If you are ever in the LA area and fancy a inexpensive thing to do, check out FIDM Museum & Galleries. 

I was in California many months ago visiting friends and being interested in all areas costumes I decided to take a drive over to the FIDM and look at their exhibit of the time 21st Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design. Educational destinations while on vacation are my thing, so I enjoyed reading about costumes from The Artist, Hunger Games, Les Miserables, etc. Having the opportunity to see the craftsmanship of each costume up close was great. My favorite group of costumes was from The Artist. Having been filmed black and white, it was a fun chance to see those costumes in color. Few people can say that. 

The motion picture exhibit was not the only one in the galleries. There was also a small display on cotton throughout history and costume design for stop-motion movies. I had a lovely time at the galleries as well as around the campus. It is beautiful with a park area and a nice little sandwich shop across the courtyard from the school and museum. 

The current exhibits at FIDM are designed around fashion from 1920's (Gatsby), travel costumes from the 20th century, and historical accessories.

On this lovely Monday morning I am situated comfortably on a charter bus bound for California. We are on our last leg of A Christmas Carol. The time has flown by with the help of the amazing artists I have been able to share these past weeks with. 

Reflecting on the past tour, I have come to a few realizations. The first being I have grown in confidence as a professional in my area. There is something that clicks inside when faced with a new venue, crew, and set up every night. It is exciting and challenging. I have never been board once on this trip. The challenges make for a great use of my creativity and problem solving. 
Secondly, this tour has allowed me to meet so many others in the costume field, from wardrobe hands, to professors. One lady at a venue was a local costume technology professor. It was refreshing to sit down between shows and share experiences, questions, and tips for solving some costume craft problems. It is collaborative moments like this that make my job extra special. 

I believe that every young professional in costuming whether he or she desires to do wardrobe, design, technology, or teach, should go out on tour. Not only do you learn about your craft in an immersive experience, but you also learn about yourself. No matter how cliche it sounds, I have learned about myself and my craft. My career choice has been confirmed and some life choices have been looked at in a different light. 

Have a safe and happy Monday. In exactly a week we will be performing at our final venue. I will be sad to see all these beautiful people go, but I will see them again. That is what is so special about theatre. It's never goodbye, but I'll see you soon. Now I will curl up with my pillow and wait for the bus to deposit us in California. 


(No Question of the Post today)

1. Food: I can't tell you how many times I have had to dive into my stash because I couldn't eat the food provided. Being a person with food allergies I plan for meals and snacks constantly. I am greatly appreciative of a venue when the have something I can eat, but it isn't always available.

2. Tide Pods (or other laundry mini packs): These little pods save so much room in your luggage! They work great too.

3. A hat: Since our tour is a winter one, a hat (and other winter gear) is essential. My poor bus mate gets grief from me every day because he doesn't have a hat or coat.

4. Moisturizer: Whether you're and actor or a technician, the winter dryness or your oil based makeup does a number in your skin. Keep it happy and healthy with some love.

5. Workout gear: Almost every hotel has a gym of some sort. Working out is a great way to blow off steam, stress, and work off some of those fast food meals you have to get at bus stops.

There are more, but these are things I almost didn't pack, but am now glad I did.