Costumes for the Stage: A Complete Handbook for Every Kind of Play

This updated edition of Costumes for the Stage aims at simplicity in all aspects of designing and making costumes. It is designed primarily for those who need to dress plays on a small budget, whether for amateur, semi-professional, or professional groups. Starting with five pages illustrating the basic shapes of each period, Sheila Jackson provides practical advice for every kind of play, together with drawings, diagrams, and patterns from which to work. Included are sections on Greek plays, medieval miracles and mysteries, Shakespeare, seventeenth century, eighteenth century, Victorian and Edwardian costume, the twenties and thirties, and the present day. Each section covers the details of men's and women's clothes (hats, collars, shoes, jewelry, etc.) as well as methods for adapting and simplifying the style of the period. There are also sections on pantomimes and musicals, pageants and school plays, and invaluable advice on underwear, fabrics, measurements and fitting, the use of color, and simple ways to make masks, crowns, and decorations. The revised edition features expanded text and new illustrations. Hundreds of line drawings and no-nonsense, authoritative text combine to make this an essential book of costume design.

Author: Sheila Jackson
Publisher: New Amsterdam Books
Published: 09/26/2001
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.58lbs
Size: 9.22h x 6.36w x 0.47d
ISBN13: 9781561310685
ISBN10: 1561310689
BISAC Categories:
- Performing Arts | Theater | Stagecraft & Scenography
- Design | Textile & Costume

About the Author
Sheila Jackson, who designed the costumes for the popular television series Upstairs, Downstairs was Head of Costume at London Weekend Television. She is also the author of More Costumes for the Stage (also published by New Amsterdam). She lives in London.