Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1333810
Social distancing requirements have altered their work space. "We used to work all together in the same room, like a beehive, which is a very easy way to collaborate without talking. You just sort of absorb what other people are doing, but now it's spread out," Justian observes. "It's made us all become more on top of our game to try to extract what other people are doing throughout the week." Furthermore, the logistics of dressing the show have changed drastically. Pre-COVID, the hallway outside the stage was lined with cast quick change booths, and also accommodated hair, makeup, and wardrobe crew. Now they've had to find new spaces for 58 people that are still close enough to allow for quick changes. Broecker notes, "We had to organize the show into who had the most sketches to who had fewer sketches, to where wardrobe, hair, and makeup could be. And every week it changes, because every week different cast members are in different amounts of sketches. The wardrobe supervisor has to figure out which five people go in that area, which six people go in that area, and which five people go over there. It's logistically crazy." COVID or not, one has the sense that the SNL cos- tume department will continue to take everything in stride, and at warp speed as usual, given their seamless teamwork. Broecker has been with SNL for more than three decades, as has wardrobe supervisor Dale Richards. Eric Justian, who is in his 28th year with the show, and 16th as co-costume designer, notes, "There's an unspo- ken language that happens between the three of us. It would be interesting to see if the show ever has to face doing it without us, it's been so long." "Saturday Night Live is a mirror to what's going on— it likes to reflect back what's happening in the world. Elections are very big in the United States, so I think the rallying around elections really helps anchor and center SNL," Broecker says. "We try not to take sides. Sometimes we get criticized for not having a more specific point of view, but I think it's because we're trying to reflect all of society, not just one aspect, and we try to do it in a way that is not condescending." Justian adds, "Our intention is not to change the dia- logue, but if that happens as a by-product of our work, that's very flattering. We look at current events and if we're doing something specific, we try to copy the moment as best as we can." OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND SELECTION View costumes at www.ABCStudiosCostumes.com 545 Circle Seven Drive, Glendale CA 91201 | 818.553.4800 | Mon-Fri 8 am - 6 pm - T o p l a y t h e p a r t , t h e y h a v e t o d r e s s t h e p a r t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ------------------- ---------------