Costume

We get at least a dozen calls a month from individuals and organizations who want to borrow or rent something from our storage facility.

What many people do not realize is that 99% of all of our inventory is the private collection of the Director (me). I have invested tens of thousands of dollars on-- not to mention thousands of hours searching for-- these items. For example, our costumes are, for the most part, NOT thrift store cast-offs...but rather they were researched and purchased from Ebay and other online sources. They are not "old clothes" and they cost real money. Many of the headdresses and costumes were made by hand or custom-sewn. It breaks my heart to see the lack of care that has been taken with some of these items.

In a nutshell, more than a few borrowers have returned items that were dismantled, broken or otherwise altered from the state in which they were borrowed. In addition, the last time that a show used our inventory, it was returned and left in total disarray just inside the door in a manner that has prevented easy access for the rest of us. The storage facility had only recently been completely re-organized, shelves built, installed custom rafters to hang the drops, etc......and now there are drops limply folded and simply placed on any convenient surfaces in there. Flats were not put back in their proper place and they block access to the costumes. Hoop skirts have been pushed out of shape and are ruined. I realize that after a show, people are tired and in a hurry to strike and get everything returned. However, when you borrow something from someone, it is common courtesy to return it to the proper place and in good condition.

I have, over the past ten years, tried to allow every individual and group the opportunity to use anything in my possession. But it has reached a point that this generosity is destroying my inventory. I also do not have the time to run out and meet people or to micro-manage a rental business. So, I have consulted with my production team and with the inventory manager and we have developed new policies.

While we have tried to accommodate many of the requests, we are no longer able to allow any outside usage until at least the second quarter of 2007. We have no less than 4 organizations using our stock during the month of December alone. After that, we are going to have to take out all of the misplaced set pieces and props in order to re-stock them.

After that point, IF WE DECIDE TO CONTINUE TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE ITEMS, there will be new rules in place, including:

1) There will be a nominal usage fee charged, payable to the inventory manager, simply to meet you at the storage facility, regardless of how small or large your request. (The primary key holder lives in Kennesaw and this fee is to reimburse him for his time and his travel expenses.) This fee is simply to meet you there, whether or not you end up borrowing from our supply. We are not a conventional facility--we don't have a facility manager on the grounds. It is not always convenient to have someone to take the time to drive out there to meet you.

2) We may require a deposit to insure that the items are returned in the same condition. Every single item will have to be logged out and logged in.

3) For body mics and/or headsets, there will be a usage fee for each and every item borrowed and a damage deposit check required, the amount based on the number of items borrowed. I have over $20,000 invested in electronics --and I spend another $1000 to repair and/or replace pieces every time I get ready to do my own show because someone always breaks something and returns it without a word.

4) No group will be allowed to borrow any of the electronics unless they use an approved and experienced sound person. At this point, that means only Brad Barker, James Willis, and Lee Shealy's team. No exceptions.

Please understand that I am simply trying to protect my investment, my production team and my sanity. I do not want to be in the business of loaning or renting equipment. The sound, lighting, set and costuming professionals that I work with have all strongly encouraged me to put these steps in place for years.

I wish you the very best success with your production.

If you still think that you would like to borrow/rent from us, please cut and paste the information below into an email and send it to: InventoryManager@starsinoureyes.biz

Organization Name:

President/Director of Organization:

Day Phone: Night Phone:

Your Name:

Day Phone: Night Phone:

Dates Needed:

Production or Event Name:

Date of Event:

Location:

Who will be financially responsible for any damages or loss?

What, exactly, are you looking for? Please be specific: what, how many, size, etc.

If you are looking for microphones or headsets, please indicate who is responsible for your sound:

If you are looking for a drop, what size are you looking for? what is the size of your stage/bars?

When, exactly, are you planning to return items?

Please indicate if there are any unusual uses or other circumstances that might be important (i.e. outdoor stage, any plans to alter any item in any way, etc.)