Meerkat Phantom Manor 1911

Costume Guidelines

The scene is a séance at a mansion during the spiritualist movement of the turn of the century.

We're limiting the costumes to earlier 20th century and American periods. Sometime between 1750 and 1920. You can be a bit tattered, but don't look like an accident victim. Pale complexion is encouraged, but no blood. Look creepy, but not a horrific zombie. Dress is more formal, like for a cocktail party or a ball, but casual clothing is appreciated if it passes for the period and is sufficiently drab.

Have a look at the Portrait Gallery, and the list below for ideas.

Male characters

• dress pants, pinstripe encouraged
• vests required
• necktie or collarless button-up shirts
• tuxedo shirts are cheap at the thrift store
• collar flipped-up with cravat
• dress shoes or old-timey boots
• hats
• hair slicked-back

Female Characters

• dresses or skirts, full
• bodice or blouse with puff-sleeves
• boots or character shoes
• (creepy little-girl dress OK, but must be fully accessorized)

Encouraged

• formal
• sparkle jewelry
• pale face
• inverness cloaks or short capes
• light, but drab colors (the stage is too dark to wear black)
• fine patterns like paisley or stripes

Best Vests

• high neck
• lapels
• pocket watch chain

For Ghost Actors

• black clothing is invisible, try something lighter or we can drape you as a ghost.

No-brainer hats can help accessorize modern menswear

• top hat
• newsboy cap
• derby

Not very period

• watch out for 80's formal dresses
• prairie dresses need to be fully accessorized with proper bonnet and boots.
• limit bridal gowns
• cowboy hats are too mundane
• No sleeveless or shoulderless gowns.
• No bare ankles: wear long dresses or tights.

Period Costume Studies

• Edward Gorey
• Mary Poppins (fun video)
• Charles Dickens
• Clue