Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis part explains how heat, moisture, and pressure reshape fibres without harm. You go learn fabric-specific temperatures, pressing tools, and safe ways for trims, foam, plastics, and quick-change upkeep 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 spot when cleaning risks are more than benefits. You go learn to check fibre strength, dyes, and build, decide when to stop treatment, and know how and when to call 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 tension, bead weight, glues, and backing fabrics so you can pick safe cleaning, pressing, and fix strategies 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 shows. We cover untangling, washing, disinfecting, setting, and storage that keep lace fronts, ventilated knots, and built styles good through 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, nylonGet good at common costume fibres and their stage behaviour. We cover absorbency, heat tolerance, stretch, and dye response for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide cleaning, pressing, and lasting choices.
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 textiles without new damage. You go learn to spot age weaknesses, manage pH, avoid mechanical stress, and make supports for dressing, 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 proper way to choose wet or dry cleaning. We check fibre content, build, solubility, shrink risk, and label truth, then make decision 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, research-based ways to care for old garments in local theatres. We adjust museum rules to budget truth, focusing on gentle cleaning, 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 quick washing flows for theatre needs. We compare machine, dryer, hand-wash, talk load plans, soaps, mesh bags, and make label systems to stop 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 fast, low-risk fixes when accidents happen mid-show. You go practice sorting, absorbent use, carry kits, and quick dry ways that hold damage without spreading stains or 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 repairsLearn to keep shoes, hats, accessories that finish character looks. We cover build basics, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, and simple sole and trim fixes to keep items safe and show-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. We compare solvent, soap, enzyme work, and make step protocols that guard 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
