Lion King JR Costumes

HSM Costume Guide

My 4 Simple Rules for Success

The 10-Foot Rule
If the audience can’t spot it from row A, let it go. A slightly wonky hem or an inside seam that’s only held together with safety pins? Totally fine. (Still working on believing this myself, but it saves my sanity every tech week!)

Not Everything Is Worth Making
Not everything is worth making. Between fabric costs, storage, and time, it’s often smarter to rent or buy the big statement pieces—Ursula’s tentacles, Jasmin and her friends, mascot-style heads—and focus sewing energy where it actually makes a difference.

When time and help are limited, I’ll always rent or buy for main characters and sew or build for the ensemble. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about putting effort where it shows most onstage.

The “Essentials” Wardrobe
I rely on a small set of base pieces I can make once and remix forever: black knickers, white peasant blouse, neutral vests, basic skirts, etc. Check out some of the simple Etsy patterns I use again and again for shows.

Upcycle Everything
Old prom dresses, thrift-store suits, drapes, parent donations—everything gets a second life onstage. Cheaper, faster, and often more interesting than starting from scratch.

That’s it — four rules, zero perfectionism, maximum stage magic.

Stick around and I’ll keep sharing the exact builds, thrift hauls, and budget hacks that have helped me survive 8 musical productions (and counting!).