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Technical Guidelines for Actors

Costume Calls

1. A call for a costume fitting is as important and urgent as a call for a rehearsal. Scheduled appointments for costume fittings begin promptly.
2. Actors must supply their own underwear.
3. Costume fittings will be posted on the main production board. Actors are expected to attend fittings on a 24-hour notice.
4. To integrate the costume into your performance, you must use fittings to see how the costume moves, what gestures are expressive, what actions are and are not possible. Concentrate as you would at rehearsal.
5. Discuss with the fitter the costume items with which you need to work such as swords, pockets, purses, handkerchiefs, etc.

Costume Procedures for Dress Rehearsals & Performances

1. Finish your makeup (including powder) before putting on your costume.
   If your costume goes over your head, ask the costume crew for a cloth to put over your head to protect both makeup and costume.
2. It is your responsibility to have yourself completely dressed. If you need help, ask the costume crew head to arrange for a dresser to assist you.
3. When you finish wearing a costume, hang it up neatly before taking off your makeup.
4. NO COSTUME MAY LEAVE THE THEATRE DURING THE PRODUCTION/PERFORMANCE.
5. Report any repairs needed to the costume crew. Do not make repairs or launder costumes yourself.
6. Carry trains until the very moment before an entrance. Hold skirts and capes so they do not touch the floor and are hoisted in the rear so they are not sat upon.
7. Please bathe and wear deodorant before putting on a costume.
8. Any eating or drinking in costume or around costumes must be done with extreme caution.

Photo Call

Photo calls are held following a designated performance and are expected to last for about one hour. These calls are always announced in advance with specific setups published. The photos are for archival purposes, and prints or slides are available to students and faculty through the Production Manager for the cost of the materials requested. Fees must be paid in advance.

Rehearsal Costumes

1. Arrangements for rehearsal costumes will be made through the Stage Manager.
2. Adjust your time of arrival to a call to allow for adequate time to change into your rehearsal costume. You must be wearing it when places are called.
3. Wear shoes to rehearsal similar to those you will wear in the performance.

Rehearsal and Performance Properties

1. Become familiar with all property items you will use. On stage they are to be used as the character uses. Off stage, however, they must be handled with extreme care.
2. Only handle those props assigned to your character.
3. Return props to the prop table as you leave the acting area.
4. Report a broken prop to the Stage Manager during rehearsals and to the property crew during performances.
5. DO NOT sit on stage furniture backstage.
6. Never touch a weapon unless assigned to do so.
7. You are responsible for checking your props after they have been preset by the prop crew. By checking your props before the run, you will know where they are located and you will be assured that they are ready for your use.

Technical Rehearsals

1. The technical rehearsal period is the process of integrating the acting with the technical elements of the production. This is the time when technicians and designers are working, and the primary emphasis is on their work. Delays are common, and repeated rehearsing of particular spots are frequent.
2. During the rehearsal period, it will be necessary to have the complete cooperation of the entire production company.
3. Remain attentive and quiet, and report to the stage promptly when you are called.
4. Remain in character and use rehearsed timing during the rehearsal.
5. Wear clothing similar to the color of your costume when the technical rehearsal is not a dress rehearsal. Never wear white apparel unless your costume is white.

Rules for Working in the Shops & on the Stages

1. The following areas are under alarm: Scene Shop, Costume Shop, Studio Booth, Main Stage Booth, and Instrument Storage. Be certain alarms are deactivated before entering.
2. No student will work in the shops, booths, or on the stage without the supervision or authorization of technical staff or faculty member.
3. Remember that injury can be caused by the improper use of any tool or piece of equipment, no matter how harmless it may appear.
4. Inappropriate behavior with or around tools, hardware, or equipment will not be tolerated.
5. Appropriate clothing should be worn for shop or stage work.
6. Garments that fit extremely loosely on the body i.e., floppy cuffed or sleeved shirts or blouses) should not be worn.
7. Sandals or bare feet for work in the shops or on the stages are not appropriate. If you report to a Crew Call in inappropriate clothing, you will be asked to change or go home.
8. Long hair must be tied back or up so it cannot get entangled in tools, power equipment or stage equipment.
9. Lockers are available from the Theatre Facility Manager for the storage of student's personal items and valuables.
10. Smoking is not allowed in any University facility.
11. During crew working sessions, only authorized crew members will be allowed in the Scene Shop, booths, or on the stages. Signs are posted at entrances to the work area denoting – DO NOT ENTER: AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.
12. Know where fire extinguishers and fire alarms are and how to operate them.
13. Inform the crew supervisor of any accident or malfunction of any tool or equipment.
14. Crew working sessions will be scheduled by the Technical Director.
15. All tools, hardware, and equipment will be stored in its proper place, and the shop or any other work area will be cleaned up at the end of each work session.