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.

Listen to it on iTunes here.  (And give me a rating, while you’re there!)

Download it here.

 

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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.

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