Working in the Theatre: Odd Jobs 2

In this episode, we revisit careers in the theatre that not only lack a spotlight, but whose specifics are unknown to those working behind the scenes. Nonetheless, they are crucial to the production of a stage show and make things move smoothly. Custom Shoemaker Gino Bifulco produces shoes for some of the most well-known shows past and present. You are sure to have seen his work. Bruce and Sarah Barish, owners of Ernest Winzer Cleaners have cleaned, organized, and maintained costumes, props, and more for the Broadway stage. The family owned business has supported making cast comfortable and restoring the work of the great designers for over 110 years. It’s an Odd Job that’s extremely important for every run of a stage show.
American Theatre Wing’s Working in the Theatre documentary series features the most fascinating people on the stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. From Tony Awards® and Obie Awards® winning artists to the next generation of theatre makers, we capture theatre’s inner-workings, industry luminaries, and unique stories that surround important work.
American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards® and home of and the Obie Awards®: for more information visit americantheatr....
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[@danielcann]

I really want to thank the American Theatre Wing for this channel. You have provided me with education and insight in to theatre. I’d also like to extend my gratitude to the gracious teachers here who have been willing to share their expertise and wisdom.

[@sageevergreen4868]

You can tell he’s still passionate after 42 years of building it up from basically nothing. Props to him, deserves a tony.

[@yellohcards]

I agree. He should definitely get an honorary Tony.

[@ZoraTheberge]

I love that the guy just put on the heels. And walked fairly well in them. The “sex is in the heel” shoes are the highest pair with the skinniest stiletto Lola wears. Incredible

[@LouisClarkeClare]

try doing the show haha!!

[@zachariahforrest3339]

I dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know of a tool to log back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot the account password. I love any assistance you can give me.

[@damondallas1237]

@Zachariah Forrest instablaster :)

[@MorgaineRiddlePrince]

I like that he doesn't compromise price. That is how his workers get paid.

[@LiaaaaaaaaAAAAAHH]

Greatest advice ever: “you have to know how to build what you are selling.” That hit home for me

[@hd-xc2lz]

It's a notion you wish was good advice, but sadly we live in a world today in which it's actually impractical advice for most people in sales and financial services.

[@PeterLewysPreston]

So basically he's the real life Charlie Price

[@leilaniromero7640]

I appreciate how it shows a part of theatre that isn’t talked about. I didn’t realize how specialized even the shoes for the shows were. I also didn’t realize how much work goes into just washing all those costumes regularly and taking care of them.

[@Ella-tx9ui]

The way that these people work so hard just for a few shows. To me that’s honestly dedication. They should be given an award for what they do. They are people to be raising the curtains for.

[@katrinasweet5973]

I'm a senior in high school and I love musical theatre. I want to go into musical theatre someday, and these videos are really helpful to see what's out there. Thank you for making these!

[@raccoonchronicles5134]

You'll never make it.

[@jasperfilshie4200]

Phfft! Whatever! That’s not very nice of you

[@biancavelez5065]

I love how this video shows all the shadow work that goes on in theatre. The amount of thought that goes into something like a shoe goes to show that so much work is put into show productions, and it makes me appreciate theatre 100x more.

[@Ellie-pg4nf]

I love how much dedication and work goes into a shoe. You never really think about that

[@boredinsomniac9874]

I like how dedicated he is to his job. "For the most part, we are always in the building by 4 AM." I struggle just getting up at 6 AM!

[@jellyfishyishy]

wow I never realised just how much work was put into just the shoes!

[@Butlinsgvn6]

This guy is amazing

[@chocolatesouljah]

Hello, I love how the actor who is doing a "Lola" fitting from "Kinky Boots" takes a selfie with shoemaker Gino Bifulco at 7:21.

[@nikkosalvador3374]

I think he's not playing lola. That was not lola's shoes. I think he's one of the Angels. The black queen who has poodle hair.

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@nikkosalvador3374 Helpful, thanks!

[@haileyhardy3270]

I didn't realize how much went into the costumes on broadway. I thought it was cool that they could find the depth of a person's feet by looking at where the ink showed and where it didn't. I also didn't think about the fact that more often than not they need their costumes washed and ready for the next day.

[@KennyBye]

his story is very similar to kinky boots, which is funny since he makes shoes for kinky boots!

