NYCCostumer

Honestly, for me as a dresser, I love my actors. It is very hard for them to be bad in my books...haha.
Actor's jobs are hard...and I think you have to understand somewhat what an actor is doing/going through to be a good wardrobe person. They are going through alot on stage, putting themselves out there, dancing, singing, wearing 4 layers of clothing in the heat of stage lights...as a dresser, I know my job is to support them in doing this--to give them one less thing to think about. They can trust that when they run offstage, their next costume is going to be there and pressed every night where it needs to be.
However, there are some really cute things actors have done that make me love them even more...I have worked with some actors who thanks me as they leave the theatre every night for everything... actors who are super easy going, and willing to try anything... actors who give out opening/closing night cards... Actors who start conversation with the backstage staff are always lovely... if something goes wrong (and it will eventually--it's live theatre) if they dont throw a tantrum, and just let you know what happened calmly... Umm...technically, it is actually a thing to "tip" your dresser...so if you want a really happy dresser, just give them a nice tip and they will sing your praises forever...lol.

On the other side, one thing that actors should know is how important it is to ALWAYS BE ON TIME FOR THEIR FITTINGS. I have seen some costume designers get super made about this...and it is kind of disrespectful to leave someone who is prepped and waiting for you waiting for ever... and then make them reschedule another hour of their life to try to see you again.

Oh gosh...I love designing musicals...Big chorus numbers are kind of my thing...I love working with color...and I enjoy whimsical designs...

Umm... Well you typically don't have to mention it, because it is very likely that they already know, and you don't want to make them feel bad about themselves/their body...it is possible that between the first fitting and second fitting, you'll have to let somthing out a bit (And in a high energy musical, you'll often have to take stuff in, because they will have been dancing intensely for 8 hours a day for weeks) Actors are people too, acting is just their job... and everyone goes through periods in life. However, if you are working with equity actors, and the weight gain is extreme, I do believe that it is in their equity contracts that they have to maintain their appearance from the time they were cast in the role through closing (Unless told otherwise by the costume designer) This includes hair, facial hair, piercings, tattoos, etc...sometimes people do break these rules, however...and sometimes they get away with it...but it depends on how much the costume designer wants to raise a fuss about it as well...

Be prepared for long hours. Long Long Hours. And be prepared to give it everything you have. Theatre school is very intense and takes a lot of time and dedication-- this might been missing parties, or not going to the big football game, because you have a rendering package due. It's a hard field, and I would recommend only diving in if you really really love it and want to dedicate your life to it for the art...because god knows, we aren't here for the money...lol! ALSO, NETWORK. Networking is how you get jobs later. And be nice to everyone!! You never know whose going to end up getting a random break.

Lol yea...some people have very strong opinions about velcro... and magnets are alright...but they are expensive (one 1" magnet can be $14!!) and sometimes they stick to things they arent supposed to! lol