Crafting a costume for “Something Rotten” at Bergen Academies

Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to design and create a costume for our school’s musical production of Something Rotten. It was an amazing experience that allowed me to experience the costume design process from start to finish. From creating renderings to having fittings with the actor, to seeing the costume on stage in all it’s glory, it was an unforgettable experience.

The Inspiration Behind the Costume

Something Rotten is a hilarious and heartwarming musical set in the 1590s, revolving around two brothers who are struggling to make their mark in the world of theater. With its vibrant costumes and whimsical set designs, it was essential that the costume I designed captured the play’s essence and transported the audience back to the Renaissance era.

However, after reading the script and discussing it with myself and my colleagues, the director of the musical decided for the costumes in the play within the musical to be medieval, while the rest of the cast kept the Tudor style. So, my costume

The Design Process

Creating the costume involved several steps, each filled with creativity and attention to detail. First, I researched the fashion of the time to understand the key elements that defined the era. I then sketched out my design, focusing on how to balance historical accuracy with the playful, larger-than-life aesthetic of the musical.

The fabric selection was crucial. I chose a mix of luxurious velvets, satin, and brocades to reflect the opulence of the period. I also incorporated embellishments like lace, ruffles, and ornate trim to add a dramatic effect. The color palette was a mix of deep blues, rich purples, and golds, which I felt would make a striking visual impact on stage.

Bringing the Costume to Life

Once the design was finalized, I began the process of assembling the costume. This involved sewing together various components, including a fitted bodice, a voluminous skirt, and elaborate sleeves. I spent countless hours at the sewing machine, meticulously crafting each piece to ensure a perfect fit and finish.

One of my favorite parts of this project was creating a custom belt buckle in the form of a cat’s face. I wanted a unique, eye-catching detail that would enhance the overall look of the costume. After molding and shaping the Model Magic, I painted and decorated the buckle with vibrant colors. The result was a distinctive and memorable accessory that added a playful touch to the outfit and tied the entire look together.

Adding the final touches was perhaps the most enjoyable yet stressful part. The last few details were what would tie the whole costume together, and time was running out. The performance was in 3 days!! I attached decorative lace, trims, pearl beading, and sequins so it would shine on stage.