A Director’s Guide to Outreach Costumes
Design
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The aesthetics of the costume design rests solely with the costumer and the director.
Children should never be given any indication that they may choose their character or costume.
Most outreach productions have been previously produced by the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, which form the
central component of the design. As a result, we will not be deviating significantly from previous design
aesthetics.
Costume additions will first be determined based on the size of the cast.
Special requests will be considered. The sooner we receive these requests, the more likely we are to be able to
accommodate them.
Measurements
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Measurements typically take place the first day of rehearsal. We can take measurements during a read through.
Should any students drop after they have been measured, please inform the costume shop within 24 hours.
Fittings
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Fittings typically take place the Wednesday before tech week. This may change in order to accommodate load in
schedule, school schedule or holidays. It should not be changed to accommodate the rehearsal schedule.
We need extra parent volunteers for fittings day in order to supervise all activities.
Costumer will give a speech outlining:
o Why we wear costumes
o The process for the fitting day
o No food or drink (except water) or rough-housing in costume
o Students will wear their own shoes (parents should be informed that they should not purchase new shoes
for this production)
o Students may not keep any components of their costumes
Boys are fit first, Girls second.
Students should take their costumes behind the stage curtain, fully change their clothes into the costume, and
return to the costumer. The costumer will make notes of alterations, Students will then return behind the curtain,
change and return costumes to the costumer on their hanger.
No students of the opposite gender should be in the multipurpose room during the fittings.
Students not being fitted typically are allowed to play outside with parent supervision.
Tech and Performances
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A dressing room for each gender will be assigned. Racks will need to be moved between the multipurpose room
and the dressing rooms. A general “green room” will also be assigned for congregating during the performance.
Costumer will be present to assist with dressing, hair, costume emergencies, and general supervision.
The costumer will not be available for front of house or backstage duties such as ushering or set changes.
Students should place their personal clothes in their ditty bags for the duration of the tech/performance.