More on Costumes

Answers to some costume questions...

Q: Do the teens need both outfits (capris and full skirts)?
A: YES. However, Mr. Sheppard has the full skirts for all the girls. Girls can wear the same blouse for both costumes, so the only thing they need, in addition to Basic Costume 1, is a head scarf. Think long and narrow, like the kind you could tie around a ponytail or around your head like a headband. Also, a wide (1") headband could also work, if your daughter doesn't like the scarf.

Q: All kids are also teens, right, even if they have a main role?
A: YES. On the off night (when they are not playing a main role) all girls will also be teen girls, and boys will be teen boys.

Q: Are the adult female and adult male basic costumes something extra?
A: NO. All the adult costumes are spelled out by character name.

Q: Many of the female costumes specify heels; does my daughter really have to wear heels?
A: NO. We would like the main characters, especially the adult females, to have period shoes of some sort that fit her character. If your daughter is comfortable in LOW heels (an inch or so) and wants to wear them, great. She will have to move easily and even dance in them. If she is not comfortable in heels, please don't send them. Mary Janes, close-toe flats, or any sensible flat shoe is fine; please try to make it appropriate for the character, eg, Kim would be fine in Mary Janes, Eleanor Sullivan could wear patent leather flats, etc.

Q: What about the other shoes, Keds or saddle shoes?
A: Something LIKE Keds or saddle shoes is fine; plain white low-top Converse are fine. For the basic teen girl costume, there is a preference for simple, lighter colored sneakers like Keds, but we can be flexible. Due to budget (and hygiene) we can't provide shoes, for the most part, so send us a photo or have your child wear the shoes to rehearsal for evaluation.

Q: My child's part has a lot of costume pieces required, and we don't have them all. Should we buy them?
A: NO. Mr. Sheppard is aiming to supply the *vast majority* of the main character costumes. If you don't have something listed, please let us know and chances are, it will be provided. On the other hand, if your daughter finds a fun, appropriate dress for her part, and she convinces you to buy it, that's up to you, and we are always glad to have costumes that fit and are nice. But PLEASE do not feel obligated to buy anything.

Q: What sort of slippers? Big fuzzy ones that look like alligators?
A: NO. Mr. Doctor wants a period 1950s look, so simple slippers are better. Mr. Sheppard is looking into getting these as well, if possible.

Q: Will our costumes be returned?
A: YES. Please don't send anything irreplaceable or valuable, but all costumes will be sent home after the show. We will take the best care of things that we are able to, but in a show with lots of middle school kids, accidents might happen. Do not send Great-Aunt Nancy's vintage wedding dress!!!!

Q: I have some potential costumes, but am not sure if they are right. What should I do?
A: Send pictures! We'll let you know if something works.

Many thanks to all the parents who have already excavated closets and wardrobes. Kids can and should bring in costume pieces whenever they have them; costumes are locked up at school when not in use during rehearsals.

Any more questions, email Phoebe (phoebe@belsley.org) or Bill Sheppard (William_Sheppard@newton.k12.ma.us).