At ImprovEd Shakespeare, we believe in a fully immersive experience. From teaching and developing Shakespeare-speech, traditional acting techniques, as well as innovative, moreover imaginative modern applications of those theatre methods, we want our Kids to live the life of those Elizabethan characters. That being said, costumes, also play an indispensable role in our programs. So, as A Designer Prepares for production, we take you through some of the costume planning and deliberations of ImprovEd Shakespeare.

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SKETCHES WITH THE DUCHESS

One of the crucial questions we, as well as our Kids, often ask is; How do you come up with ideas for the historical costumes? To answer, first we gather information. For example, what is the gender of the character? At ImprovEd Shakespeare, we take some liberty with the original script. As is often the case, we regularly have more female performers available than male. Therefore, to fairly allot the roles, including time on stage, we sometimes change the genders from the formerly intended male to a female. In the post, ImprovEd Shakespeare Roles for Everyone, you can read about how we successfully changed the gender of a leading character. Naturally, for such a significant change, the costume designs must help the actor or actress assume the role. But more importantly, the ensemble must also transport them back to that other time.

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Another relevant subject is; What is the social class of the characters? In his many plays, class distinction, peasant or royalty, for example, is very important for William Shakespeare. Hence, designing for different social groups merits additional consideration. Then, we further ask; Does the character change costume? And, if so, how often? Usually overlooked, is the epoch in which the play takes place. Although Shakespeare lived during the Tudor period, some of his dramas were of a different age.

After those considerations, we arrive at more practical matters. For example; What are the colors of fabrics do you need. Additionally, what are the sizes you require for each of the costumes? As can be seen, what your budget allows you to spend on supplies will help you to make reasonable design choices. Furthermore, the time you can devote to designing is another crucial factor. All things considered, these are some of the related queries which also guide the direction of ensemble design.

Costume sketch for ImprovEd Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

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FINDING SUPPORT

Yet, there is another, abundant resource. And, it is nearby, merely at your fingertips. This is the wealth of information found online. The web is perhaps the best place to get, as well as share ideas, get inspiration, plus learn about how to make your Shakespeare inspired designs to come to life.

Lastly, as a designer prepares those drawings, your regional Renaissance Festival is a great place to see locally produced Shakespeare inspired patterns on full display. After prancing about with those local bards, go home, get to work, and sketch yourself your designs.

The Duchess is a 12-year-old girl living in Austin. She balances her time with reading, sewing, and designing historical costumes.

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Performances

Each fall and spring, ImprovEd Shakespeare develops a new production for live performance. In honor of the traditional Renaissance traveling troupe, during a period of a few weeks, we present Kid-friendly plays at various venues around town. Our Players, between 3rd-11th grade, gear themselves with playful, as well as engaging interpretations of works by the Bard of Avon. Suitable for all ages, each performance runs for about an hour.

Furthermore, these shows are always FREE. However, we gladly accept Donations! Additionally, visit ImprovEd Shakespeare, Shakespeare for Kids by Kids on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. And don’t forget to click on our BLOG for the stories behind these videos.