Wow, I forgot I made you that! That must be from the IYP we did years ago! I’m so happy you have made good use of it 
I know I still have lovely things from that swap too (a lovely big project bag with some kimono fabric patchwork in it springs to mind) 
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Whoa! Amazing stuff! I really need that dance hall girl costume. Just to wear around town.
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We took lace up corsets and inserted zippers into them because of the need for quick changes. The dance hall girls wear their stockings underneath long skirts in other scenes to help with that as well…I never even thought about the costume changes and why it is important to make it easy to get in and out of them for the actors/actresses!
I love learning these kinds of tips!
Yes, I love that purple costume…you should see the fascinator that goes with it! Lots of fun!
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Small project…repaired and made new “holders” for suspenders. I used vinyl, but not sure if they will hold up as well as leather…the actors are very hard on the “holders” because they move around a lot and are not comfortable wearing them…
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This makes me so happy for you!
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Coming down to the wire…today is a dress rehearsal day, so I will be there to do last minute small tasks like sew on a button, hem sleeves and pants, etc. The lead actors will be given all of there costumes, shoes and accessories. We will be noting what has to be left with us for any larger repairs, which hopefully, there are none!
I finished the final three coats!
The coat on my dress form is for one of two of the larger and shorter cast members. I had to figure out how to blend them in with the other three slimmer and taller leads. Same fabric, same collar but a boxier shape to fit. Took 5 yards of fabric each to make those two coats, and they are HEAVY! It was like wrangling a quilt to sew them, but, I really felt those two guys deserved a nicely made coat even if they have smaller parts.
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Wow, they look great! That is a LOT of sewing!
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It’s so interesting to see a bit of the behind the scenes of a theatre production. It’s such a lot of work! Everything looks wonderful.
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It is a lot of work! Everyone in the arts “work” because it is their passion.
Today was the first dress rehearsal or run through. I had to take notes of everything, like who forgot to wear a hat or who had on white socks instead of black, etc. The actors/actresses are just trying to remember their lines and songs so wardrobe has to help them remember what they are to wear in each act.
We spotted timing problems as well: People can’t change fast enough sometimes so we have to just throw clothes over their clothes! It gets hot and bulky at times! Such troopers!
Sound, lighting, props…all were there to catch all the problems before opening night this Thursday!
I am exhausted…I was up sewing until midnight last night and then got up at 4 am to sew some more…I was at the theater at noon and left around 8…and still sewing now … but I love it!
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It sounds like you are having a wonderful time, so happy you found this connection.
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Me, too! There are so many young people that need encouragement and hugs! I had three big burly young men give me hugs yesterday when I helped them put on suspenders.
Last minute alterations yesterday included:
Sewing on lots of loose or missing buttons
Hemming two pair of pants
Hemming two jacket sleeves
Taking in waistband of pants
Fixing a vest belt
I am going for my workout and then for my monthly facial at the spa. Back to the theater at 6 and probably more last minute alterations! I also have to get my tickets…I get 6 free! Tickets range from $70 to $600 each (of course, we are compted the cheap seats!).
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I’m exhausted just hearing your schedule! That level of commitment can only come from passion. It must be so exciting and satisfying to see everything come together. Break a leg!
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I swear it is adrenaline that keeps me going…the excitement of the cast and all of the noise and confusion sure are a break from the silent times of the COVID years…I do think humans are meant to interact with each other and connect in many ways. It feels like living instead of existing when I am around others.
I am glad I am retired…most of the cast work and still do this! I have no idea how!
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TOMORROW is opening night! I am going with the wardrobe crew to WATCH, not work! YAY!
Last night was rough…I was at the theater from 6 to midnight! So many last minute fixes, and the Costume Designer herself still has three outfits to make: a suit jacket, a dress, and a straight jacket!
I made a vinyl gun holster for the lead actor…he loved it and now, he comes to me for a lot of small things, like finding his hat! ha ha ha
I love the younger actors/actresses…they call me Miss Linda, as they are prone to do in the South!
Other tasks:
Tack vests to clown suits and add red bowties
repair lining in coats
hem up jacket sleeves
sew headbands into hats to fit natural hairstyles (we must be sensitive to cultural customs)
Teach actors how to wear Jewish prayer shawls
Make leg and arm sleeves from pantyhose to cover tattoos
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GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!! Home stretch!!
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Years ago, in a church play, the actor portraying Jesus had a large upper arm tattoo that nobody knew about until it was time to figure out costumes. Poor lady in charge was beside herself wondering how to cover it because the men were supposed to be bare armed. He wore a t-shirt under this costume.
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Oh how exciting!!! I hope you have a wonderful opening night Miss Linda 
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That looks so cool!! Awesome work!
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How COOL!
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