Costumes for the Stage: A Complete Handbook for Every Kind of Play [Paperback]

Sheila Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2001 | ISBN-10: 1561310689 | ISBN-13: 978-1561310685 | Edition: 2nd Edition

This updated edition of Costumes for the Stage aims at simplicity in all aspects of designing and making costumes. It is designed primarily for those who need to dress plays on a small budget, whether for amateur, semi-professional, or professional groups. Starting with five pages illustrating the basic shapes of each period, Sheila Jackson provides practical advice for every kind of play, together with drawings, diagrams, and patterns from which to work. Included are sections on Greek plays, medieval miracles and mysteries, Shakespeare, seventeenth century, eighteenth century, Victorian and Edwardian costume, the twenties and thirties, and the present day. Each section covers the details of men's and women's clothes (hats, collars, shoes, jewelry, etc.) as well as methods for adapting and simplifying the style of the period. There are also sections on pantomimes and musicals, pageants and school plays, and invaluable advice on underwear, fabrics, measurements and fitting, the use of color, and simple ways to make masks, crowns, and decorations. The revised edition features expanded text and new illustrations. Hundreds of line drawings and no-nonsense, authoritative text combine to make this an essential book of costume design.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Even the well-trained designer might learn a few new shortcuts...A useful starting point for the creative amateur. (Theatre Journal )

Theatres with small budgets (probably every theatre) should...use this handbook as a training manual...should become a basic reference. (Kliatt )

Engrossing. A truly comprehensive handbook. (Publisher's Weekly )

A book for anyone who has to costume a show on a small budget. (Book Notes )

A lavish and exciting book providing an ideal blend of historical detail, practical suggestion, and imaginative flair. (Speech and Drama )

About the Author

Sheila Jackson, who designed the costumes for the popular television series Upstairs, Downstairs was Head of Costume at London Weekend Television. She is also the author of More Costumes for the Stage (also published by New Amsterdam). She lives in London.

Sheila Jackson, who designed the costumes for the popular television series Upstairs, Downstairs was Head of Costume at London Weekend Television. She is also the author of More Costumes for the Stage (also published by New Amsterdam). She lives in London.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: New Amsterdam Books; 2nd Edition edition (September 26, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561310689
• ISBN-13: 978-1561310685
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #606,525 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with practical examples and tips, February 5, 2002

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Costumes for the Stage: A Complete Handbook for Every Kind of Play (Paperback)

Costumes For The Stage appears in its second edition to provide a range of actors and students with clear designs for producing costumes on a small budget. From an introduction to clothing styles and history to practical advice for putting together costumes matching different eras, Costumes For The Stage is packed with practical examples and tips on how to adapt and simplify period clothing.