Adam Savage Stunned by These Marvelous Creature Masks!
Adam Savage goes backstage at Circus Olé's show in San Francisco to explore the intricate costume design and wardrobe operations with Lisa from Wardrobe. They discuss the technical aspects of performance costumes, including LED-equipped firefly skirts, 3D-scanned animal masks, and specialized padding for aerial performers.
Summary
Adam Savage visits backstage at Circus Olé's show 'Echo' in San Francisco, where he interviews Lisa from the wardrobe department about the complex costume operations. The conversation reveals that while costume construction happens at headquarters based on measurements, all fitting and safety adjustments are done on-site. The costumes incorporate sophisticated technology including LED lighting systems in firefly skirts with carefully secured batteries and wiring, and tracking systems that allow spotlights to follow performers automatically. Safety and functionality are paramount concerns, with different acts requiring specialized features like extra padding for pole climbers who rely solely on friction to stay aloft, protective leather gear for slack wire performers, and flexible undergarments for aerial artists. The animal masks represent some of the most advanced costume technology, created using 3D scans of performers' heads and featuring heat-molded interior pieces for perfect fit and optimal vision during high-risk aerial maneuvers. The wardrobe operation manages approximately 900 costume pieces, with daily inspection and repair protocols. Costumes require special care, such as air-drying the signature wrinkled suits that were steam-pressed for over a week to achieve their permanent wrinkled appearance. The entire touring operation travels with 72 trucks and can pack up and move within 40 minutes, with used costumes eventually being archived at the company's Montreal headquarters.
Key Insights
- The animal masks are created using 3D scans of each performer's head, then assembled at headquarters and fitted on-site with heat-molded interior pieces for perfect fit and safety
- The firefly skirts contain complex LED lighting systems with batteries and wiring that must be carefully secured to prevent pieces from flying out during aerial spinning routines
- Some costumes have built-in tracking systems with tracking dots that allow spotlights to automatically follow performers on stage
- The signature wrinkled morning suits were steam-pressed for over a week to achieve permanent wrinkles and must be air-dried to maintain this effect
- The wardrobe operation manages approximately 900 costume pieces across 72 touring trucks, with daily inspection and repair protocols for every single piece
Topics
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