Unfolding Head-Royce’s Costume Department

There is one aspect of theater that brings character, personality, quality of movement, and more; this is costuming. Andie Patterson (she/they), a Lower and Middle School drama teacher, is the main costume designer for the School’s productions. They first studied theater in New York and eventually came to the School to teach drama. Patterson first got involved with costuming at the school when the previous drama instructor, Kathleen Ray, ended up roping her into costuming for some productions. Their first costuming project in her five years with the School was for an eighth-grade musical.  Ever since, she has kept going with it. She is a lover of fashion herself, so deciding to continue with costuming was an easy choice to make. 

With a twinkle in their eye, Patterson says that she “treasures” the moment when students come to see their costumes because typically they are extremely excited to get a glimpse of what they will be wearing. Some may find it surprising that at the School, there haven’t been any costume restrictions regarding theme, modesty, or anything else. Especially for the current show, Chicago, there are more revealing costumes that Patterson says she “just uses [her] best judgment” for. 

Although costuming is based heavily on character, Patterson prioritizes comfort, as some people have sensory issues or are uncomfortable wearing some types of clothing on stage. Patterson also considers sustainability, as they think that fast fashion has a tendency of looking cheap or too modern on stage. They’ve gone to great lengths to keep this value of sustainability, even thrifting some pieces from Las Vegas, and repurposing used clothes from others. Because many are thrifted pieces, some costumes undergo altering, which Patterson does herself. 

Thrifted vintage pieces can require meticulous care, and in the hands of highschoolers this can be unpredictable. Patterson says that “at some point, you just have to let go,” and trust that the students will take good care of them, as there are some very high-quality vintage pieces. For any future shows, Patterson would like everyone to know that they are always taking clothing donations: If you have any clothes that you may not want, consider dropping them off at the drama room, and you might just be seeing them on stage for the next production!