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Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: Kaoru 04:15 am EDT 03/16/14

Recently I talked to an actor who is in a long running Broadway show and learned that in his show, each cast member tips their dressers $10 every week. If it's a large cast show, say 30 actors, the dressers make $300 in cash!

I was surprised to hear this custom because they are union members so they are well compensated, so unless it's a Christmas tip, I don't think it's necessary as it's their job.

So is this a normal custom in any show? Or only for show that has lots of quick changes? Does wig staff get a tip too?


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re: Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: Thom915 09:24 pm EDT 03/16/14
In reply to: Tipping for dressers? - Kaoru 04:15 am EDT 03/16/14

If it is a large cast show then there are a number of dressers so what each one makes really amounts to pin money.


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re: Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: frankm 01:38 pm EDT 03/16/14
In reply to: Tipping for dressers? - Kaoru 04:15 am EDT 03/16/14

Well, if you don't don't think it's necessary then tipping should be banned in all shows from this day on. And I'm curious just how well compensated is a union dresser? Perhaps while we are addressing the tipping issue we can also see if we can do some union busting. Whaddaya say?


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re: Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: FriendofDorothy 11:15 pm EDT 03/16/14
In reply to: re: Tipping for dressers? - frankm 01:38 pm EDT 03/16/14

Frank, I think you took the original poster's point way beyond what was actually written. No union busting was called for, and no mention was made of abolishing tipping. In NY State, the law makes all tipping, in all cases, entirely voluntary. I think the poster was just surprised to learn that it was a position that gets tipped at all. I am always happy when someone thanks someone else for their hard work with a little cash. I've been on both ends of it. But I can see how when informed that the whole cast is contributing the same amount every week, it can lend the impression of not being voluntary. But I am sure the dressers are reporting 100% of it to the IRS, so no harm, right?


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re: Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: Ryan80 10:01 am EDT 03/16/14
In reply to: Tipping for dressers? - Kaoru 04:15 am EDT 03/16/14

1 dresser doesn't cover the whole cast so none of them would make an additional $300. Leads sometimes have dedicated dressers and 1 dresser may cover a few people, but not 30.

Your relationship with a dresser is important and some become good friends. I don't think it's a bad thing to tip a dresser that does a great job and goes above and beyond for you each night.


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re: Tipping for dressers?

Posted by: Kaoru 06:17 pm EDT 03/16/14
In reply to: re: Tipping for dressers? - Ryan80 10:01 am EDT 03/16/14

I have no problem if tipping is done because an actor wants to do it. It sounded like tipping is expected every week.


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