Podcast Episode #47: Tony Award-winning Costume Designer, Gregg Barnes!
I’ve worn a lot of hats since I started working in the theater. And I’ve loved just about every job I’ve ever had, because it was in the theater.
Except one . . . when I worked in a costume shop.
Yep, I wasn’t so fond of that. And why? Because I sucked at it.
Not only could I not thread a needle, I couldn’t understand which color went with which, and what the heck is a spat for anyway?
Ugh. Just thinking about costumes and design makes my head hurt. Which is why I have so much respect for those that do it . . . and do it better than anyone else.
One of those someones is none other than today’s podcast guest, the Tony Award-winning Costume Designer, Gregg Barnes. Kinky Boots, Something Rotten!, Aladdin, and The Drowsy Chaperone are just a few of the shows that feature Barnes originals. And a little known secret – I first met Gregg when he taught a costume class at NYU. (I’m sure I sucked at it then too. Sorry, Gregg.)
I had so much to learn from Gregg, and thankfully he schooled me up on everything wardrobe related and more, like:
- What social media site is his new favorite design tool.
- Why Broadway costumes are so darn expensive.
- How to calculate the right costume budget.
- His first step when designing any new show.
- When he likes to be hired on a show, and who MUST be hired before him.
Just having this frank fashion convo with Gregg made me finally feel like I don’t suck as much anymore.
But I still can’t thread a #@$%ing needle.
Enjoy Gregg!
Click here to listen.
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Podcasting
Ken created one of the first Broadway podcasts, recording over 250 episodes over 7 years. It features interviews with A-listers in the theater about how they “made it”, including 2 Pulitzer Prize Winners, 7 Academy Award Winners and 76 Tony Award winners. Notable guests include Pasek & Paul, Kenny Leon, Lynn Ahrens and more.