Costume Guide for Our Upcoming Play

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope this letter finds you well. As we prepare for our upcoming play, we kindly ask for your assistance in sourcing costumes for the children. To make this process as easy, budget-friendly, and stress-free as possible, we've put together a general costume guide that suggests items you may already have at home.

General Costume Guidelines

Clothing:

• Old, oversized shirts, blouses, or dresses in earthy tones such as brown, grey, or beige.
• Worn-out trousers, skirts, or pinafores that can be rolled-up or slightly frayed are perfect.
• Simple aprons, shawls, or scarves are optional but can add to the character's appearance.
• For footwear, dark socks or plain shoes will fit well, or we can opt for a barefoot look.

Accessories:

• If available, flat caps, bonnets, or headscarves can enhance costumes significantly.
• Items like belts, waistcoats, or long coats can be used for layering and character variation.
• Simple props such as baskets, trays, or books will also help to enhance their roles.

Extra Details:

• For an aged look, you could lightly rub the clothing with tea bags for a worn effect.
• A touch of charcoal or face paint can be used to create dirt smudges for added realism.
• Rolled-up sleeves and untucked shirts will contribute to a scruffy appearance.

Quick Tips for Parents

• We encourage you to use old clothes instead of buying new items.
• Layering simple items like scarves, aprons, and coats can create diverse looks with minimal effort.
• DIY distressing techniques, such as tea stains and fabric patches, add authenticity to the costumes.
• Above all, please ensure that the costumes are comfortable for the children to move and perform in.

Thank you for your support in helping to make our play a success. I am looking forward to seeing the wonderful outfits that reflect the characters’ spirit.

Many thanks,

Mr Brooke