The Play That Goes Wrong
Costume Designer & Wardrobe Supervisor
Theatrical Production | SCAD | March 2023
Directed by Craig Anton
I, and two other designers, designed the costumes for SCAD's production of The Play That Goes Wrong. We each presented designs for every outfit, which we worked with the director to integrate into one cohesive look. I analyzed the script and researched 1920s British fashion to come up with my vision. The mentorship of Roberto Surace, the designer of the original West End and Broadway show, was a great help. He walked us through his own designs and we discussed the physicality of the play. A lot of design choices and decisions of what to build or source were influenced by the actions and stunts that happen in this fun slap stick show.
My familiarity with the characters, cast, and design of the show helped when I became wardrobe manager. I headed the costume crew for the whole run of the show, organizing and tracking the numerous costume pieces. I assisted in quick changes and repairs in a speedy and efficient manner. It was a wonderful experience being a part of the production from beginning to end.
One of my favorite costumes to design was Max's outfit when he is playing Cecil Haversham in the play within the play. He gives sporty playboy energy so I referenced photos of upper class athletic men, who wore a lot of white and cream colors and cable knit vests. Pops of blue make him stand out on the stage and contrast with Sandra's dress. The Initial on his jacket, striped socks, and the dark blue crushed velvet with white trim we added to the lapels, cuffs, and pockets add other areas of interest. The vibrant colors and blend of historical and contemporary fit our look for this play. The jacket had a lot of movement the actor liked to play with and the stretchy fabric of the pants helped facilitate stunts (he fences and is dragged across the floor).
Max as Cecil's outfit was also part of several storylines in the play within a play. Cecil slashed during fencing and later is shot in the back. Because this is part of the play within the play and this fictional theatre troupe is not high level these gags were not high tech. I planned out, practiced, and painted the bullet holes on the back of his vest. They were big and bright red and black so the audience could see them clearly. Max's actor had to simply take off the jacket to reveal the bullet holes which facilitated the quick change. For the blood gag I sewed a hidden pocket in the vest to which he pulled out a piece of red fabric. It got a lot a lot of laughs from the audience and the actor was able to play around with it. The fact that it is so simple and obviously not blood add to the comedy of the show.
Another outfit that was fun to design was Sandra's undergarments. After she is accidentally knocked out and dragged offstage her costume in the play is given to someone else to play. That is why when she comes back she is just in her undergarments. I showed the director many fun patterns to choose from. The costume is meant to be very funny and silly, especially contrasted with the other's period clothes, but we figured out a style that would be modest enough for the actor. A duplicate of the bottoms are even attached to her other dress for when there is a stunt and she is turned upside down so her dress falls down and her undergarment show. Sandra has a lot of stunts where she falls, climbs, and is dragged and carried around so her outfits were made of spandex for movement and durability.
Being Wardrobe Manager for this production entailed organizing four dressing rooms. With my team I steamed, ironed, and prepared outfits. Garments were sprayed with Scotchgard because several actors get sprayed with water in the show. After shows we would spray some clothes with laundry spray and gathered others for laundry. I did repairs to clothes, ranging from stitching buttons back on to polishing shoes with scuff marks. I kept a log of notes of things to report to the costume shop manager each day. It was a fun experience being backstage in the thick of things during the show. I had to work quickly and efficiently to help the actors with their changes and make the show run as smoothly as possible. Knowing the script and costumes like the back of my hand helped me keep everyone on schedule.