[@clairconstance]

Kenzie Bye I was thinking the exact same thing as i was watching this

[@maryooowoahh]

The first guy was so humble even though his work is so beautiful! Also I love how he walked in those 5 inch heels like they were nothing!

[@amandamays5169]

Wish they would tell the salary of those workers at the dry cleaners. Looks like hard work

[@Doctorstrass]

this man is an international treasure

[@julianacaro6388]

I liked learning about what really goes in to making a show. Its not just rehearsing. Its costumes and shoes and both of those are very important.

[@ellierhees1892]

I like to see the things that we don’t think about and appreciate enough that is behind the senes of the theater, I am glad that he won the tony that he one because he deserves it. I am glad that they are getting more recognition in the video.

[@kaileyswift2696]

This takes so much work. Props to him.

[@glenjamindle]

Can't get any more goomba than Gino Bifulco

[@aliciamack9323]

Love all the costumes for all Broadway shows to off broadway and for the rocketts

[@8shaven]

These are my fave videos. I find them so interesting and love learning about all the different parts that come together to make theatre happen. Please continue to make more ☺️

[@yep.1106]

Works making custom shoes, has old sandles on... That's a dedicated guy 😂

[@ellaconner9452]

Bruce Parrish How do you keep the costumes together to know what show they belong to? Love the videos!

[@nalabees]

23:26 docu so real they even show how ny'ers actually cross a busy street =D

[@purplerhino6710]

The thing that got to me the most was that he incorporates different orthopedic aspects into the shoe, so the actors can be somewhat comfortable whilst performing.

[@odonata9838]

THIS made my day...wow!!!!

[@autumn3614]

I really appreciated how he took the time to see how they moved and what worked best on them. He also added the touch of the business and still fit in what the show needed.

[@michelraphael7631]

what a nice, likeable individual!

[@jaxonfessler7951]

I like all of the weird jobs you posted

[@SIMKINYX]

What a lovable guy!

[@caitfoster733]

Could one be made for stage management?

[@beah8316]

Do the actors get to keep the custom made shoe after they move to a different show?

[@kaylajackson9896]

6:47: me at 3am in my mirror

[@merielymacea4456]

LMAOAOAA SAMEEE

[@andy9644]

His figure looked great in them heels like damn

[@kikyotwosoul]

I would kill to learn to make shoes.

[@tishsmiddy71]

Thank you 😊

[@tishsmiddy71]

I love to know half the stain removers the Dry cleaners ! 😊

[@AnActualWolf]

Does anyone know the artist and track that begins around ~ 6:05 (and continues to play during the boots try-on/dance)? It's really great! Would appreciate anyone who might know.

[@AmericanTheatreWing]

It's on original track by our series composer Julio Monterrey.

[@jade9148]

Why the hell would that last guy jaywalk like that? there was literally a zebra crossing right there. Was it for the "cool shot"? Super Irresponsible. Other than that, great video. I love this series ^^!

[@pluto8615]

It's New York lol. Everyone jaywalks welcome to the city if the cops tried to arrest every guy jaywalking the jail cells would be full and the streets empty.

[@glenjamindle]

Lmao really? Do you have any idea how much time would be wasted if you had to use the crosswalks? City blocks are huge. I'm not walking up, crossing, and walking back down.

[@magickitchen54]

Amazing

[@barbarablacknell4307]

This is a great series unfortunately someone decided that the background music was more important than the dialogue, it drowned out the speech !

[@jenniferchristensen3020]

i like that he knows about his father... whats that like?

[@Skeletalbirch]

3:12 hamilton shoes

[@pineapplelymarshmallows3067]

yo im here for online school quorentine sucks

[@hyunpotato1142]

HaMiLtOn ShOe BiBLe

[@mikaylaisdabumm7]

wait so LuDuca isn't the only popular one..?

[@gwyneths3048]

mikayla iovine luduca is dance shoes for everyone, these are just for broadway shows.

[@caitfoster733]

LaDucas are standardized, doing really only one kind of heal and fit. If a show or a person wants a more stylized shoe they would look here or elsewhere.

[@raccoonchronicles5134]

No one's gonna mention why that dude is walking in the middle of the street at 23:46???

[@joncampos5551]

14:51. Cutie

[@sendwhitesupremaciststothe8618]

It's really awesome to put a face to these jobs!