The Thrifty Thespian: Scoring Show-Stopping Costumes on a Budget!

Hey there, theatre lovers and thrifters 🎭✨

Let’s talk about one of my favourite things — creating amazing costumes on a budget! After teaching theatre and musical theatre for over 20 years, one question I always get is, “How do you pull off all those great costumes for your shows?” Well… confession time: I’m super efficient with my money. Okay, fine — I’m cheap 😅💸 But honestly, that just makes me more creative when it’s showtime!

Whether you’re putting together a community theatre production, a school play, or just planning an epic costume party, I’ve got tons of tips, tricks, and thrifty ideas to help you bring those characters to life — without breaking the bank!

1. Facebook Freebie Sites:

Ah, Facebook, the land of endless scrolling and... free stuff? That's right! Facebook groups dedicated to freebies, swaps, and giveaways are treasure troves for the resourceful costume seeker. Join local groups or those specifically focused on costumes and theatrical gear. You'd be amazed at the gems people are willing to part with for the simple price of picking them up. From vintage dresses to quirky accessories, there's no telling what you might find! A lot of the groups I am part of there are days when you can make a wish or request (you might as well ask as you never know what people may have).

Be ready to sort through things and see beyond what is there. One of my best finds was a dress that was donated as I can only say what must have been a bar dress in the early 90's. It was black and with fish net arms. At first glance you would think who could use this, but at the time we were doing a production of James and the Giant Peach so that black frock soon became the base to the dress for Miss Spider.

2. Donation Stores:

Thrift stores and donation centres are my absolute happy place! They’re like treasure hunts for theatre lovers — you never know what magical costume piece you’ll find hiding on the rack! With a little patience and some imagination, you can turn everyday items into total show-stopping looks. I love donating first as some stores will provide you a coupon for doing so.

Here’s a little insider tip: hit up the bigger thrift stores in fancier neighbourhoods — you’ll be amazed at the quality pieces you can score for just a few bucks!

And the best part? You’re giving items a second life and supporting a great cause. Win-win

*If you can hit up these stores right after Halloween you may get a bargain on some of their "costume" pieces.

Once again be ready to sort through and look for your diamond in the rough. I also like to check in to see if the thrift store has a sale day, because why not save more if you can.

I suggest checking the lesser known thrift stores as some of the bigger ones the prices have gone WAY up. (like everything else)

Thrift stores are also a great place to find craft supplies that could help you make that perfect costume as well.

3. Dollar Store Delights:

Never underestimate the magic of the dollar store! 🤑✨ Sure, you won’t find any red carpet fashion there, but trust me — it’s a total goldmine for theatre folks and costume lovers. From hats and wigs to makeup and props, these bargain aisles are bursting with treasures just waiting to bring your characters to life!

And okay, confession time… my husband still laughs when I say I need to find a “good” dollar store — but if you know, you know! 😂 Not all dollar stores are created equal, and the good ones? Absolute creative paradise!

4. Creative Crafting:

I find the best costumes are the ones you make yourself. Channel your inner DIY guru and get crafty with fabric scraps, cardboard, and whatever else you can get your hands on. YouTube tutorials and online resources abound for homemade costume inspiration, so don't be afraid to let your creativity run wild. Who knows? You might just invent the next iconic character ensemble! Every time we start a show I create a pinterest board for inspiration. I also love seeing what the kids come up with when we brainstorm together. It can be a fun character exercise drawing up what you think your character should wear.

5. Costume Swaps and Rentals:

Never underestimate the power of your theatre community or community in general! 🌟 Reach out to fellow theatre lovers, schools, and local groups about costume swaps or rentals. Sharing costumes doesn’t just save money — it builds this amazing sense of camaraderie that makes the theatre world feel like one big family.

You’d be surprised what hidden treasures are hiding in attics! I’ve been known to post on Facebook groups asking to borrow a costume, and I always check with my performers and their families. Case in point: for our production of HONK, I asked for anything with feathers, and one mom showed up with a Mother Goose Halloween costume — which quickly became our show-stopping swan!

I have also been know to post on a mommy facebook group to borrow a dog costume for one of my first productions of Annie (I gave them free tickets as a thank you)

6. Less is More

I have always believed that for kids theatre I want the kids to shine so the costumes should just be suggestive. If someone is playing an animal I don't want them in a full hot onesie on all fours. I want them to suggest they are a lion, tiger or bear... oh my. When I work with a cast I ask everyone to have a base layer (depending on the show, but usually dark plain clothes), this is helpful for quick changes and useful to add more on top.

7. Bigger may be better

I mentioned before hitting up stores right after Halloween, this year I found 12 costumes that were supposed Rainbow Unicorn for a ladies night out but we took them in and made them into our cute dresses for the town of Duloc so we had matching dresses for that many performers for less than $20 (That was a Treasure Hunt find). I once had a last minute Tin man costume that started as a pair of pants of an adult lady that needed to be turned into a pair of pants for a tiny 8 year old girl, when items are bigger you can make them smaller.

8. Classic pieces vs Specialty pieces

Since I have been producing my own kids shows for over ten years I have quite a collection of costumes many of which are re-used but here are few classics that I suggest you find and hold onto:

a) Fur vests - these are great for many different animals costumes and rich people

b) Colourful or sparkly vests - can be added to a costume to give it a flair and new boost

c) Scarfs - can add a little light to a costume and be used in different ways

4) Suit jackets - Come in handy for a variety of characters

5) Hats - Fun hats can be used over and over again to change characters

For specialty pieces there is usually at least one or two each show that I will splure on and may never use again but it's totallyh worth it for example Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Seussical. I have often thought of trying to sell costumes after the show but who has time for that.

So there you have it, friends — your guide to budget-friendly costume hunting! 🎭✨ With a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of ingenuity, and maybe a little glue gun magic 😅, you can put together an unforgettable ensemble without emptying your wallet.

Now go out there, have fun, and dazzle the stage with your thrifty, theatrical flair!