Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1486263
100 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2022 | sagaftra.org Provide Proper Undergarments Performers are responsible for showing up to a fitting wearing well-fitted undergarments. Costume teams are responsible for ensuring that the size and fit of any specialty undergarments work for a performer. Remember that Photos May Be Taken Reference photos could be taken in order to be shared with the rest of the production staff. Performers can help the costume team with the presentation of their work by arriving in whatever state of photo readiness the performer is comfortable with. Seek Consent Before Touching Someone Working in such an intimate, vulnerable setting means extra care must be taken to ensure consent before touching performers during a fitting. For performers and costume teams, being aware of the setting and the extra caution required when in sensitive states of undress is essential. Never touch a performer with a disability or their assistive devices without the express permission of the performer themselves. Collaboration is Key The fitting room is the appropriate place to discuss comfort levels with different clothing items, character questions, fit, and anything else that performers and the costume team need to be on the same page about. For costume designers, this is the time to share your vision for the show and how a performer's character fits into the narrative. For performers, this is the time to feel empowered and voice what you need to do your job comfortably and confidently. The fitting room is a place of mutual vulnerability, and these simple tips can help performers, costume designers, and costumers do their best work while ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Scan the QR at right for a resource list. Keep the Fitting Room Free of Body Talk of Any Kind This applies to anyone of any gender identity, body size, disability or race. Even coming from what is intended to be a kind or complimentary place, comments about bodies might be harmful. In the same way one cannot assume a person's pronouns, one cannot assume someone else's relationship to their body. Compliments and comments about clothing and fit are entirely appropriate, whereas compliments and comments about the body within it are not. • If someone does comment on your body in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable, set boundaries by politely letting them know that you would prefer they didn't. • All parties should also avoid making disparaging or comparative statements about their own bodies during the fitting process. • When taking measurements, ensure that the numbers are kept between the fitter and the designer by physically showing the measurement tape to the person writing the measurements rather than announcing them aloud. Keep the Fitting Room Area Free of Anti-fat & Size Bias, Ableism & Gender Bias Size bias is prevalent in the film/TV industry. By being aware of this dynamic, we can avoid the harmful behaviors of body-shaming, limited clothing options, and downplaying the feelings of curvy and plus-sized performers. Please note that body issues may affect actors of all sizes and genders. Ableism can occur with comments about how "inspiring" people with disabilities are and also with inappropriate comments about disability (visible and non-apparent). Gender bias affects us all differently; people need to be aware that this can occur with male-presenting performers as well. Another way gender bias exists is in relation to trans performers. Comments to avoid include telling trans performers they don't look trans (the implication being that looking cis is favorable), having limited clothing options, ignoring pronouns and making any inappropriate body-related comments. GETTY IMAGES Scan for Resource List