CA State Thespian Festival 2026

The explanation of a Day Checker’s role provides a breakdown of the many positions that a Day Check Costumer may be asked to perform to confidentially jump on a show and fill in within the costume department wherever needed.

This PowerPoint presentation offers students visual insight into the responsibilities and key skills of professional Costume Day Checkers. The visual presentation stimulates discussion and questions from the students.

Participants will gain an understanding of the day-to-day operations within the costume department, focusing on how these roles contribute to the creative process in film and television.

As time allows, we will discuss:

What a Day Checker is
The pros and cons of Day Checking - advantages and disadvantages
Protocol and Attitude
What to ask when you are hired
What to do when you arrive at a show
Where to Sit or Stand
What to bring to the set
Working with Background artists
Possible responsibilities for prep, pulling, shopping, measuring, fittings, swatching, studio services, color coding, stock, trailer, setting rooms, assisting in miking talent, set, returns, and wrap
Principal stand-ins – color cover
How to read a call sheet- break down of the lexicon, highlighting scene D/N, sides
How to decipher a location map; location vs. crew parking; typical base camp location
trailer layout
Preparation before starting a show – preparing for your first day for efficiency;
distribution list
Questions to ask when getting a call to work- ex, call time, location, responsibilities, who to report to on the day, drive-on
What to bring with you when you day check (to the job and to set)- tools of the trade
Start paperwork- the importance of reading it thoroughly
Safety – vests, animals, sprays, tall equipment, cables, handrails, lift gates
Things to consider when dressing the background- ex, what are the principals wearing
Continuity photos – using Sync on Set; importance of lighting, and all costume
components visible
Monitor viewing – various apps
Background skins
Vision/Mood Boards – as reference for the look
Fitting Boards – reference showing how a costume is to be worn
Blue screen, green screen, reflective fabrics, greeking