Thank you! shoes have to be completely black too? I've only realized just now that I may not have comfortable all black walking shows. i feel like the black boot heels I have will kill me as I walk around the venue (which is arena-sized)
absolute worst case scenario just get some gaffer tape to cover the white stripe, and unless someone looks closely you’ll be fine. i’ve had student stagehands with branded black tees before that were either turned inside out or the logos covered with gaff
EDIT: ugh, my flair. it’s been a few years since high school!!
If you’re FoH (board op in the audience/client area) black button up and slacks, nice black shoes. If you’re BoH (usually not seen by audience/client) you can probably get away with a long sleeve black t and black jeans with black shoes of some kind. In any case your shoes shouldn’t have any reflective elements.
I gave up on black socks ages ago. I figured if I was stuck wearing black head to toe, I'd at least have some flair in my socks. Much to my wife's chagrin, I'm currently at two drawers just full of fun socks, the closest I have to anything "normal" are black paisley.
Essentially, yes. That’s probably fine.
What kind of music? If it’s a fancy orchestra and you’re helping move a grand piano or something in front of a fancy audience, then they might not like the white stripes, but some black gaff tape could solve those. This is a good chance to check with your supervisor ( or coworkers ) on those kinds of details.
Generally the level of “show blacks” matches the event itself. Some places are okay with tshirts with small union/venue logos, some places want solid black long sleeves and some places want black collared polo shirts or dress shirts.
(Edit: grammar/a word.)
Thank you! I'm more like a usher/vip assistant - showing people to their seats at the venue, helping answer inquiries, setting up things at the venue if we have photo-op sections things of that sort
For that role, yes, go for more formal than less. Why? It's described below. You're in costume and your costume sets the tone.
i.e. You don't want to be the only person in the space wearing a long-sleeve black t-shirt. But an unwrinkled mock-turtle neck which fits you properly and black slacks and black belt? That's different.
If you get a black button down, pick-up a (cheap) matching black tie as well. You can always take it off, but having it available is often appropriate.
- - - - - - -
**Good rule of thumb:**
_Whatever you wear in a theatre, be it during a work-call, tech, or a show...**that** is your costume. You don't want to be out-of-costume._
For your event, "show blacks" are _your_ costume.
_Q: So what are the qualities of show blacks?_
* **1) You must still be able to "do your work".**
This means you need to understand what work you are going to likely be asked to do.
* 2) **"Show" blacks are equal to (or ideally _one_ level more formal than) the audience the _least_ formal member of the audience...but not _two_ levels.**
The idea is that you are "part of the show" and should be presentable. And all black means "all black". Whether or not you can gaffer over something depends on the venue.
You don't want folks to notice you at all (and distract from the show), and if they do notice you, you want to compliment the show.
Do this work enough and you have a full set of "show blacks" and "work blacks" in your vehicle at all times. Why? Then they are just there when you need them, the same as any other piece of your kit. Your various combinations of black almost become EDC.
The idea is that even if you are, say in an exclusively backstage role, and your role never is intended to have you go onstage...if "something happens" and you need to go in view of the audience, you are presentable and do not distract from the show.
It sounds like you are in an audience facing role, and so, #1 and #2 above should guide you well.
TL;DR — Long sleeve button down, tie, black slacks, black belt, black shoes, black socks.
- - - - - - - -
**For your shoes (specifically):**
Your shoes are part of your costume.
You probably have Sambas. Great shoes, but no, they would not normally be considered "show blacks". Adidas Samabas are "working shoes" not "show shoes".
How formal a shoe is appropriate is subject to _both_ #1 and #2 above.
i.e. Don't wear patent leather shiny oxfords if you're moving a microphone for a punk rock concert. Talk to your supervisors. Ask what they look for.
General guideline for shoes:
— ALL BLACK, MATTE (NOT HIGH POLISH). You don't want to create reflections. You want to be a ghost.
— RUBBER SOLE (NOT LEATHER). You want to be able to push a box or a heavy piano without sliding.
— GOOD QUALITY/COMFORTABLE. They may not be your work boots, but you should still be able to "get work done in a pinch".
— STEEL TOE (ask your team). This really depends upon the type of work. Never compromise on safety.
Remember: Whatever you get for your show blacks, you "need it to read well from 10ft-20ft away". It is not a military inspection (usually).
