While I was waiting to hear about whether or not I had gotten into grad school, life in the Auburn University costume shop continued with The America Play. This was a small show with only a few cast members onstage. However, there was also a mini carnival set up in the lobby with some of our actors dressed as Abe Lincoln.
I made for one of the onstage actresses a blouse. It’s a cotton print and if I remember correctly it was from a commercial pattern.
I also made some vests and non-tailored jackets for the carnival Lincolns. The jackets were somewhat difficulty because the synthetic fabric did not want to press crisply. The jackets and vests were also from commercial patterns.
Lastly, I made my first men’s shirt for one of the onstage actors. This is more complicated than one might imagine, at least to get it right. I was successful enough for the stage but I have since learned little tricks to make this look nicer. Things like making the undercollar a little smaller than the topcollar. That particular trick makes a huge difference in how the finished collar sits. But here is my first men’s shirt.
I’ve also since learned how to put those front plackets in more neatly, but hey live and learn! And when all is said and done, this isn’t bad for a first mens shirt!
Evolution of a Costume Technician 