Lesson 1Steam, press, and iron best practices for different fabrics and trimsThis part shows how heat, water, and pressure can shape fibres without spoiling them. You'll learn right temperatures for each fabric, tools for pressing, and safe ways to handle trims, foam, plastics, and quick outfit changes 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 part helps you spot when cleaning might do more harm than good. You'll learn to check fibre strength, colours, and make, decide when to stop treatment, and know when to call in experts for conservation.
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 affect how clothes behave when worn and cleaned. We look at thread pull, bead weight, glues, and backing cloths so you 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 used in long-running shows. We cover untangling, washing, cleaning germs, setting styles, and storage that keeps lace fronts, knotted hairs, and fixed looks good over 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 spotting common costume fibres and how they hold up on stage. We cover soaking up water, heat limits, stretch, and colour holding for natural, remade, and man-made fibres to guide cleaning, ironing, and lasting power 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 cloths without making new problems. You'll learn to spot weaknesses from age, handle acid levels, avoid rough handling, and make 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 interpretationUse a clear plan to pick wet or dry cleaning. We check fibre make, build, dissolving risks, shrinking chances, and label truth, then make charts that fit theatre timelines and money plans.
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 studies to care for old garments in local theatres. We adjust museum rules to fit budgets, stressing gentle cleaning, steadying, and safe use in limited 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 needs. We compare machines, dryers, and hand washing, talk load planning, soaps, and bags, and set up labels to avoid mixing up show outfits.
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 during a show. You'll practise sorting problems, using absorbers, carry kits for spots, and fast drying that stops stains spreading or harming cloths.
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 that finish character outfits. We cover basics of make, cleaning, reshaping, smell control, and easy sole and trim fixes to keep them stage-fit.
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 tight schedules. We compare solvents, soaps, and enzymes, and make step-by-step plans that guard colours, finishes, and 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
