A Fly On The Wall, April 15, 2013

Dress Up
by Jim Murchison 
@JimMurchison

There is something about costumes and props that actors love. Particularly with period costumes, it changes the way an actor moves and has him running to the mirror. I am not suggesting in any way that actors shy away from mirrors otherwise. Your face and body are the tools that are used to convey your attitude and reflecting on your reflection is something you do to establish your physical vocabulary.

When you add a cane or a riding crop it should look like something you are totally familiar with or awkward with if the character has owned it a long time or is using it for the first time as the case may be.

Costumes, in Elizabethan times especially tell an audience what your station in life is. I have four costumes; two men of means, one servant and a wealthy widow. If I do my job correctly you should be able to tell what character I play even if I wear a plain black leotard for the entire play, but it is fun to play dress up. 

Taming of the Shrew runs at The Gladstone in Ottawa April 18-May 5