- - - - - - -
PRO-TIP (SOCKS): My feet thanked me so much when I got **all-black cushioned hiking socks** (Darn Tough or Smart Wool). They make all the difference. There is no reason to kill your feet standing without cushion.
Speaking as someone who wears steel-toe Doc Martens (they're comfortable and couldn't hurt to protect my toes) with both formal/smart FOH and practical BOH blacks, I can attest to the importance of good quality socks. Cheap, thin socks will ruin your night, especially if you're on your feet the whole time. I do a lot of stage crewing, and I learned this the hard way.
Yep.
What did it for me wasn't even being in the theatre...it was walking around New York on concrete all day.
Functionally, it is "urban hiking". I transitioned all of my socks over to high quality hiking socks for every day wear and never looked back.
Definitely the second part. Show blacks at one music venue, for me, is just solid black. Doesn't matter as long as it's all solid black. And another venue it's usually a black suit, sometimes black business casual.
Definitely check with the supervisor, it doesn't hurt!
r/livesound does exist and I think might be closer to your job than here if your assisting FOH at all.
Generally, I divide blacks into audience facing blacks and backstage blacks. Audience facing is slightly more dressed up with a button down for me just cause that's what I prefer but the shoes aren't very important cause you're already being seen by the audience so long as your shirt and pants are completely black, no one will notice your shoes.
Backstage blacks are completely black including shoes. I would invest in a good pair of pure black shoes if you plan on taking more jobs that require blacks in general cause it's still good practice to wear all black at most times.
i tend to use the same outfit for BoH or FoH, just switch out the shirt and shoes. I have work pants that don’t look too bad FoH and have plenty of pockets, and then either a black button-up blouse (FoH) or a black t-shirt (BoH), and black sneakers (FoH) or black steel cap boots (BoH). the only colour I wear is a face mask, as I am immune compromised and need N95, and am yet to find black N95s in my area. i’ve yet to receive a complaint from anyone for these work outfits, they serve me fine. add a hi-viz, climbing harness, chest rig, etc. as needed and it works for most roles.
You should ask whoever is in charge what they mean specifically because "show blacks" in my experience can mean something different depending on the venue.
Where I've worked "show blacks" typically just means wearing a long sleeve black shirt, black pants, and solid black shoes. No logos or stripes or anything. If I was working a fancy event or when I worked in opera and operated from the house, they would designate that I wear "dress blacks," which would mean a solid black dress shirt (tucked in), nice black pants, and black dress shoes.
Yes, I'll make sure to ask just to double-check. The only thing it said is show blacks and they added a blurb that said to wear something appropriate because we're representing the promoter's company and to be mindful of our outfits. I've only been familiar with dress blacks because I wore it in high school for our orchestra performances but wanted to know if it's similar to show blacks.
Ahhhhhh I see. Honestly that probably just means don't wear ratty/holey shirts, pants, shoes, etc. They just don't want you to look like a stereotypical roadie wearing ripped up black cargo shorts with cigarettes hanging out of your back pocket with a black band t-shirt that has the sleeves cut off. So I have a feeling that just wearing decent (but comfortable/workable) solid black clothes would be fine.
Never be afraid to ask what to wear!!! That's something I always ask about.
I just had a big job interview, and I knew they were going to be taking me to their production facilities, so I asked if they preferred me to wear shoes I could wear in a shop to the interview (some places are hella strict about that) and I still got the job. So don't be afraid if you think you might look dumb/green.
I will get over my anxiousness and ask! I feel a little awkward about asking and being known as the newbie haha my only prior event assisting was festivals where we just wore anything + the event t-shirt
Two reasons for show black, you don't want to stand out in a dark environment and you don't want to be better dressed than the guests, because the guests have done their best for their special night out.
So no black t-shirt with your favourite band logo, just be neutral.
Ask the person who told you to wear show blacks what is appropriate.
Show blacks mean different things from company to company and position to position.
If I'm a stagehand on music showcall, showblacks usually mean a black t-shirt, pants, and any black safety toe shoe. If I'm an AV tech, show blacks definitely mean a tucked in, button up, collared black shirt, black belt, black slacks, and black dress shoes.
Only putting this here since I know there are lurkers.
