Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis lesson covers how heat, moisture, and pressure reshape fibres without harm. Learn fabric-specific temperatures, pressing tools, and safe procedures for trims, foam, plastics, and quick-change upkeep 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 to decide on pausing treatment and when to engage 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 trimsGrasp how embellishments alter garment performance during wear and cleaning. Study thread tension, bead weight, adhesives, and backing fabrics to select safe cleaning, pressing, and repair approaches for ornate items.
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, setting, and storage to maintain lace fronts, ventilated knots, and styles over extended 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. Understand absorbency, heat tolerance, elasticity, and dye response 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 fragile textiles without new damage. Recognise age-related weaknesses, control pH exposure, avoid mechanical stress, and create supports for dressing, transport, 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 interpretationAdopt a systematic method to select wet or dry cleaning. Analyse fibre content, construction, solubility, shrinkage risk, and label reliability, then create decision charts suited to theatre timelines and budgets.
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 settingAcquire practical, evidence-based methods for antique and vintage garments in regional theatres. Adapt museum standards to budget constraints, emphasising gentle cleaning, stabilisation, and safe limited-use performance.
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 workloadsOptimise washing processes for theatre demands. Compare machine, dryer, and hand-wash techniques, plan loads, select detergents and mesh bags, and implement labelling to avoid mix-ups across productions.
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 methodsMaster quick, low-risk responses to mid-show accidents. Practice triage, absorbents, portable spotting kits, and fast drying to stabilise damage without spreading stains or damaging 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 footwear, hats, and accessories for character looks. Cover construction, cleaning, reshaping, odour control, and basic sole and trim repairs to keep items 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 treatmentsUnderstand stain bonding to fibres and safe removal on tight schedules. Compare solvents, surfactants, enzymes, and create protocols protecting dyes, finishes, and 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
