Please help... how would you handle this?

Question

I'm in a show that opens on Friday.

The (new) costumer doesn't like the jazz boots I've worn for this show in the past and wants to give me new shoes. She has brought in a couple of Mary Jane style shoes for me to try.

This is a very active show with fights, climbing and jumping on and off a box, and just a bunch of running around. I had expressed my concerns about that style of shoe at the first rehearsal (both for safety reasons and character reasons), but to no avail.

I don't feel safe fighting in shoes I will only have 3 rehearsals to work with them in, with shoes that are not laced or very secure, and shoes that I am not allowed to try on the actual stage and box I'll be performing on before agreeing to use them (so the bottoms don't get scuffed so she can return them.)

I'm starting to feel like they think I'm difficult to work with.

What would you advise?

Answer 1

If your costumer will not listen to you then you need to go straight to your director and tell them that you really do not feel safe in these shoes.

when it comes down to it its the directors decision

Answer 2

This person the costumer is not thinking this through.
Your safety is what is most important and secondly being able to preform in the shoes required.
If you can't practice in them then that should say it all there.
Besides, once you wear them on stage they are going to get scuffed and she won't be able to take them back anyway.
You are not being difficult.
I would go over her head.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Take those Mary Janes and clop your costumer upside the head with them.

Your safety, and the safety of your fellow performers, trumps any aesthetics.

Your costumer is an egocentric moron. Be difficult, and stay safe.

Answer 4

QUIT