Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis part explains how heat, moisture, and pressure reshape fibres without harm. You will learn right temperatures for each fabric, pressing tools, and safe methods for trims, foam, plastics, and quick costume changes between shows.
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 part teaches you to know when cleaning risks are too high. You will learn to check fibre strength, dyes, and make, decide when to stop treatment, and how 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 trimsUnderstand how decorations change garment behaviour during wear and cleaning. We look at thread pull, bead weight, glues, and backing cloths so you pick safe cleaning, pressing, and fixing 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 fake and real-hair wigs in long runs. We cover untangling, washing, cleaning germs, setting, and storage that keep lace fronts, knotted hairs, and styles good through many shows.
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, nylonGet good at common costume fibres and how they act on stage. We cover soaking up, heat handling, stretch, and dye reaction for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide cleaning, pressing, and lasting power.
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 stressHandle old and delicate cloths without new damage. You will spot age problems, control pH, avoid pulling stress, and make supports for wearing, moving, and short 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 interpretationUse a clear way to choose wet or dry cleaning. We check fibre mix, build, dissolving risk, shrink chance, and label truth, then make charts for theatre time and money.
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 settingLearn practical ways backed by study for old garments in local theatres. We change museum rules for small budgets, stressing gentle clean, steadying, and safe short show use.
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 fast washing flows for theatre work. We compare machine, dryer, hand-wash, plan loads, soaps, bags, and labels to avoid mix-ups between 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 methodsFocus on quick, safe fixes when spills happen in show. Practice sorting, absorbers, carry kits, fast dry that stop stains spreading or harming cloth.
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 repairsLearn to keep shoes, hats, extras that finish looks. Cover build basics, clean, reshape, smell control, simple sole and trim fixes for stage 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 treatmentsLearn how stains stick to fibres and safe removal on show time. Compare solvents, soaps, enzymes, make step plans that save dyes, finishes, delicate 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
