Hear from Red Riding Hood's Costume Designer, SARAH GORDON on the making of Grandmama's quilt, Wolfgang's claws, and more!
Red Riding Hood is a classic fairy tale,
with some iconic costume pieces!
How did you adapt these for SCT’s production?
The director, Steven Dietz, wanted to try something more non-traditional. As it’s a story that is being told by Wolfgang, who is putting on the show, the costumes are
ones that he would have cobbled together, rather than a fully produced fairy tale story that a big theatre would produce. He is telling the story with costume pieces he has found. Each piece we see has a touch of red in it, to help the audience track with when he is telling the story. It’s a more minimalistic approach. We will see the Wolf’s scary paws, and the Woodcutter’s hat, that sort of thing, rather than full-on fairytale costumes. You may or may not see the traditional red cape!
ones that he would have cobbled together, rather than a fully produced fairy tale story that a big theatre would produce. He is telling the story with costume pieces he has found. Each piece we see has a touch of red in it, to help the audience track with when he is telling the story. It’s a more minimalistic approach. We will see the Wolf’s scary paws, and the Woodcutter’s hat, that sort of thing, rather than full-on fairytale costumes. You may or may not see the traditional red cape!
What is your favorite costume piece in this show? Why?
I really love Grandmama. There is a lot of fun detail on her costume.
I am upcycling an antique quilt into a bedjacket with lots of trims and details instead of going with the more traditional nightie and shawl combination. We’re creating a fun mob-cap for her that incorporates some antique crochet pieces and we’ll be giving her some fantastic 1980’s grandma eyeglasses.
I am upcycling an antique quilt into a bedjacket with lots of trims and details instead of going with the more traditional nightie and shawl combination. We’re creating a fun mob-cap for her that incorporates some antique crochet pieces and we’ll be giving her some fantastic 1980’s grandma eyeglasses.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Can you tell us a bit about your process
from concepts through to opening night?
When I saw the workshop, I honestly saw the whole show in my head while I was watching. That doesn’t happen often, but it did this time- so then I spent time searching Pinterest and other sources for photos that reflected what I saw in my head. I took a lot of inspiration from non-traditional fairy-tale illustrations, antique patchwork quilts, crochet, afghans, men’s hipster clothes and biker wear, 1940’s styles, 1970’s and 1980’s colors and palettes. I even took some inspiration from an Amazon driver I saw on my way home one day! We had to create a believable, yet non-existent delivery company. Our graphic designer created a very fun logo, which was then transferred to embroidered patches that we could put on Delivery’s clothing. For the rest of the show, I did a lot of searching through antique stores for quilts and other items to upcycle. We built mock-up items for the wolf gloves and Mother’s apron, as well as Grandmama’s bedjacket, so we could make sure all the items would work to tell the story before we created them
in the real fabrics. It was key that the actors could easily put these items on and take them off themselves as the action of the play doesn’t really allow for a dresser. We then moved forward and created everything in real fabrics.
in the real fabrics. It was key that the actors could easily put these items on and take them off themselves as the action of the play doesn’t really allow for a dresser. We then moved forward and created everything in real fabrics.
For young audience members who may have an interest in costume design, can you tell us your favorite part of working on a show like this?
I really love doing research and finding fun fabrics, items to upcycle, and trims
to create costumes. I don’t usually draw a picture and then create it. I like to be inspired by the things I find, fabrics and clothing that inspire me. So, I like to shop! I like working with other people to create something that is better than I could create on my own. I love telling stories with clothing, there is so much detail about a character that you can incorporate, and you can do funny things as well!
to create costumes. I don’t usually draw a picture and then create it. I like to be inspired by the things I find, fabrics and clothing that inspire me. So, I like to shop! I like working with other people to create something that is better than I could create on my own. I love telling stories with clothing, there is so much detail about a character that you can incorporate, and you can do funny things as well!
What fairytales did you grow up reading?
Do you have a favorite?
I have always loved fairytales, and I have read them all. As a matter of fact, I still enjoy reading fairytales. I love Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chronicles books which reimagine and interweave many of the classic fairytale characters, including Red Riding Hood. Other of my favorite retellings of fairytales include: Uprooted and Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, and The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor.
Tangled and Enchanted are my favorite fairytale Disney movies. As an adult,
I find myself really appreciating Cinderella, who somehow managed to retain
her character and kind heart through terrible circumstances and being treated poorly by the people around her. It takes great strength and bravery to be kind
in a world that is not.
Tangled and Enchanted are my favorite fairytale Disney movies. As an adult,
I find myself really appreciating Cinderella, who somehow managed to retain
her character and kind heart through terrible circumstances and being treated poorly by the people around her. It takes great strength and bravery to be kind
in a world that is not.
