To the Costume Shop We Go!

Only one week until the opening of BalletMet’s next performance, Sleeping Beauty. I had the opportunity today to visit the costume shop and talk to Erin Rollins, the Assistant Costume Shop Manager and Wardrobe Manager, about the upcoming show!

Q: Can you tell me a little about the costumes?

A: We have been working on the costumes for Sleeping Beauty since July and have been working on them at the same time as working on costumes for other shows, such as The Nutcracker.

All but around 12 costumes are new, leaving around 300 new costumes and 70 new headpieces. Most of the fabric was purchased from New York City’s Garmet District. Costumes were tailored in China and hats were made in Pennsylvania. All the tutus are custom made and some of the costumes were outsourced to factories to make sure everything is done correctly. We had two specially created road-boxes just for the tutus to get them to the Ohio Theatre. The bodices for both the men and women’s costumes are lined with a heavy canvas; which we’ve used at least 120 yards. I don’t even want to think about how many #6 hooks we have gone through!

Q: Since there are two different casts for this show, how will that work for the costumes?

A: Dancers will be able to share the costumes. However, there are at least 2 extras for each costume just in case, which adds a lot of work!

Q: Will you be working up until the show?

A: Yes. Most likely we will be working through the show. Since the costumes are brand new, they will stretch after the dancers dance in them for the first time, so we will be working through the show and refitting. There are at least 12 artisans and plenty of volunteers who have been helping since July! We have specialty make-up for Carabosse and her minions. There is a special team just to be backstage doing makeup for the children.

Q: After Sleeping Beauty, what’s next for the costume shop?

A: DanceTech and a little bit of rehabbing (which consists of cleaning, filing, etc.)

Q: Which costume is your favorite?

A: That’s tricky. Right now, I really love the White Cat costume. She is so sassy and fun.

Q: What are you most excited for?

A: I am most excited to see the costumes on the stage! The costumes have enormous detail and are very rich. It is going to be a beautiful show.

Thank you so much for your time Erin! I know how busy you are and I enjoyed getting to visit down there! Sleeping Beauty opens next week so make sure to get your tickets!

-Kelsey :)