Quick Change
Quick Change is a specialized skill in theater, film, and live performance where costume designers and dressers help performers rapidly change their outfits between scenes or numbers, often in seconds. This technique is essential for shows where actors need to appear in different costumes in rapid succession. It involves strategic costume design with special closures (like magnetic snaps or Velcro), precise planning, and careful coordination between the wardrobe team and performers. Other terms that describe this concept are "costume change," "rapid costume change," or "fast change."
Examples in Resumes
Designed costumes with Quick Change capabilities for lead actress in Broadway production
Managed Quick Change team for national touring musical, handling 50+ changes per show
Created innovative Quick Change solutions reducing change times from 90 to 30 seconds
Led Quick Changes backstage for 6-person ensemble during live television performance
Typical job title: "Quick Change Artists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Quick Change Artists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you plan Quick Changes for a show with multiple cast members and overlapping scene changes?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss creating detailed charts, establishing change stations, assigning team roles, and developing contingency plans. They should mention experience coordinating multiple dressers and planning practice sessions.
Q: What innovative solutions have you developed for particularly challenging Quick Changes?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific examples of problem-solving, such as modifying costume construction, developing new closure systems, or creating efficient choreography for complex changes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you train new dressers for Quick Changes?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for teaching techniques, safety procedures, and timing, while emphasizing the importance of practice and communication.
Q: What factors do you consider when setting up a Quick Change booth or station?
Expected Answer: Should discuss lighting needs, space requirements, organizing costumes and accessories, and ensuring proper tools are available.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic tools needed for Quick Changes?
Expected Answer: Should list essential items like safety pins, double-sided tape, hooks, flashlights, and basic sewing supplies, explaining their uses.
Q: How do you prepare for a Quick Change before the show?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic preparation steps like laying out costumes in order, checking all closures work, and confirming accessories are ready.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic dressing techniques
- Understanding of costume organization
- Ability to follow Quick Change plans
- Basic costume maintenance
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent Quick Change execution
- Training junior dressers
- Problem-solving during live shows
- Coordinating small teams
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex Quick Change planning
- Team leadership
- Innovation in change techniques
- Show management experience
Red Flags to Watch For
- No live performance experience
- Lack of attention to detail
- Poor time management skills
- Unable to work under pressure
- No knowledge of basic costume construction
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