Costume questions answered!

Yesterday your child brought home a list of costume items he or she should supply. We ran out of time, unfortunately, before we could give fuller explanations of each item and answer all the performers' questions. We hope this post will make things clearer (and if not, feel free to email us at jgmsmusical@gmail.com with your questions).

FEMALE PERFORMER BASICS
We ask that all the women in the cast have basic foundation garments: a neutral-colored cami or leotard, and black tap pants (also called booty shorts) or bike shorts. This allows the girls to make quick changes in semi-public areas (backstage, hallways) without fear of overexposure. If you don't already own these, Forever 21, H&M, and Marshall's/TJMaxx typically have super-cheap options.

Orphans should also have black footless leggings to wear under their dresses. Not everyone will end up needing them (some have longer dresses than others), but they're a nice bit of security and flexibility while climbing on bunk beds and doing cartwheels or splits. (Click on any picture to view larger.)

FOOTWEAR
Character shoes and jazz shoes are recommended for most female performers. If your child does not already have these kinds of shoes from prior dance/theatre experience, you do NOT need to go buy them (decent dance shoes in adult sizes can run upwards of $75). Shoes with a similar style and heel will work just as well.

Other shoe style options for female performers that would work just fine.

Orphans and Hoovers should ideally have some kind of combat-style, lace-up boot, like this (I can't remember if we got these at Target or Marshall's. Apparently Doc Martens and Doc-style boots are back in fashion now, thank goodness).

Male performers should have simple black shoes. Black sneakers typically do NOT work, because the soles are often in a contrasting color and look too modern.

The most important thing for all performers is to have shoes that are comfortable and secure for walking and dancing. If your child is wearing heels at any point and isn't used to walking in them, she should practice on stage in them as soon as possible.

If you have costume items that your child doesn't need, but another performer might, please let us know, and we can figure out a cast costume exchange system. All lent items should be clearly labeled, and borrowed items should be cleaned before being returned.


COSTUME STORAGE
All performers must bring a storage box with lid, labeled with his or her full name, on Tuesday, March 29. Students were instructed to bring the bins directly to the auditorium in the morning, before heading to their lockers or first period. Bins should be big enough to store all costume pieces, including shoes (so a standard shoebox will NOT be big enough). Grocery bags and other bags are not sturdy enough or stackable enough to work either. If you have trouble locating a suitable bin, please let us know.

If you have any other questions, we're only an email away.

-- Lariza and Emily