[ccpops] Ragtime Costume Undergarments and Shoes Guidelines

[Susan Schmidt]

Ragtime Costume Guidelines

The cast of Ragtime consists of 3 main groups: New Rochelle people,
Harlem people and Immigrants. In addition, there are a number of
special characters. The major costumes will be supplied by the costume
committee. We have been fitting costumes on the New Rochelle and
Harlem cast for several weeks and will be fitting the Immigrant cast
in the next week.

In addition to the costumes, the cast will need to have proper
footware, hosiery and undergarments. The cast should provide as much
of this themselves as they can. If anyone has trouble finding the
right things, please call me, Susie Schmidt at 978-287-0194.

For the New Rochelle women and Immigrant women who are also dancers:

   You will need white opaque hose or tights. The dancers should wear
   character shoes or jazz shoes; non-dancers should wear character
   shoes if they have them, or shoes with short heals or nice, dressy
   half-boots. The shoes may be either black or light colored.  In
   addition, some of the New Rochelle costumes are rather sheer. The
   girls should wear full slips or half slips with camisole or
   undershirt. The slips should be white or natural and floor length if
   possible.

For the New Rochelle men:
   The men who are dancers should wear character shoes. We have some
   available if you need them. The other men should wear dress shoes
   either black or brown, with tan socks. Please do not wear sneakers.

For the Harlem Women:
   You should have dark hose and dark shoes. Those who are dancers
   should wear character shoes. We have a limited number of character
   shoes available for those who need them. The shoes may have either
   be flats or heeless. Nice, dressy half-boots are also
   acceptable. Slips with camisoles are recommended, but not
   required. The Harlem costumes are much more opaque than the New
   Rochelle ones.

For the Harlem Men:
   You should wear dress shoes and dark socks or socks that match the
   vest you are wearing if you know what the color is. Dancers should
   wear character shoes. We have a lot of men's character shoes
   available if you need them.

For Immigrant Women:
   You should have dark shoes or boots. If you are wearing shoes, wear
   dark hose or socks with them. Your costumes will mostly be heavy, so
   special undergarments are not necessary. Dancers should wear
   character shoes, jazz shoes or other shoes that are comfortable and
   safe for dancing.

For Immigrant Men:
   You should wear old shoes or boots. Dancers should wear character
   shoes. We have a lot of men's character shoes available if you need
   them. The older and rattier the shoe the better. Wear dark socks
   with them.

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That's it. If anyone has any questions or any problems, please, please
call me. We are good at solving problems. No one should feel like they
have to go into debt to supply any of these things; if you have a
problem, let me know. The main thing is please, no sneakers! Sneakers
weren't really in style (or even in existence) during the 1910's. We
do have a number of character shoes for both men and women available.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Susan Schmidt
978-287-0194
susieappel at aol.com