Author Topic: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?  (Read 5154 times)

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SMAshlee

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AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« on: Sep 01, 2016, 08:33 pm »
Anyone had experience with an AEA ASM needing to wear a costume while running their track backstage? I'm using the CAT contract, but don't find anything specific to this. Do the same actor costumes rules apply? Thoughts?

VSM

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Re: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« Reply #1 on: Sep 02, 2016, 12:55 pm »
Does the ASM appear onstage in a scene other than a scene shift?
Does the costume inhibit movement in any way? Sightlines?
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megf

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Re: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« Reply #2 on: Sep 02, 2016, 01:24 pm »
I've had costume pieces to help with sightline issues -- a hat, gloves, etc.

Some companies have a protocol of all personnel on deck (carps, props, ASMs, etc) wearing Dickies jumpsuits. When I worked in this context, there was a great big rack of jumpsuits, and on the first day of dress rehearsals all the deck folks would grab the one that fit best, slap a label in it, and they would be laundered weekly or as needed. It was great -- backstage tended to be chilly, and the jumpsuits had ample pockets and belt loops for tools and other small items.

My biggest worry when costumed deck personnel came up was always safe, comfortable footwear. I can do nearly anything in a dress, or pants, or whatever getup... but I take my shoes very seriously.

SMAshlee

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Re: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« Reply #3 on: Sep 02, 2016, 08:20 pm »
The two ASMs will appear on stage for several scene shifts, but there are also open doorways with no masking so we will be seen crossing backstage occasionally. It's a modern show so being costumed will look a lot like jeans, tshirt, maybe a hoodie or jacket, tennis shoes. I requested pockets and reminded them that we'll also have headsets, too.

I'm just curious at what point do I need to consider the rule book for supplying my own shoes, for example, if everything else I'm wearing is supplied. It seems like a growing trend that backstage crew is being costumed more and more around Chicago.

I like the jumpsuit idea, Megf!

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Re: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« Reply #4 on: Sep 03, 2016, 07:18 pm »
Since we are the same rules as actors, I have always seen once they put us in costume, they put us in costume - which means a AEA dressing room, and supplying everything the AEA member would wear.    If they asking us to bring shoes, then they would have to pay the shoe rental.

It will have to follow all the same laundry rules as an actor.

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smejs

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Re: AEA SM wearing a costume backstage?
« Reply #5 on: Sep 04, 2016, 11:21 pm »
My first internship had jumpsuits, and then the theatre disbanded at the end of the year, so we were able to keep the jumpsuits. I loved mine and wore it out, so my mother made me another. LOVED it for when we had multiple shows a day, and I could wear bright colors otherwise, except for my black shoes. I get bored with too much black clothing - gasp. I also laugh at the fact that back in high school I didn't have enough black clothing to go toilet-papering properly!

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