Question re: parochial high school
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| Sun, 07-08-2007 - 2:17pm |
I'm hoping someone here can help me, since you guys seem to be able to help anyone in need :). At the very least, I hope you can direct me to another source.
I am costuming a community theater production in which my DS 18 is playing the lead. The show takes place, for the most part, on the grounds of a Catholic boarding high school. There are 17 people in the play, 14 of which are students. So...I need uniforms.
Because we're a non-profit organization, we're not rolling in money, so simply going to the places where the high schools have directed us (since we've missed most of the "uniform sales") is not feasible. These uniforms are astronomically expensive - and we're not buying for one child, but for 14. Also, this is theater...while these kids are PLAYING hs students, they range in age from 16-28...which means many of the "uniform" stores don't have things that fit them. Here are my questions (for those parents who have sent their children to private or parochial high schools that require uniforms):
1. Do all boys HAVE to have the SAME pants? Is it possible to send the boys to Target and tell them to buy, for instance, navy blue slacks, or do they have to have the exact same slacks? If not, can they wear ANY type of navy slacks (like Dockers), or do they have to be a certain type.
2. Same with skirts - same kind? Is there a length requirement?
3. Are there any sites where we can find these things inexpensively? In bulk? And in larger sizes?
My kids are public school taught, and the only knowledge I have of parochial and private schools with my friends is grammar school. Those that I know that sent their children to private high schools had a standard "dress code" (i.e. black slacks, white shirt, black tie) but no actual "uniform." This is a little trickier, as it's a boarding school that probably would have a uniform.
Any help would certainly be appreciated - thanks!

Boys have to wear gray pants or whatever. They have to be the same "type" (i.e. dress pants) but not necessary the same brand. Remember that from stage, it is what they look like that matters. Get them to wear white dress shirts with gray (or navy or black) dress pants & ties (dark plain with no patterns) would be good.
For the girls, I would get them plain skirts (dark color, pleated would be good). They should look the same from a distance and of course go to their knees. They can wear white plain shirts with ties like the boys.
Why buy? Do you have women attached to the production who can sew? It's much cheaper. Go to your local fabric store and pick out a pattern for a plain jumper or simple pleated skirts for the girls in multiple sizes. Buy some material in bulk ( dark light weight suiting material) and arrange for a group of Moms to make them.
iteadrinker,
Thanks so much for your info - I really appreciate it.
Unfortunately, I am unable to have people "make" the costumes (actually the most efficient thing to do, since they'd be the same), as even though they're playing high school students, most of the kids are in their early 20's, so their Moms are beyond the "sewing costumes for my kid in the school play" days. I like that you told me they don't have to be the exact same brand of pants/skirts - that makes it much easier. Since the theater is technically supposed to buy or rent the costumes, they do have some money set aside for this, so hopefully, it will be enough.
Thanks again for your help.
Actually, our Catholic HS here the girls wear pants--no skirts allowed!
However, for effect, skirts would be much better for a play!!!
I'm not sure where you would find that many of the same skirt in that size. Making them seems to be the best solution...maybe you can find someone outside of your group that could sew for you???
Karin