Dressing Room

A dressing room is a private backstage space where performers change, warm up, and prepare before a show. On tour, dressing room requirements are specified in the hospitality rider and confirmed during the venue advance.

What dressing rooms include

The rider typically specifies: mirrors with good lighting, comfortable seating, clothes rack or hangers, towels, iron/steamer, temperature control, power outlets, and whatever personal items the artist needs (specific snacks, beverages, candles, particular types of lighting). On larger tours, there may be separate dressing rooms for the artist, the band, support acts, and hair/makeup.

Arena dressing rooms

In arenas, dressing rooms may need to be furnished — they might be in a sports team locker room, and the tour or venue may need to bring in couches, tables, and other furnishings, or outsource them if the venue doesn't provide them.

The reality gap

The rider says "private dressing room with full-length mirror and steamer." The venue has a concrete room with a folding table and a light bulb. This gap is exactly why the advance exists — the tour manager confirms dressing room details before arrival so there are no surprises. When the venue can't meet the rider, the TM negotiates solutions.

Dressing room vs. green room

Dressing rooms are for getting ready — changing, makeup, warming up. Green rooms are for relaxing and waiting. On smaller shows, they're the same room. On larger productions, they're separate spaces with different purposes.