Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis lesson covers how heat, steam, and pressure reshape fabrics safely. You'll learn right temperatures for each fabric, pressing tools, and safe steps for trims, foam, plastics, and quick costume fixes 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 might harm more than help. You'll assess fabric strength, colours, and build quality, 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 trimsLearn how decorations alter how garments behave in wear and washing. We look at thread pull, bead weight, glues, and backing cloths to pick safe cleaning, ironing, and fixing methods 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-running shows. We cover untangling, washing, cleaning germs, styling, and storage that keep lace fronts, knotted hairs, and set shapes intact over many performances.
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 comfortable with common costume fibres and how they act on stage. We discuss water uptake, heat limits, stretch, and colour holding for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide washing, ironing, and strength 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 stressManage old and delicate fabrics without new damage. You'll spot age weaknesses, handle acid levels, avoid pulling stress, and create supports for wearing, moving, and short-term keeping.
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 plan to pick wet or dry cleaning. We check fibre mix, build, dissolving risks, shrinking chances, and label truth, then make charts fitted 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 settingPick up practical, study-based ways to care for old garments in local theatres. We adjust museum rules to tight budgets, stressing gentle washing, steadying, and safe short use in 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 fast washing flows for theatre pressure. We compare machines, dryers, hand-washing, load plans, soaps, and net bags, plus label systems 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 methodsHandle quick, safe fixes for mid-show accidents. Practice sorting stains, using absorbers, carry kits, and fast drying that stops 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 repairsKeep shoes, hats, and extras that finish character outfits ready. We cover basics of make, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, and easy sole and trim fixes for stage safety.
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. We compare solvents, soaps, enzymes, and step-by-step plans that guard colours, 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
