When Sight & Sound first contacted us to help them construct costumes for their upcoming show, Moses, we were intrigued. This intrigue was immediately followed by all of us pulling out our internet devices to see what we would be getting ourselves into. And boy were we impressed. It seems as though each production seeks to out-do the previous, making their shows more and more fantastic each year. Noah, the production currently on stage in Lancaster, combines the use of computer graphics, costumes, props, and lights to transport visitors to the underwater world of Noah. So how do you top that??
Flash forward to this year and the development of Moses. Now since we have only been contracted to build costumes (because, duh, that's what we do), we won't know until everyone else does how Sight & Sound plans to expand on props, etc., but we know the costumes will be fantastic. The last we heard, the total count of costume pieces is upwards of 800. Yes, EIGHT HUNDRED. See why they asked us for help? ;) We will be receiving batches over the next few months and transforming cut pieces of fabric into full costumes!
This project is a little different than things we usually work on. Instead of beginning with a sketch which we then convert into 3-dimensional costumes, Sight & Sound is designing all of the costumes. They are not only choosing the style lines and shapes, they are also choosing the fabrics and trims! When we get a batch in the mail, all of the pieces are cut and packaged, ready for us to construct. It has been an exercise in problem solving for us: looking at the sample, looking at our pieces, and figuring out the best construction method. It has also been a tremendous learning opportunity for us girls and teaching experience for Marilyn: exploring new techniques such as lapped zippers, raglan sleeves, and french seams.
Overall, we have been so impressed with the design and quality of the costumes Sight & Sound has created. The costumes will not only look great on stage, they will also hold up to the wear and tear they will receive. (Sight & Sound runs their shows two to three times a day, five days a week, for a year. And then the show usually gets shipped to their sister theater in Branson, MO to play there for a while!) Each piece sent to us has been interfaced and stiffened to make them sturdier and our lines of double stitching will ensure that the pieces will last for the whole run of the show.
Sight & Sound, we love working with you and can't wait to see what's in the next batch! If this little teaser about their costumes is making you antsy in your seat, dear reader, check out their website for more information about tickets! We know we'll be there to see it in March!
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