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Wednesday, January 25, 2017
Theatre 101: Clothes Really Do Make The Man…Or Woman
I’m back with
another “behind-the-scenes” blog about my play and how acting often relates to
writing. One of the most exciting times in the production process is getting
your costume. For the most part in rehearsals, we’re all dressed in our regular
clothes. So, if you’re playing an opera singer in a 1890s melodrama (which I
am) it’s a little hard to imagine actually being that person when I’m wearing
jeans or something. That all changes when you put on the actual costume. You
suddenly feel more like that characters. It’s like slipping into another
person’s skin (not in a gross way, but a cool way).
A few weeks ago,
the cast of our play made a field trip to a costume store. Well, I should clarify
because this place was a HUGE warehouse filled to the rafters with costumes
from every era in human history. It was like Disney World for everyone who
loved to play dress up as a kid. The owners get many of their costumes from Broadway
shows (they apparently sell old costumes) and trunk sales, and many are made
specifically for certain shows. You want to dress as Queen Elizabeth I…they
have that costume. A 1920s Flapper? They have that, too. Dracula? Yes. Jesse
James? Yep. Big Bird? Oh yes… You name it, they probably have it…or they can
make it.
 |
| Hat Connoisseur |
I finally got to
try on a fancy gown that represents my “Noted Opera Singer & Hat
Connoisseur”. As soon as I did, I could feel an immediate change. I can’t
really post that picture because I don’t want to spoil the big reveal at show
time, but wow could I feel the difference when I put it on. I could suddenly
imagine my character in a way I hadn’t done before. It was heavier than my
normal clothes, with silk and velvet and full skirt that swished when I walked.
Costumes force you to move differently, sit differently. You really do feel
like another person.
Sorry I can’t
post my actual costume, but here’s one of the hats I tried on.
And here’s another
fun item. No, it’s not my costume, but I couldn’t resist trying it on.
 |
| Not my actual costume |
In a weird way, authors have to put on the "costumes" of the characters they write about. Or at least imagine what they would wear. They have to imagine what an unmarried Regency-era heroine would wear as opposed to a widow or "scandalous" woman. How would the quintessential billionaire CEO dress in comparison to a small-town sheriff or a Navy Seal? What kind of shoes would a pampered socialite wear compared to a single mother working to make ends meet? Many authors look online for pictures of what their characters might look like or dress. Some cut out pictures from magazines & create character boards. These can include what the character would wear. You have to know these things in order to make your characters 3-dimensional and real, just as putting on a costume helps an actor understand his/her character.
Have you ever
gotten to put on a cool costume for a show? What did you wear? Did a make you
feel different? Are you an author who likes to find pictures of your characters? Do you look for their clothes, too? Or make character boards?
Please share...
Be sure to check out my latest book release, STRAIGHT ON TOWARD PARADISE, Book 2 in the Shellwater Key Tales.
Chef Emma Bertram’s life is a recipe for disaster, but she’s about to
discover that love and forgiveness are the perfect ingredients for a happy
ending.
Saturday, January 14, 2017
2 Days Till Launch Day for Straight On Toward Paradise
So since it’s
January and much of the country is freezing and snowed in until spring, I
thought I would torture (umm…I mean) warm you up with some images of my sleepy,
Florida beach town. Shellwater Key is quiet and isolated, overlooking the Gulf
of Mexico. Although it’s a fictional town, there are actually places still like
that along the west coast. Places like Siesta
Key, Ana Maria Island, Captiva Island & Sanibel Island.
I thought I
would share a few images that look a bit like my fictional town…so close your
eyes and imagine lazing in the sun on the beach or enjoying a warm breeze on your
cheek….You’re welcome.
Remember, if you buy Straight On Toward Paradise by January
24th you can enter for a chance to WIN a Kindle Fire! Once the book
downloads, just click on the link inside to enter. You can share the giveaway
for multiple chances to win.
BUY LINKS!!
As a bonus I’m offer Left Turn At
Paradise (Book 1) for only 99 cents so if you missed it, now is your chance to
get caught up on all the action that came before!
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