Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsDis part go show how heat, water, and pressure fit change fiber shape without spoiling am. You go learn temperature wey fit each fabric, pressing tools, and safe ways to handle trims, foam, plastics, and quick-change fix 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 professionalsDis part go teach you to know when cleaning fit do more harm pass good. You go learn to check fiber strength, dyes, and how e dey made, 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 3Behavior of embellished garments: sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trimsUnderstand how extra designs like sequins, beads, embroidery, applique, and glued trims change how garment dey behave when wearing or cleaning. We go look thread tightness, bead weight, glue, and backing cloth so you fit pick safe cleaning, pressing, and fix ways 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 storageLearn safe routines for synthetic and human-hair wigs wey dem dey use for repertory shows. We go cover untangling, washing, disinfecting, setting, and storage wey go keep lace fronts, ventilated knots, and fixed styles good for 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 5Fiber identification and properties: cotton, linen, wool, silk, rayon, acetate, polyester, nylonGet good knowledge on common costume fibers and how dem dey behave for stage. We go cover how dem soak water, take heat, stretch, and hold dye for natural, remade, and plastic fibers to guide cleaning, pressing, and how long dem go last.
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 weak textiles without making new damage. You go learn to spot age problems, manage pH, avoid pulling 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 one proper way to choose wet or dry cleaning. We go check fiber content, make-up, solubility, shrink risk, and label truth, then make decision charts wey fit theater 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 from research to care for old and antique garments for regional theaters. We go change museum rules to fit money limits, focus on soft cleaning, steadying, and safe short use for 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 ways wey fit theater work. We go compare machine, dryer, hand-wash, talk load planning, soap, mesh bags, and make label systems to stop mix-up 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, low-risk fix when accident happen for show middle. You go practice sorting, using absorbers, small spotting kits, and fast drying wey hold damage without spreading stain or spoiling 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, and extras wey finish character look. We go cover how dem dey made, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, and small sole and trim fix to keep dem safe and ready for stage.
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 different stains stick to fibers and how to remove dem safe for production time. We go compare solvent, soap, enzyme work, and make step-by-step plans wey protect dyes, finish, and soft 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
