The Unsung Heroes of Broadway

Manhattan Wardrobe Supply sat down with Hadestown dresser extraordinaire, Pep Speed, to discuss his career, role in the show, and what exactly a dresser does!

What exactly IS a dresser?

On a Broadway play or musical, a dresser is a member of the crew in the wardrobe department who assists actors with their costume pieces, sets costumes for changes on or backstage, and may also be involved in prepping and maintaining the costumes, though this may be done by a separate Dayworker.  Often a dresser physically assists the actors into or out of their costumes.  There are many more aspects depending on the show or the specific position a dresser may be in, but those are the basics.

photo: Sara Krulwich

How did you get into your profession?

I had experience as a dresser and wardrobe supervisor for a Shakespeare festival for several summers while I was in college.  After living in New York for some time I met a dresser and a wardrobe supervisor who suggested I register with IA Local 764, The Wardrobe Union, and send out my resume to some Broadway wardrobe supervisors.  From there I was hired as a swing dresser (subbing in for other dressers) on the Broadway production of Wicked and gained my union membership while working there.

photo: Matthew Murphy

What is your favorite part of your job?

It’s hard to pinpoint one thing. There’s a good feeling that comes from an actor feeling good in a costume.  It also feels great when there’s a challenging costume change (10 second quick changes or complicated costume pieces going on in the dark) and you figure out the key to getting it just right.

photo: Matthew Murphy

What makes dressing difficult?

Overall the biggest challenges tend to be heavy baskets, dressing rooms high up in the “tower” of backstage, and working in dimly lit areas.  We try to alleviate as many of these issues as possible but sometimes there’s just no way around it.

photo: Sara Krulwich

What is the quickest change in your show that you do? That you’ve ever done?

On Hadestown I don’t have any change that would be considered “quick.”  Nothing in my track happens in under 30 seconds.

The quickest I’ve ever done was during a production of Much Ado About Nothing in which the actress playing Hero had to change from just a slip and her hair down to a replica of Grace Kelly’s wedding dress complete with pantyhose and a hairstyle change.  We had 12 seconds to complete the change.  It required 3 dressers and the hair supervisor. Thanks to a wonderfully calm actor and a fantastic team of wardrobe and hair people, she was never late.

What are your go-to items that you have on hand every night?

In my apron I always have safety pins, small scissors, a shoe horn, and a Wipe Out deodorant eraser sponge in case makeup gets on a costume.

photo: Broadway Direct

What is the biggest oopsy you ever had?

Misplaced a necktie I needed for a quick change and had to send the actor onstage without it.  Only happened once.  That’s a panic that stays in your brain.

photo: Helen Maybanks

Any advice for aspiring dressers?

Knowing how to sew is great, having a good eye for detail is important, but my number one piece of advice when working in dressing rooms or backstage is learn how to read a room.  Know the energy of the space and the emotions the people around you may be feeling.  Trust me it will make for a much smoother time.