How to Make Costumes

Costumes

We have found that costumes can be very simple. Some ideas are outlined below. Over the years we have accumulated quite a collection of tunics, capes and hats so that each year costuming becomes easier. As the director, I have asked our troupe to keep the same “medieval style” of costuming so that we can re-use costumes and ease the burden on the parents. Invariably we have troupe members who become very motivated to learn to sew, and they have made marvelous costumes. However, it always helps if everyone knows that we do not expect complicated costumes. The extra creativity that some put into their costumes is enjoyed by everyone, without making anyone feel stressed.

The Basics:

For male roles, a tunic can be made by folding a rectangle of fabric in half, cutting a hole for the head, and sewing up the side seams in such a way that holes are left for the arms. A blouse or turtleneck shirt, a pair of slacks, a belt and conservative shoes complete the outfit.

Capes can be made from a rectangle of fabric pinned at the throat. Choose fabrics that suggest the status of the character: silks and velvets for royalty, rougher fabrics for peasants.

For female roles a long skirt can be combined with a blouse, an over-tunic or a fancy vest.

We have made beards out of yarn. One example was a white beard we made from year for Polixenes in "The Winter's Tale" when he disguised himself as an old man. For characters who need to have "real" beards, we have used beards from theater shops.

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