Parsons-Meares adventure!

[labricoleuse]

For the past two weeks, i've been doing some freelance work as a pinch-hitter dyer for the NYC costume production house, Parsons-Meares. They produce costumes for theatre, film, opera, ice skating shows, and any number of other entertainment events for which costumes are required. Some years ago, i worked for them one summer on Shrek: The Musical, and have remained in touch with several of my coworkers from that time. So, when they found themselves needing extra help in their dye facility, a friend who works there suggested they bring me on short-term. I was happy to accept!

Many of the projects Parsons works on are protected by confidentiality agreements with corporations like Disney, so while i could tell you that they are currently working on costumes for a new Broadway musical of Aladdin, i can't share any images of those costumes. (You could go check out Costume Designer Gregg Barnes' Pinterest moodboard for the show and get an idea of them though!) I do have a few pictures though that might be of interest.

A view along one wall of the dye shop. Things i love about this: white tile walls, big vent hood over the gas range dyepots, natural light!

Some of the binders of dye recipes for long-running shows. So far i have been working out of the Lion King binders the most.

Suspension rig in the fitting area for aerial performers.

Comments

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

So on the suspension rig, can they do test moves in costume, or is it strictly for seeing where harness would go within the scope of the costume? Inquiring minds want to know!

[droxy.livejournal.com]

I swear you have the best job in the world.

[labricoleuse.livejournal.com]

I honestly don't know. I never attended an aerial fitting, since i was working back in the dye shop in another part of the building and my job was not one in which i might be called in for such a thing.

The rig had several straps and clips for the harnesses to attach onto, and i would imagine they do in fact do test moves, since if all they need is to see where the harness sits, that wouldn't require suspension. I've done fittings for "standard" fly harness/costume integration and they always just put the harness on in the normal fitting room and we work around the attachment points.

[ladycelia.livejournal.com]

Thanks for getting back to me.

[labricoleuse.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Sorry it took so long, things got hectic!