College Theater Programs are Stocking Up

College theater programs are the same as any other stage.  Not only do you need all the same wardrobe supplies, but you have to do it with less money and less lead time. So how do the masters at major college theater  programs who order from us do it? They buy smarter.  We’re helping colleges around the country make the most of the last of their annual budget, and here’s what they’re ordering.

College Theater Programs Costume Solutions

Intimates: Hanes T-shirts, Gold Toe socks, white handkerchiefs, foam bust pads and dress shields are always in demand. Don’t skimp on them!

Thread: We have every kind of thread you need: Coats and Clark, Gutermann, Hymark, Silamide and Serger thread.  Want to make the thread you have stronger? Try Thread Heaven, a thread conditioner which is safe for both machine and hand use and strengthens, conditions and helps reduce tangling and fraying!

Needles: Hand sewing needles, machine needles, needle threaders, bobbins and thimbles are all used daily in a costume shop.  Have you tried Lance needles?

Pins: straight pins, t-pins, safety pins, and pin cushions are all essential.  Have you ever tried black coated safety pins?  These are great for emergencies where silver is too much contrast.

Measuring and Marking tools: Tape measures, rulers, hem markers, tailor’s chalk are all essential.  Measure twice, cut once! Try Clover 5-in-1 Sewing gauge this versatile sewing gauge is a great addition to marking supplies.

Fasteners: Suspender buttons, shirt buttons, zippers and zipper repair.

Shoe Supplies: barge glue, shurgrips, shoe laces, insoles, heel grips, shoe horns, shoe stretchers, leather paints.

Dyes: Rit, Dylon, Procion, Acid.  After all of that dying, try ReDuRan Super Hand Cleaner Dye Remover, because even if you wear gloves, you can still end up with dye on your skin! You can use it on fabric, too.

College Theater Programs Hair and Makeup Solutions

Make-up: spirit gum, special effects make up, sponges, puffs, make up removers and stage blood. Try out Skin Illustrator palettes  (and activator) which are a great way to try out alcohol-based makeup, and is versatile enough for beauty, character, and even covering up the grey.

Hair: Wig Blocks, Wig Caps, Styling caps, hair pins, wig cleaners, blocking pins and wig cleaner are all necessities that you can never have enough of!

College Theater Programs Backstage Solutions

Fabric cleaners and treatments: You can never have too many detergents, spot removers, static guard or odor eliminators. Another item to consider? Try Restoration Color Safe Fabric Restorer to remove yellowing from fabrics.

Storage Solutions: Who doesn’t need ziploc bags, drawstring bags, or Iris storage boxes?  They’re so handy and have a ton of uses.  A tip: you can save money by purchasing Zipitpac which are sold by 100 ct. and come in several sizes.

Backstage: Bitelites for hands free dressing, rolling racks and laundry baskets. Have you ever tried head lights? You can really focus the light where you need it! We like Greatlites.

Books: We have books on Styling, Costume Design , Fashion Illustration and Theatrical Make-up. One of our favorites? The Makeup Artist Handbook, 2nd Edition. by Mindy Hall and Gretchen Davis.

If you work with college theater programs, what do you stock up with at the end of the year?  Let us know, and consider Manhattan Wardrobe Supply for all of your end of year needs.