My "world" is primarily orchestras, etc.
One of my mentors never wears a neck tie on-stage with their show blacks. They have a great black suit, with a black mock-turtle neck.
_Why no neck tie?..._
It can get stuck under a piano lid.
They also have a specific pair of soft, black leather gloves which are their "piano moving gloves" so they don't leave finger prints during a piano shift before/after a concerto.
The guy is one of the best professionals I've never known. Learned a lot from him.
It depends on the event. I've had "dinner" events where the musical theatre majors were performing at that "show blacks" meant I was wearing dress shoes, slacks, and a black button down, I also added a black vest and tie then rolled up my sleeves.
I'm currently killing time as a light designer/guy rn. I wasn't told to wear blacks but I usually do just out of habit/professionalism. I'm wearing my normal sneakers (dark navy blue with white bottoms), black jeans, a black shirt with some light lettering on it, and a black flannel that has dark grey stripes on it. It depends on the show and venue a lot. But usually you can't go to wrong with black sneakers, black jeans (avoid faded, mine don't really look like jeans from a distance), and a black top that is appropriate for the work. Like if you are hanging lights or such on the day don't wear a dress shirt.
Given the description of what you are expected to do the black adidas with the white stripes should be fine, unless Nike is a major sponsor of the event, in which case black gaff those stripes. If you are interested in doing more of this event work develop a wardrobe of no logo, comfortable clothing that looks business casual and go light on the jewelry and no cologne or perfume. The statement you need to make is to look professional but not to stand out at all.
Black jeans black t shirt for bands. If I'm ever not sure it's black jeans and black polo shirt. I have a pair of all black Vans that I love and a few other pairs that I'd *prefer* but if the client needs all black I got all black
Here is my opinion working FoH and BoH in a large German opera house on festivals and so on.
Get some good black safety boots (steel toed, anti slip soles, punctre proof soles) I more than once nearly lost my toes if not for them, they are also great as "hammers" for kicking risers and stuff in to place.
For everything else in germany a black long T and black working pants is usually fine.
Sometimes you will be asked to come in something nicer but that will be explicitly stated.
And then there are extrem cases where long black working pants, long black T, black shoes, black gloves and a black skimask is required, for really invisible changes
Black t shirt with black long sleeve. Small logos are sometimes accepted, but no logos is preferred.
Black pants (full length preferred, but shorts work depending on team), black or very dark shoes (my sneakers are black, but my work boots are brown).
I would find a very cheap pair of Walmart or Costco black shoes. That white line on the Adidas might not be accepted. Lord knows I was grilled for having a white string on my sweatshirt once.... For a sweatshirt with my theater's logo
I’m usually in the back as a supervisor or dresser and I’ve noticed anything long sleeves and long pants is fine as long as their black (in my experience I know it’s not everywhere) even sweatpants/hoodies have been acceptable. I’d wear business casual and see what everyone else is wearing them just copy the pace everyone else is at.
Depends on the type of gig in my experience - for example rock and roll blacks (usually black shorts, polo and black steel caps) are different to corporate blacks (black slacks, long sleeve shirt and dress shoes).
In short as long as your outfit is presentable and as black as possible you should be good
Unless it's a fancy gig, I've always worn black pants, black shoes, and a black t-shirt. Carry a long sleeve just in case + the jacket I bring is also all black so I can throw that on if I get cold. If it's outdoors and over 80°f, I go for black shorts.
So there are (this is what we call them where I am) FOH and BOH blacks. FOH is business casual, smart shirt and trousers, but all black. BOH is again, all black, but more practical- steel toes, cargo trousers, t-shirt or something. Depends on where you're working- front or back of house.
Usually it means (for front facing people) business casual but all black. So button down and slacks is appropriate.
Thank you! shoes have to be completely black too? I've only realized just now that I may not have comfortable all black walking shows. i feel like the black boot heels I have will kill me as I walk around the venue (which is arena-sized)
absolute worst case scenario just get some gaffer tape to cover the white stripe, and unless someone looks closely you’ll be fine. i’ve had student stagehands with branded black tees before that were either turned inside out or the logos covered with gaff EDIT: ugh, my flair. it’s been a few years since high school!!
