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theater costuming
What is a typical University theater budget?
I have a theater project where we're designing costumes and we choose a theater company and we have to design our costumes according to what their actual budget for costumes and the total production budget is. and how much they pull from stock etc. I chose a college like "The University of Illinois". I've tried contacting them but they haven't returned my email yet. i need to know this soon, so does anyone have any estimates? i dont need exact numbers.
There is quite a range in budgets. A rule of thumb is a musical costs 3 to 5 times as much as a play, a modern dress play costs at least half or less than a period play, and it depends on the company's costume stock, the size of the play etc. The Four Poster vs Brigadoon, that sort of thing. Each school or company(should) have formulas in place.
A modern dress play, cast of 5, they can wear some of their own things, they may provide $50.00 per character. That's a bare minimum for maintenance and a few accessories. If you are pulling from stock you may be able to allow less, but you still will have maintenance of the stock and what the actors provide (like underwear).
Then you must be clear on who supplies make-up. In the professional theatre actors supply their own except for special effects, in schools, it is generally the school. Will there be wigs?
A musical could average around $300.00 per character, if it's period and there is a big chorus, much more. If there is a dancing chorus, much much more, they must be rugged and maintained after every performance.
Then there is the length of the run.
And can you borrow things for program consideration?
How interested is the school in the drama program (how much support do they give)?
I would suggest you pick a couple of schools, including your local high schools to see what may be rock bottom. Also consult you local Community theatre.
They usually choose to do plays they can afford to do.
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