Sister Act
Design, construction & show wardrobe.
18 nun habits; two sets of specialty sequin overlays; magic transformation collars; & silver sequin habits with bell sleeves. All habits and accessories were designed to facilitate many full ensemble backstage quick changes and stability for choreography.
Stagecrafters, 2017: I designed nun and stage-type costume looks and oversaw all construction. I ran wardrobe crew. Street-type costumes by Sara Grice
Transformation Collar
One of the costume requirements of the show is a transforming collar which hides a shiny scapular which is revealed half way thru the song. In researching this effect, most productions did this by rolling and tying it under the collar. But this had a very high misfire problem.
To solve this, I used a different technique which I had previously used for larger stage banner reveals. I fan folded the scapular into a fabric cradle hidden under the collar. To reveal, the actress reached under the collar, popped the cradle open and the scapular fell fast, with a 100% success rate.
Series of sequins
Act 2 opens with a costume sequence where the sisters start in plain habits, then to show passage of time, transform to be more and more glitzy during quick off-stage interludes. I created layers starting with a black sequin vest, then a Bob Mackie like sequin scabard.
(note: these pics were taken at a dress rehearsal where the actresses were still learning to dress the new layers under their collars.)
Spread the Love (with sequins)
For the Finale, I designed and built 14 solid sequin, bell sleeved habits. These were constructed as one-piece, quick change costumes and the veils created to be very stable for choreography even with the weight of the heavy sequin veils. Speaking of weight, each habit weighed at least 30 lbs. The ladies were real troopers!
I designed two gowns for Delores in this number and managed her quick changes.
Out of Habit
When not in habits or sequins, there were many different looks in this costume heavy show. (streetwear costumes by Sara Grice)
