Why More Theatres Should Have Dressing Room Captains

by Chris Peterson

I recently saw a community theatre mention that they assign “dressing room captains” for their productions, and I have to admit, I had never heard of that before.

But the more I thought about it, the more I loved the idea.

For anyone unfamiliar, the concept is simple. A dressing room captain is not there to boss people around or enforce a weird backstage hierarchy. At their best, they are the person who helps keep the dressing room functional, respectful, and sane.

And honestly, more theatres should consider it.

Dressing rooms can be wonderful places. They can be where actors bond, calm each other down, fix a costume problem, or quietly remind someone that they are going to be fine.

But dressing rooms can also become chaotic very quickly. They can get messy. They can become uncomfortable for younger or newer performers who do not know what is normal, what is acceptable, or who to go to if something feels off.

That is where a dressing room captain can make a difference.

This should be someone trusted by the production team and respected by the cast. Not necessarily the oldest person. Not necessarily the lead. Just someone mature enough to understand that leadership backstage is not about control. It is about care.

A good dressing room captain can help make sure the room stays reasonably clean, that actors have what they need, that problems get communicated to stage management, and that shared space actually remains shared. They can help newer actors understand dressing room etiquette without embarrassing them. They can help set the tone that this is a place for preparation, not drama.

Most importantly, they can be another point of contact if something does not feel right.

A thoughtful dressing room captain is not a replacement for stage management, intimacy protocols, child safety policies, or basic professionalism from the theatre itself. But they can support all of those things.

What I like about the idea is that it acknowledges something theatres often ignore: the dressing room is part of the production environment. It is not just the place people change clothes. It is where performers prepare physically, emotionally, and mentally before walking onstage.

If we care about the work happening under the lights, we should care about the rooms that help people get there.

So yes, dressing room captains. Done well, I think this is a great concept. It is practical, it is inexpensive, and it sends a clear message to the cast: this room matters, and so do the people in it.