Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis lesson covers how heat, moisture, and pressure reshape fibres without harm. Learn specific temperatures for each fabric, pressing tools, and safe methods for trims, foam, plastics, and maintenance for quick changes between performances.
Fiber-specific temperature and steam guidelinesUsing press cloths, shoes, and protective coversPressing sequins, foils, and heat-sensitive trimsShaping garments with steam without shine marksQuick between-show touch-ups under time pressureLesson 2Conservation-minded decisions: when to refrain from cleaning and when to consult professionalsThis lesson teaches you to spot when cleaning risks exceed benefits. Evaluate fibre strength, dyes, and construction, know when to stop treatment, and learn how and when to call in conservation experts.
Risk assessment before any cleaning attemptRed flags that signal stop and reassessCommunicating limits to designers and directorsWhen and how to contact textile conservatorsDocumenting decisions and treatment historiesLesson 3Behaviour of embellished garments: sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trimsSee how decorations alter garment performance during use and cleaning. Study thread tension, bead weight, glues, and backing fabrics to select safe cleaning, pressing, and repair approaches for fancy pieces.
Assessing bead, sequin, and embroidery attachmentDetecting weak threads, backing, and nettingCleaning strategies for glued and fused trimsPressing embellished areas without crushingReinforcing stress points before heavy useLesson 4Wig and hairpiece maintenance: synthetic vs human-hair care, de-tangling, washing, disinfecting, styling, and storageBuild safe routines for synthetic and human-hair wigs in repertory seasons. Cover detangling, washing, disinfecting, styling, and storage that protect lace fronts, knotted hairs, and set styles over long runs.
Identifying fiber type and cap constructionDetangling tools and sectioning strategiesShampooing, conditioning, and disinfecting wigsRoller sets, hot tools, and style preservationLabeling, blocking, and ventilated lace storageLesson 5Fibre identification and properties: cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon, acetate, polyester, nylonMaster common costume fibres and their stage behaviour. Learn absorbency, heat resistance, stretch, and dye reactions for natural, regenerated, and synthetic fibres to inform cleaning, pressing, and durability decisions.
Visual and burn tests for fiber identificationMoisture, heat, and abrasion behavior by fiberBlends and how dominant fibers affect careFiber choices for sweat-heavy performance useLabeling garments with fiber and care notesLesson 6Vintage and fragile textile handling: age-related weaknesses, pH, and avoidance of mechanical stressManage vintage and delicate textiles without new damage. Recognise age weaknesses, control pH exposure, avoid physical strain, and create supports for dressing, moving, and short-term storage.
Identifying fiber embrittlement and weak areasSafe lifting, folding, and padded hangingManaging pH in storage and cleaning productsMinimizing friction, strain, and distortionSupports for dressing actors in fragile piecesLesson 7Wet-cleaning vs dry-cleaning decision matrix: solubility, shrinkage, structure, and label interpretationFollow a clear method to pick wet or dry cleaning. Analyse fibre content, build, solubility, shrinkage risks, and label reliability, then create decision guides suited to theatre timelines and funds.
Reading and questioning care labels criticallyTesting for dye bleed and finish sensitivityEvaluating shrinkage and distortion risksWhen spot-cleaning replaces full cleaningBuilding a show-specific cleaning matrixLesson 8Research-backed care protocols for antique/vintage garments to apply in a regional theater settingGain practical, evidence-based ways to care for old and vintage garments in local theatres. Adapt museum standards to real budgets, stressing gentle cleaning, stabilisation, and safe use in limited shows.
Assessing condition and previous alterationsDry surface cleaning and gentle wet methodsStabilizing seams, linings, and fragile closuresAdapting museum standards to stage demandsDocumentation and labeling for loaned piecesLesson 9Washing machine, dryer, and hand-wash methods tailored to theater workloadsMaster washing processes fitted to theatre pressures. Compare machine, dryer, and hand methods, plan loads, select detergents and bags, and set up labels to avoid mix-ups across shows.
Sorting by fiber, color, and constructionChoosing detergents, boosters, and softenersMachine cycles, spin speeds, and load sizingHand-wash setups for delicate costume piecesDryer settings, air-drying racks, and taggingLesson 10Immediate emergency treatments: onsite spot-cleaning, absorbents, stain sticks, and rapid drying methodsHandle quick, safe fixes for mid-show accidents. Practice sorting issues, using absorbents, portable spot kits, and fast drying to stop damage spread without hurting fabrics.
Triage: when to treat, defer, or replace itemsBlotting, absorbent powders, and moisture controlUsing stain sticks and pens safely on costumesPortable spot-cleaning kits for backstage useRapid drying with fans, cool air, and barriersLesson 11Footwear, hat, and accessory care: construction, cleaning, reshaping, and sole repairsMaintain shoes, hats, and accessories for full character outfits. Cover basics of build, cleaning, reshaping, odour control, and easy sole and trim fixes to keep them performance-ready.
Identifying construction and weak stress pointsCleaning leather, fabric, and synthetic uppersReshaping hats, brims, and structured crownsOdor control and interior lining hygieneBasic sole, heel, and trim repair methodsLesson 12Stain chemistry and removal techniques: sweat, makeup, grease, dye transfer, and enzymatic treatmentsUnderstand how stains stick to fibres and safe removal on tight schedules. Compare solvents, surfactants, enzymes, and create step-by-step guides protecting dyes, finishes, and fine trims.
Classifying stains by composition and behaviorTesting colorfastness before any treatmentSolvent, surfactant, and detergent stain actionsUsing enzymatic products on protein-based stainsLocalized stain removal vs full-garment cleaning