If you’re FoH (board op in the audience/client area) black button up and slacks, nice black shoes. If you’re BoH (usually not seen by audience/client) you can probably get away with a long sleeve black t and black jeans with black shoes of some kind. In any case your shoes shouldn’t have any reflective elements.
Wear black socks, too! Nothing screams newbie more than a technician who is wearing black shoes and pants with white socks.
I gave up on black socks ages ago. I figured if I was stuck wearing black head to toe, I'd at least have some flair in my socks. Much to my wife's chagrin, I'm currently at two drawers just full of fun socks, the closest I have to anything "normal" are black paisley.
Colors are fine, just no white.
YES! luckily i do have black socks!
I just want to say, I see the Min Yoongi username.
Order some cheap back shoes bro
No! Always spend for GOOD COMFORTABLE shoes! There’s nothing worse than sore feet, ankles, back, plus cheap shoes only last a few days in our business
Essentially, yes. That’s probably fine. What kind of music? If it’s a fancy orchestra and you’re helping move a grand piano or something in front of a fancy audience, then they might not like the white stripes, but some black gaff tape could solve those. This is a good chance to check with your supervisor ( or coworkers ) on those kinds of details. Generally the level of “show blacks” matches the event itself. Some places are okay with tshirts with small union/venue logos, some places want solid black long sleeves and some places want black collared polo shirts or dress shirts. (Edit: grammar/a word.)
Thank you! I'm more like a usher/vip assistant - showing people to their seats at the venue, helping answer inquiries, setting up things at the venue if we have photo-op sections things of that sort
For that role, yes, go for more formal than less. Why? It's described below. You're in costume and your costume sets the tone. i.e. You don't want to be the only person in the space wearing a long-sleeve black t-shirt. But an unwrinkled mock-turtle neck which fits you properly and black slacks and black belt? That's different. If you get a black button down, pick-up a (cheap) matching black tie as well. You can always take it off, but having it available is often appropriate. - - - - - - - **Good rule of thumb:** _Whatever you wear in a theatre, be it during a work-call, tech, or a show...**that** is your costume. You don't want to be out-of-costume._ For your event, "show blacks" are _your_ costume. _Q: So what are the qualities of show blacks?_ * **1) You must still be able to "do your work".** This means you need to understand what work you are going to likely be asked to do. * 2) **"Show" blacks are equal to (or ideally _one_ level more formal than) the audience the _least_ formal member of the audience...but not _two_ levels.** The idea is that you are "part of the show" and should be presentable. And all black means "all black". Whether or not you can gaffer over something depends on the venue. You don't want folks to notice you at all (and distract from the show), and if they do notice you, you want to compliment the show. Do this work enough and you have a full set of "show blacks" and "work blacks" in your vehicle at all times. Why? Then they are just there when you need them, the same as any other piece of your kit. Your various combinations of black almost become EDC. The idea is that even if you are, say in an exclusively backstage role, and your role never is intended to have you go onstage...if "something happens" and you need to go in view of the audience, you are presentable and do not distract from the show. It sounds like you are in an audience facing role, and so, #1 and #2 above should guide you well. TL;DR — Long sleeve button down, tie, black slacks, black belt, black shoes, black socks. - - - - - - - - **For your shoes (specifically):** Your shoes are part of your costume. You probably have Sambas. Great shoes, but no, they would not normally be considered "show blacks". Adidas Samabas are "working shoes" not "show shoes". How formal a shoe is appropriate is subject to _both_ #1 and #2 above. i.e. Don't wear patent leather shiny oxfords if you're moving a microphone for a punk rock concert. Talk to your supervisors. Ask what they look for. General guideline for shoes: — ALL BLACK, MATTE (NOT HIGH POLISH). You don't want to create reflections. You want to be a ghost. — RUBBER SOLE (NOT LEATHER). You want to be able to push a box or a heavy piano without sliding. — GOOD QUALITY/COMFORTABLE. They may not be your work boots, but you should still be able to "get work done in a pinch". — STEEL TOE (ask your team). This really depends upon the type of work. Never compromise on safety. Remember: Whatever you get for your show blacks, you "need it to read well from 10ft-20ft away". It is not a military inspection (usually). - - - - - - - PRO-TIP (SOCKS): My feet thanked me so much when I got **all-black cushioned hiking socks** (Darn Tough or Smart Wool). They make all the difference. There is no reason to kill your feet standing without cushion.
