Theater Rehearsal Clothes

We at StageMagazineOnline.com are here to not only educate you about theater but to help solve your theater problems.

Of course our primary goal is to inform you about what is happening in the theater world. We let you know what plays are being performed where. We let you know where you can find the costumes and props you need for your productions. Why we even have ways of allowing you to earn referral fees if you choose to.

Here is one of my quick thoughts about rehearsal business:

We know that clothes define and stimulate movement. For many actors, they can provide entree into the role as nothing else can. This being the case, what are you wearing today in rehearsal?

If the costume will be restrictive, is it helpful to have dressed for comfort? If you'll be putting your hands in pockets, do you have pockets?

Clothes are behavior, and behavior is often class. If your rehearsal clothes stimulate behavior that indicates a different class than your character's, then what patterns are you learning through rehearsal's repetitions?

To be blunt, if you'll be wearing a jacket in the performance, then wear one during rehearsals.

I'm not suggesting you have to rehearse in costume (though it would be nice, eh?) but, you'll want to rehearse the behaviors the clothes indicate. You won't be able to get it all done in tech. So what are you wearing to rehearsal today?

Tips on stagecraft can often be found on StageMagazineOnline.com. Check us out and you'll see the huge amount of information available about theater. Ruth Goldman