The Giggs Podcast: #23 Mike Bolton & Lisa Bruno - Live From Lititz | Wardrobe on Tour - Behind the Seams

Welcome to The Giggs Podcast! Giggs is the career platform for live event professionals. We're starting this podcast because there's not nearly enough content out there about what it really takes to be on the road. Whether you're an aspiring tour manager, a seasoned backline tech, or just getting started in the business, this podcast is for you. We're taking you behind the scenes to explore the highs and the lows of life gigging on the Giggs Podcast. 

At THE Conference: Live At Lititz, Giggs CEO Nikki Sanz sat down with Mike Bolton, the Managing Director at Go for Wardrobe and former tour manager for Adam Kay, overseeing arena and large theater tours. With a wealth of experience in live events and touring, Mike brings unique insights into the behind-the-scenes operations that make shows run seamlessly.

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The Beginning: A Small Theater in Middlesbrough

Mike’s journey began humbly in a local theater in Middlesbrough, where, as a teenager, he fell in love with the world behind the curtain. “I still remember walking through the green room door,” Mike recalls, “and seeing a show loading in. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before.”

Starting as a lighting and sound technician, Mike’s technical acumen set the stage for his future roles. He eventually pivoted to wardrobe management, a transition inspired by his wife Hannah, a wardrobe veteran in her own right.

A Pioneering Vision

The idea for Go For Wardrobe came from a gap Mike noticed in the industry. “Wardrobe needs a dedicated, vetted crewing system,” he explains. The frustration of unqualified or misallocated local hires inspired Mike and Hannah to create a service that provides production teams with reliable, vetted wardrobe professionals.

Since its inception in 2017, Go For Wardrobe has grown rapidly. It’s become a trusted partner for artists, production managers, and crews worldwide. The company prides itself on matching the right professionals with the right tours—an ethos that guarantees the best outcomes for everyone involved.

Challenges on the Road

Mike’s stories from the road are a testament to the high stakes of wardrobe management. From $12,000 gowns accidentally ruined to local crew misunderstandings (“They sent female riggers to wardrobe just because they were women”), the job requires adaptability and problem-solving. “Nothing prepares you for sewing someone into their costume moments before they step on stage,” Mike laughs.

The Future of Go For Wardrobe

As touring production grows more elaborate, so do the demands for wardrobe professionals. Mike envisions Go For Wardrobe becoming the industry’s go-to provider. “One day, production managers won’t think twice,” he says. “They’ll just call us to sort it out.”

Mike’s journey is a powerful reminder of how passion, vision, and hard work can transform the overlooked into the indispensable. Whether it’s solving last-minute wardrobe malfunctions or building a global staffing network, Mike’s story proves that no dream is too big when fueled by dedication. Go For Wardrobe isn’t just a business; it’s a lifeline for the live events industry, and its future looks brighter than ever.