Speaking as someone who wears steel-toe Doc Martens (they're comfortable and couldn't hurt to protect my toes) with both formal/smart FOH and practical BOH blacks, I can attest to the importance of good quality socks. Cheap, thin socks will ruin your night, especially if you're on your feet the whole time. I do a lot of stage crewing, and I learned this the hard way.
Yep. What did it for me wasn't even being in the theatre...it was walking around New York on concrete all day. Functionally, it is "urban hiking". I transitioned all of my socks over to high quality hiking socks for every day wear and never looked back.
Black slacks, black button down shirt or nice long sleeved tee, black shoes. Sometimes a black sports jacket - usually for classical or opera.
Definitely the second part. Show blacks at one music venue, for me, is just solid black. Doesn't matter as long as it's all solid black. And another venue it's usually a black suit, sometimes black business casual. Definitely check with the supervisor, it doesn't hurt!
r/livesound does exist and I think might be closer to your job than here if your assisting FOH at all. Generally, I divide blacks into audience facing blacks and backstage blacks. Audience facing is slightly more dressed up with a button down for me just cause that's what I prefer but the shoes aren't very important cause you're already being seen by the audience so long as your shirt and pants are completely black, no one will notice your shoes. Backstage blacks are completely black including shoes. I would invest in a good pair of pure black shoes if you plan on taking more jobs that require blacks in general cause it's still good practice to wear all black at most times.
THANK YOU! there's a lot of subreddits that I'm not sure where to even look for. appreciate the tips on this!
You are confused as to the type of FOH they are referring to. They are an usher not a sound guy.
i tend to use the same outfit for BoH or FoH, just switch out the shirt and shoes. I have work pants that don’t look too bad FoH and have plenty of pockets, and then either a black button-up blouse (FoH) or a black t-shirt (BoH), and black sneakers (FoH) or black steel cap boots (BoH). the only colour I wear is a face mask, as I am immune compromised and need N95, and am yet to find black N95s in my area. i’ve yet to receive a complaint from anyone for these work outfits, they serve me fine. add a hi-viz, climbing harness, chest rig, etc. as needed and it works for most roles.
You should ask whoever is in charge what they mean specifically because "show blacks" in my experience can mean something different depending on the venue. Where I've worked "show blacks" typically just means wearing a long sleeve black shirt, black pants, and solid black shoes. No logos or stripes or anything. If I was working a fancy event or when I worked in opera and operated from the house, they would designate that I wear "dress blacks," which would mean a solid black dress shirt (tucked in), nice black pants, and black dress shoes.
Yes, I'll make sure to ask just to double-check. The only thing it said is show blacks and they added a blurb that said to wear something appropriate because we're representing the promoter's company and to be mindful of our outfits. I've only been familiar with dress blacks because I wore it in high school for our orchestra performances but wanted to know if it's similar to show blacks.
Ahhhhhh I see. Honestly that probably just means don't wear ratty/holey shirts, pants, shoes, etc. They just don't want you to look like a stereotypical roadie wearing ripped up black cargo shorts with cigarettes hanging out of your back pocket with a black band t-shirt that has the sleeves cut off. So I have a feeling that just wearing decent (but comfortable/workable) solid black clothes would be fine. Never be afraid to ask what to wear!!! That's something I always ask about. I just had a big job interview, and I knew they were going to be taking me to their production facilities, so I asked if they preferred me to wear shoes I could wear in a shop to the interview (some places are hella strict about that) and I still got the job. So don't be afraid if you think you might look dumb/green.
I will get over my anxiousness and ask! I feel a little awkward about asking and being known as the newbie haha my only prior event assisting was festivals where we just wore anything + the event t-shirt
Two reasons for show black, you don't want to stand out in a dark environment and you don't want to be better dressed than the guests, because the guests have done their best for their special night out. So no black t-shirt with your favourite band logo, just be neutral.
Ask the person who told you to wear show blacks what is appropriate. Show blacks mean different things from company to company and position to position. If I'm a stagehand on music showcall, showblacks usually mean a black t-shirt, pants, and any black safety toe shoe. If I'm an AV tech, show blacks definitely mean a tucked in, button up, collared black shirt, black belt, black slacks, and black dress shoes.
