How to Buy Opera Costumes
Opera costumes can be some of the most ornate and beautiful examples of costumery in theater. The long tradition of lavish opera costumes goes back centuries and evokes a sense of fantasy that only the opera can provide. However, shopping for opera costumes can be a bit tricky without the proper savvy. Learn how to buy opera costumes that will perfectly fit the performance and continue the lavish costume tradition.
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Instructions
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Meet with the production designer, director and key leads in your opera to begin a dialogue about appropriate costuming. Research the era of your opera and decide what elements will work best with the overall vision of the production.
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Get precise measurements for all members of the opera company who will be wearing a costume. Write down the person's role, measurements, and if possible a rough sketch of what they will be wearing so searching for the right costume to buy will be easier.
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Take two or three people with you on search for opera costumes to buy. Look in the phone book for costume shops in your area, and pay special attention to whether they provide stage costumes.
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Call in advance to various costume shops and make an appointment to meet with someone regarding your specific needs. Mention your needs to the salesperson and provide them with as much information regarding your production as possible.
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Work with your production's business coordinator to set up a purchase order or payment for your costumes. Bring in as many actors as possible for alterations on their costumes at least 2-3 months before the performance; you want to provide ample time to the alteration specialists.
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Tips & Warnings
Take pictures of the set design if possible to show to costume distributors or seamstresses so they can get a good feel for the show.
Do some rough sketches of costumes prior to searching for the costumes themselves; it will help you visualize the costumes and save time.
Consider costume rental; many theater and opera costume rental shops have many costumes on hand for widely performed opera productions.
Do not wait last minute to begin compiling ideas for costumes.
