Bye Bye Birdie Costume Design: Seams Behind the Scenes

By Margo Moore

Redwood’s drama department recently put on an outstanding show, Bye Bye Birdie, featuring classical, vibrant costumes. According to Mrs. Galvan, head of the department, they don’t make a lot of those costumes, they are mostly reused or loaned from other schools. “This show, Bye Bye Birdie, there were 3 dresses that were made specifically for the 3 students playing Birdie’s biggest fans,” she says.

“Ms. Ringhofer and I do research on the time frame. In this case, the early 1950s. We gather from pictures of the time frame, patterns, and fashion magazines. I decide what color schemes we would like to go with for scenes, if we want them,” continues Ms. Galvan.

A discussion meeting to discuss vision typically takes place, and ” this year in particular there were specific styles for Conrad Birdie [Galvan] wanted,” says Mrs. Ringhofer. “The process for me begins as soon as I have talked with the director.  I begin researching time period, costume plots, looking at various shows in particular other schools and other community theater production pictures because it helps me determine what we can do on our budget and resources.”

Many factors go into play in this whole process, such as helping students move comfortably with the choreography, lighting, etc. As is put by Ms. Ringhofer, “my heart is to have every student feel their character is important and they feel and look good as the character they are portraying.”

“Once we get to the theater, students should have all their costumes and we see how it all looks together and if something isn’t working visually,” says Ms. Galvan. After the show, the work isn’t done, which is where Ms. Ringhofer also comes into play.

“When the show is over, it’s not over for me I’m still working on cleaning, retuning and organizing costumes. This year parents took costumes home to wash which is a huge help,” says Ringhofer. “The other thing I forgot to mention was the student helper, she was willing to help with whatever task we asked of her. I think she learned a lot from us as well,” she continues.

Mrs. Ringhofer has been an active community member involved in Redwood’s drama and choir department for many years. “I find there is great joy in helping and encouraging students feel good about themselves. I also get to meet and work with great people,” she says.

You can admire the Bye Bye Birdie costumes here: https://redwoodgigantea.com/photogallery-bye-bye-birdie-by-rhs-musical-theatre/

Tags: drama, musical, redwood high school, Redwood Musical, rhs drama