GC1: Job Roles in the Production Arts Industry

COSTUME MISTRESS/DRESSERS

The role of a costume mistress/dresser in the production industry would on average be paid the equivalent of $22.000.

A costume mistress’ duties on a big show contains things such as storing, racking and cleaning costumes, helping to get performers into their costumes quickly and efficiently, having costumes

prepared in advance, knowing the script for cues, an identifying each costume with a name, character, scene and act.

A dresser or wardrobe assistant also has certain responsibilities in any production of any size. They are responsible for the maintenance, and organisation of costumes, and the routine and pace of getting a performer dressed quickly.

This specific role will affect other roles in the hierarchical backstage structure if not done correctly. It will affect the make-up artists and performers. For example, if a performer is not dressed in time or correctly, it will affect a make-up artist because they will not be able to complete a make-up job on a performer quickly, and to a good standard. A costume mistress’ or dressers day to day job would be working with a costume designer to be shown how to fit or put on the costumes in the quickest way. Most theatre costumes have fitted layers, or are specifically constructed to be quickly put on and taken off again. They also need to practice the routine with the performers to make sure everybody involved knows how to remove or put on a costume in the quickest way. They also have to present in every rehearsal of the show, to perfect every change.