Quick Rigging for Costumes

Quick Rigging for Costumes

Elizabeth Polley, MFA

Quick Rigging for Quick Changes

What is quick rigging? What is a quick change? 3 methods of quick rigging – Velcro, snaps and magnets (oh my!) Specialty quick rigging needs and methods

What is a quick change?

Can take place backstage or onstage

Any change under 2 minutes is considered a quick change

Can be assisted by wardrobe crew members or independently performed by the actor

Mary Poppins Quick Change in “Jolly Holiday”

Quick rigging basics

Tools of the trade:

• Snaps
• Velcro
• Magnets
• Snap Tape
• Elastic

Things to Consider:

• Amount of time
• Quick in or quick out or both
• Onstage or offstage
• Assisted or independent
• Practicality and Function
• Number of pieces and parts

Quick rigging with velcro

1. Most common for button-down style garments
2. Should not be used for onstage changes unless the ripping sound is desired
3. Good for changes that are quick in, much faster than buttons or snaps

Quick rigging with velcro

4. Velcro is a good option for accessories such as ties & aprons

Quick rigging with snaps

1. Great option if it is quick out, but not suitable for a quick in
2. Good for onstage changes as an alternative to buttons

Billy Flynn’s tear away suit for Chicago

Specialty Quick Rigging

Stitching cuffs or other shirt parts into jackets

“Belts” for football pants were individual segments of ribbon so the pants remained stretchy. Elastic replaced laces and the belt closure was a snap.

Specialty Quick Rigging

Don’t forget the shirt cuffs! I prefer elastic to QR shirt cuffs. A small chain stitch along the outer stitching line holds the cuff “closed” when wearing, but the elastic allows the actor to shove their hands through quickly in a fast change. Another option here is elastic cufflinks if the shirt has French cuffs.

The Tuxedo or Suit Jumpsuit

The basic idea of the jumpsuit

If an actor needs to change into a suit or tuxedo very quickly, it is ideal to make a jumpsuit. You will fit the actor in the shirt and pants that you would like to make into a jumpsuit. Have them raise their arms up over their head and then relax. Pin the shirt and pants together at the pant waistband. If the closures function, the actor should be able to get out of the items with the pins intact. Cut the shirt up center back. Finish edges of shirt and pant seam if needed. Topstitch shirt and pants together through pant waistband. Insert a large, exposed plastic zipper from the top of the shirt collar down below hip level of the pants. Stitch all front closures so they are no longer functional. Attach ties, cummerbunds, or any other accessories. After putting on the jumpsuit, put on the suit coat or tux jacket and the actor will look perfectly put together in 30 – 45 seconds!

Sometimes they even change their hair!

• If a quick change involves a hair change, things can get even more complicated.
• Sewing hair into hats is a common trick to give the appearance of new hair.
• Sticking facial hair on with toupee tape is a quick way to add a beard, mustache or side-burns.
• If the actor is wigged, they could change wigs and get a completely new look.
• Another secret is sewing magnets into hats and wigs to keep the hats on without having to use numerous hair pins or a chin strap elastic (ugh!)

DID SHE JUST SAY MAGNETS?!

YES!

• Magnets are an awesome way to quick rig, especially for onstage changes that are performed by the actor.

• I have used magnets to keep Mary Poppins’ hat on her head while flying, and this allowed her to take her hat off during a scene and put it back on with ease.
• Even more fun – I once used magnets to attach a “table skirt” to the bottom of an actors’ skirt to make a tulle train onstage. They spun the table around and the tablecloth attached to her skirt “magically” – (more like magnetically).

How Would You Do It?

An actor leaves at the end of a scene and has 37 seconds to return in a new costume. The first costume is a shirt, tie, and pants. The second costume is a tuxedo shirt, pants, cummerbund and tuxedo jacket.

• What method of quick rigging would you suggest for this scenario?
• Answer: First costume: snaps/Velcro Second costume: tux jumpsuit with elastic sleeve cuffs

An actor is blocked to put on a vest onstage. Later in the scene, he will also remove the vest onstage.

• What method of quick rigging do you think would be best for this scenario?
• Answer: Magnets would be best.

How to Quick Rig an Apron with Velcro

1. Get the bow how you would like it (leave some slack)

3. Stitch Velcro to edges of waistband

2. Cut the fabric and 2 pieces of Velcro

TADA!

5. Hand tack the bow so that it cannot be untied

4. Some hand sewing may be required

How to Quick Rig a Necktie to Attach to a Shirt

Knot the tie how the Costume Designer prefers and make sure it is the appropriate length.

Cut tie and leave 4” on each side above knot. Stitch hook Velcro to back of overlap side.

Stitch loop Velcro to collar stand in corresponding position.

**Attach non-Velcro side of the tie to the collar stand on the opposite side of the shirt via safety pin, tag gun, hand basting or larger size machine stitch. Remove for washing.

Questions?