The Wharf is one of the only theatre venues in the world where everything happens under one roof: costumes, props, and sets are designed and made, while the shows are cast, rehearsed, and presented.

STC is very lucky to have an amazing team of highly skilled, full and part-time costume makers on staff in our Costume Department.

This department is responsible for making all the amazing costumes and costume accessories for every STC production. Over the years, they have created a huge variety of costumes. From the dawn of humankind to the far future, from the realistic to the expressionistic, from the regal to the medieval; from the dapper to the downtrodden, they have made it all.

Any costume that the team makes from scratch is tailor made to measure.

One costumier and their assistant is allocated to one or two characters (depending on the production) and creates the costume, from first making the pattern through to the final finishings. Actors can have up to four costume fittings with the costumier, depending on the complexity of the costume.

It can take up to 100 hours to make just one costume.

Also falling under the Costume umbrella is the Hair, Wigs & Make-up Department which is responsible for the sourcing and liaising with wig makers, cutting, colouring & styling of all wigs and facial hair that may be required for any production as well as developing specific make-up and special effects.

A staggering amount of work goes into producing costumes for every STC production, but the incredibly talented artisans that work in our Costume Department are always ready for the challenge. STC’s Costume Manager Scott Fisher, who has worked in the costume team for 20 years, feels that there have been too many splendid costumes to single out a favourite.

We need your help to support this incredible team and to supply the materials, buttons, and thread required to make the many, many costumes in our 2024 Season. Donate now.