LotL-3: Costuming
This is the third post in a series about the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire in Tavares, Florida. Find all the entries in the series using the LotL link.
I had intended to discuss the storyline and characters of Hickory Grove on the Lake this week, but I want to do a little additional research before sharing that with you. Lack of data is dangerous and I don’t want to be the cause of someone ending up in Her Majesty’s ill graces *chuckling* ’cause it’s all fun and games until someone loses their head.
Instead, we’re going to talk about costumes. Costuming for the cast is one of the most time consuming aspects of preparation. Jennifer Julian, Cast Director, emphasized how critical fabric and color selections were to creating the ambiance of the event during the auditions. The full cast portion of the first rehearsal was a reiteration of the requirements, an explanation of what is available for loan, and a reminder that all material requires approval before it may be used.
The Educational Foundation of Lake County provides a budget each year for generic costume pieces. Purchasing the material, patterns, and sundries in bulk provides a cost effective way to have basic garments available for the cast to borrow for the run of the faire. Linda Juaire, a cast member, volunteers her time to make chemises, skirts, bodices, pants, shirts, vests, and hats in a variety of sizes and colors. Last year she made chemises in quantity, this year she is making bodices. Washed and stored year to year, the stash grows as long as everyone returns what he or she has borrowed.
The cast is made of two segments. There are the Nobles, Historical Figures and Waiting Gentles (Ladies-in-Waiting, Waiting Gentlemen) and then there are all the rest. The costuming requirements for the two groups are quite different.
Nobility and waiting gentles
When the call went out for nobility and waiting gentles to audition, the requirements included a willingness to spend $100-$250 on their costume. There are a few noble costumes available for loan but cast member must purchase or make all their underpinnings and accessories. Ladies underpinnings included a minimum of a smock, corset, farthingale (think hoop skirt), and bum roll (a roll of material worn around the waist under the skirt to make it stand out a little). A gentleman’s undergarments are not quite as extensive but include a shirt and drawers or hose.
Quite a few of the noble cast members brought swatches of material or garments to the first rehearsal to show Ms. Julian. They also discussed hats and shoes, the merits of using eBay to find items, and house colors. Those in service to the Queen are wearing shades of green while Bess Hardwick’s household colors are shades of blue.
Linda Juaire accepted a commission to make one noblewoman’s gown this year. As soon as Madeline Bradfield received her role assignment, she contacted the seamstress with a request to discuss what she wanted. In addition to the gown and bodices, Miss Linda, as the cast calls her, is making Irish gowns for two servants to the Queen, aka her daughter and a friend. An Irish gown is a simple dress, consisting of a bodice and attached skirt that laces up the front of the bodice, leaving the skirt split up the front. They will also wear either a long chemise or a short chemise and second skirt.
Villagers, Singers, Pirates, and Gypsies
The villagers, pirates, and singers costumes are essentially the same. Females wear one or two skirts, a long or short chemise, a bodice, and a hat. The gents wear britches, a shirt, a vest, and a hat. The cloth is woven of all-natural material (linen, cotton, or wool) in muted colors. The singers’ have assigned colors while the others could rummage through the stored garments, picking and choosing what fit and suited them. It was a flurry of activity on the stage as the cast examined various pieces, trying on interesting items, and exclaiming delightedly when an outfit came together.
A couple of new skirts will be in order since they discovered that at least one of the female villagers needs longer hems to stay period appropriate. Ms Juaire explained that exposed upper chests were common but that showing an ankle indicated loose morals. She also reminded everyone that a hat of some kind was required. “Everyone wore a hat and had head lice. You don’t need to acquire that, we’re not looking to be that historically accurate,” she quipped.
The gypsies will be making costumes using view B of the Simplicity 5359 pattern. Ms. Julian had used the pattern to make her daughter the outfit in burgundy and gold. The child was adorable and spun to show how the circle skirt stood out to show the pantaloons below, the coins on her vest jingling merrily.
It’ll be interesting to observe how all the ideas come together as the rehearsals progress. We plan to attend the final rehearsal and look forward to seeing everyone in his or her finery.
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