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- Do not panic - write everything down.
- Make a spreadsheet (see below)
- Have a travel-size folder to keep things in
- Find inspirational pictures. The best place to go to determine the "look" of a costume period is art work and costume books. When looking at these books, you should look for the general lines of the costume first. Detail work comes later. Questions you should ask are: - Where is the waist? - What type of sleeve are we dealing with? - Is the neckline high or low? - Are there any outstanding features that immediately capture my eye? When you have answered these questions, you are ready to start browsing through pattern books for patterns that highlight these features. Once you have achieved the basic look of the period, you can go on with other concerns such as unity of line coordination of color, and overall appearance of the show.
- Be creative with fabric - dye it, pleat it, make it more fun (just be careful, this takes time)
- Having costumes is more important than having perfect costumes
- Be prepared to say no to things. If something is too hard, stressful, or time consuming, let the director/producer know. There is no shame in that.
Documentation
- Items to buy
- Items to find
- What people are wearing
- How to make things
- Measurements
- How much you spent
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Sources (in order of where you should look for things first)
- RinaldiOur own costume rack
- Other theater groups (if they are feeling generous)
- Asking actors to bring in own clothes
- Thrift stores
- Garmet District's Dollar-a-Pound
- Goodwill stores (esp. Roxbury)
- Old drapes, tablecloths, linens, and lace for fabric
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Start gathering and building as soon as possible after the initial measurements are taken. It is a good idea to first look through the Ensemble's costume stock, then visit Rinaldi, then talk to MTG and G&S, and then try secondhand stores to get any pieces that might be found. Costume Builds should be hosted regularly with advance notice sent to the cast through email at least 2 days ahead of time. Close track should be kept of all spending to keep in line with the budget and also produce the necessary costumes. An email should be sent to the ensemble treasurer before purchases are made. Other places to look are in actor's wardrobes.
Rinaldi requires that all Borrowed costumes should be cleaned or dry-cleaned before their return - which you should account for in your budget. MTG and G&S would prefer to have their garments dry-cleaned but a washing machine can do the trick if the costume is not elaborate or easily destroyed. Ask costume lenders what they prefer.
All costumes should be complete by the Costume Parade, one week before put-in. However, don't worry too much if you're still finishing up one or two pieces. Alterations can definitely be made after the Costume Parade, but all actors should be clothed, shod, and decent by that day. The director is allowed to make requests and suggestions, and the costume designer is allowed to loudly refuse any unreasonable ones.
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