COSTUMES – Peter and the Starcatcher DESIGNING FOR BROADWAY: “The directors and I were looking to create individual looks for each of the actors that were at once unique and also strongly related in color and feel to one another so the ensemble could become large blocks of unified color when representing doors and walls on the ship. There was a very DIY feel to the set, as if the actors had made a set out of found objects to put on a show – this idea was heavily reflected in our mermaid costumes as well.” – Paloma Young Peter and the Starcatcher was conceived as story theater, a type of theatrical presentation in which an ensemble of actors plays multiple roles and provides narration to tell a story (i.e., create the set and physicalize the circumstances of the play). Thus we need your help in providing costume pieces for the show. Since our ensemble is playing multiple roles – including set pieces like gangways – it will be useful to start with base costumes provided by each actor to ensure good fit that reflect how each actor will embody their character(s). Throughout the show, members of the ensemble may add pieces to denote which characters or places they are playing in the moment - this includes all mermaid costumes and an over-layer for all Mollusks and hats for some Mollusks which will be provided by the Costume Team. The Costume Team will also provide “special accents” for individuals that may not exist in your closets/drawers. These would be accessories, hats, coats, etc. pulled from stock. Most characters in the show are a bit disheveled and misfit and your base costume should reflect that. Hopefully, you have everything you need (old clothes that may not look pristine or fit perfectly any more that you may even want to distress a bit more) in the back of your closet, bottom of a drawer, or in your donation piles. If you feel inspired to purchase items, Fort Worth has a lot of great thrift stores full of inexpensive treasures. You may want to “distress” your costumes by making them dirty or ripped, but please refrain doing so until you first consult with the Costume Team. Notes: Please provide shirts, shorts, pants, skirts, sweaters, socks, etc. that are shades of tan, brown, grey, black or denim blue. Everyone will need black jazz shoes except for the principle dancers who will discuss shoe needs with Brittany. Clothing should not look modern. Look for simple clothing items that don’t have modern touches like cargo pockets, screen printed images, or built from athletic fabrics. Plaids, stripes, gingham, dots, and solid items are all welcome. (Please reference the images below). If you have something that is bright white but has the perfect style and fit, dip it into a pot of coffee to stain and tone it down.) Some principle characters have very specific looks that involve clothing pieces outside of what you would may in your closets. On Tuesday, June 13, in the evening, the Costume Team will collaborate with those actors to develop a plan for what pieces may be provided by the actor and which items the Costume Team will provide. Shopping: If you don’t own items neutral colors listed, you may have a lot of luck shopping in your local thrift store. McCart Family Thrift (5203 McCart Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76115 (817) 921-9971) organizes their store by color and usually has great sales on top of their low prices. Plato’s Closet specializes in juniors sizes. Visit their website www.platoscloset.com to find a location near you. Also, Goodwill gets lots of donations daily. Visit www.goodwill.org to find one near you. Dates: All items must be brought to camp on a labeled disposable hanger with a labeled paper or plastic bag for accessories on Monday, June 19 (although you should bring your shoes to camp as soon as you have them for dance rehearsals). On Tuesday, June 20, we will have a costume parade during which the designer and director will look at your costume so that modifications can be made before the dress rehearsal. Costumes will be stored in the dressing rooms assigned to each student during camp and must be taken home after strike on Sunday, June 25. “Whether Peter marks your first or 100th production, we hope [these guidelines] inspire you to take risks, explore new methods of storytelling, and empower your cast to participate in the design and staging process. As Peter says, “This is gonna be one awfully big adventure.” We hope it’s one that brings you great joy.”- Julie Haverkate We are truly excited to share this adventure with you all! If you have any questions, please email [email protected] – Colleen & Lauren Below are some ideas to ignite your imagination as you prepare for June camp: