MANHATTAN BEACH—G&M Studio Manager was said to be extremely unhappy with the lack of Halloween spirit at a recent agency party. The staffer, who wishes to remain anonymous, was the only person who dressed in a costume for the event.

“My tin man costume took a lot of time effort,” she said. “I had to get up a good two hours early to get ready for work, and then when I show up, not one other person is wearing a costume. It was a little embarrassing to say the least,” she added.

A memo announcing the Halloween party went out a week earlier but agency officials say that nowhere did it mention wearing costumes. “It was certainly fine that she wore a costume, but in no way did we suggest that staffers dress up for the occasion.” noted Managing Partner, Lisa Welch-Nehring. “We were honestly just thinking we’d get some pizzas and some drinks and leave it at that,” she said.

Although never explicitly stated that staffers should wear costumes to the party, the Studio Manager believes it was implied. “When you hear Halloween Party, you naturally think that means wear a costume, am I right?” she stated. “Who goes to a freakin’ Halloween party without dressing up?”

G&M copywriter Cary Ruby noted, “It was hilarious. I’ve never seen such an angry tin man. When I asked her if she was off to see the Wizard, she threw a stapler at me,” he added.

Agency principals have said they would be clearer in next year’s Halloween party announcement. “We will put on the memo that costumes are optional and not mandatory,” stated Creative Director, Glenn Miller. “I would have put that on the memo this year, if I only had a brain,” he snickered.