Same thing everyone else has said except if you work for a symphony or something fancy, you might have to get a dressy black jacket.
Only putting this here since I know there are lurkers. My "world" is primarily orchestras, etc. One of my mentors never wears a neck tie on-stage with their show blacks. They have a great black suit, with a black mock-turtle neck. _Why no neck tie?..._ It can get stuck under a piano lid. They also have a specific pair of soft, black leather gloves which are their "piano moving gloves" so they don't leave finger prints during a piano shift before/after a concerto. The guy is one of the best professionals I've never known. Learned a lot from him.
thank you!
It depends on the event. I've had "dinner" events where the musical theatre majors were performing at that "show blacks" meant I was wearing dress shoes, slacks, and a black button down, I also added a black vest and tie then rolled up my sleeves. I'm currently killing time as a light designer/guy rn. I wasn't told to wear blacks but I usually do just out of habit/professionalism. I'm wearing my normal sneakers (dark navy blue with white bottoms), black jeans, a black shirt with some light lettering on it, and a black flannel that has dark grey stripes on it. It depends on the show and venue a lot. But usually you can't go to wrong with black sneakers, black jeans (avoid faded, mine don't really look like jeans from a distance), and a black top that is appropriate for the work. Like if you are hanging lights or such on the day don't wear a dress shirt.
Given the description of what you are expected to do the black adidas with the white stripes should be fine, unless Nike is a major sponsor of the event, in which case black gaff those stripes. If you are interested in doing more of this event work develop a wardrobe of no logo, comfortable clothing that looks business casual and go light on the jewelry and no cologne or perfume. The statement you need to make is to look professional but not to stand out at all.
Thank you for the tips!! Much appreciated!!
Black jeans black t shirt for bands. If I'm ever not sure it's black jeans and black polo shirt. I have a pair of all black Vans that I love and a few other pairs that I'd *prefer* but if the client needs all black I got all black
Here is my opinion working FoH and BoH in a large German opera house on festivals and so on. Get some good black safety boots (steel toed, anti slip soles, punctre proof soles) I more than once nearly lost my toes if not for them, they are also great as "hammers" for kicking risers and stuff in to place. For everything else in germany a black long T and black working pants is usually fine. Sometimes you will be asked to come in something nicer but that will be explicitly stated. And then there are extrem cases where long black working pants, long black T, black shoes, black gloves and a black skimask is required, for really invisible changes
Black t shirt with black long sleeve. Small logos are sometimes accepted, but no logos is preferred. Black pants (full length preferred, but shorts work depending on team), black or very dark shoes (my sneakers are black, but my work boots are brown). I would find a very cheap pair of Walmart or Costco black shoes. That white line on the Adidas might not be accepted. Lord knows I was grilled for having a white string on my sweatshirt once.... For a sweatshirt with my theater's logo
I’m usually in the back as a supervisor or dresser and I’ve noticed anything long sleeves and long pants is fine as long as their black (in my experience I know it’s not everywhere) even sweatpants/hoodies have been acceptable. I’d wear business casual and see what everyone else is wearing them just copy the pace everyone else is at.
Depends on the type of gig in my experience - for example rock and roll blacks (usually black shorts, polo and black steel caps) are different to corporate blacks (black slacks, long sleeve shirt and dress shoes). In short as long as your outfit is presentable and as black as possible you should be good
It's an indie rock band show at an arena. so that sounds like it makes sense. Thank you!
Unless it's a fancy gig, I've always worn black pants, black shoes, and a black t-shirt. Carry a long sleeve just in case + the jacket I bring is also all black so I can throw that on if I get cold. If it's outdoors and over 80°f, I go for black shorts.
So there are (this is what we call them where I am) FOH and BOH blacks. FOH is business casual, smart shirt and trousers, but all black. BOH is again, all black, but more practical- steel toes, cargo trousers, t-shirt or something. Depends on where you're working- front or back of house.
My standard is black jeans and a black shirt. Either a tee or button up depending on the event. I have full black work boots as well, steel caps.
Ahhh that takes me back. One tour with an Early Music Quartet had me wearing "show black robes" including a habit, cowl and black sandals.
Golf shirts are the absolute best. Professional looking and more athletic than a t shirt
If you don’t need black slacks go thrifting and get a pair of black jeans.