, I don't care. Put your effing costume on and get on stage. The end. You like the other actor's dress better than yours huh? You want to be the center of attention on stage, even though you are an ensemble actor...nope...get out of my face and put on your costume that has been thought out, altered and prepared for your character. I'm trying to paint a picture...do not come in and attempt to change the painting. Sometimes, the painting gets tweaked up until a few days before the show opens, but by me or the director but absolutely not by the actor.
I have also come to the realization that some actors lose their capabilities of critical thinking when getting dressed for a stage production. Out of curiosity, how do you normally put pants on? Chances are it'll be the same way you put your costume pants on for a stage performance. I know you have a quick change in between songs, but I'm sure in the 5 minutes you have until you go back on stage, you can change your pants...especially if the pants are preset and telescoped, the way I showed you during tech week. They also lose their hearing while I tell them step by step how to work a costume that has been rigged. Most of the time it's a series of snaps, or velcro, or even a zipper. Pay attention! Your time is not more valuable than mine, in particularly because you are being stupid. I hate repeating myself when I've already explained the process. In community theatre, sometimes I need them to bring something that they have from home. Acting requires equipment, like character shoes, nude under clothing, socks, makeup, and sometimes a specific something for you character. Please bring what I've asked you to bring. Don't be passive aggressive or selective in your memory, just bring it.
Oh, actors...please, for the love of heaven, wear your mask while I am measuring you and while I'm going there...wear deodorant and brush your teeth, because you smell.
