Nancy+A

Nancy Assad Block – C

Clothing safety is very important in the theater, but is highly neglected.


 * __Workshop:__**
 * When you are working in the workshop make sure you wear eye gear because dangerous things can get into your eyes. Like plaster chips, dust, glass, working with UV light, etc.
 * When working with hazardous materials or lights, wear gloves because your skin absorbs liquids.
 * Another essential is wearing the correct clothes- do not wear open-toed shoes when working in a workshop to prevent your toes from getting hurt.
 * Also, do not wear clothing that could get caught in a power tool, such as ties.
 * Wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or paint on.
 * Make sure that if you have long hair you tie it up.


 * __Backstage:__**
 * Wear black when working backstage because wearing any other color will show if light hits you because the color black does not absorb light, unlike any other color.
 * Do not wear noisy jewelry so that the audience will not hear you.
 * Do not wear noisy shoes so that people will not hear you.
 * Do not wear anything that could get caught on props being moved on and off stage.

Unless you are performing naked on stage, every stitch of clothing you are wearing would be considered a costume.
 * __Costumes:__**
 * When making costumes try to use natural fibers such as Nomex or Nomex blended fabrics, Treated cotton (ARAMID, fire retardant cotton), PBI, cotton, leather, wool, silk, and kevlar. These fabrics are naturally fire resistant.
 * When making costumes try to avoid using PVC or other petroleum-based fabrics, any polymerized plasticky stuff, nylon, and vinyl.
 * Spraying your costumes with fabric retardant sprays can give an additional level of safety to the materials in the costume, making it flame retardant.

**__

Resources: __** [] []