Costuming Macbeth

The Baron’s Men founding member Pam Martin is back in the costuming chair for Macbeth. This is the fifth show for which Pam has been the Costume Designer/Costumer and she has collaborated/assisted on many other shows. Macbeth is different, however, as Director Jacquelyn Lies has decided to step away from the Elizabethan genre that is the norm for The Baron’s Men. We sat down with Pam to ask a few questions while she was finishing up (she hopes) the final costumes for Macbeth.

TBM: We know that this show is not set in the Elizabethan period, but in what period is it set and why?
Martin: The show is set in the early 15th century because Jacquelyn wanted a different look and mood for this show. The real Macbeth lived in the early middle ages –the 11th century- and while this is later than that period, it does allow the director to create the look and the mood that she wanted. I should also point out that I’ve gotten a lot of help  from people in and out of the cast. People like Dawn Allee, Renee Osborn, Liegh Hegedus, Samantha Smith, Laura Trezise, Shannon Dodson and Lindsay Palinsky and, oh gosh, I’m probably forgetting someone. So yeah, this doesn’t all get done by a single person!

TBM: So what is the upside of costuming a show of this magnitude?
Martin: There are a lot of upsides. Primarily all of the people that I get to work with. This troupe is more than a collection of actors and technicians working on show, we’re a group of close friends who do this because it’s fun. So getting to work with all of these people in fittings and dressing them and trying on different costumes and accessories is fun. We laugh a lot.

TBM: So accessories are important?
Martin: Always! Costumes aren’t complete without hats, belts, jewelry, shoes. etc. and the audiences notice. Believe me, they notice more than you’d think.

TBM: What has been the most fun in this project?
Martin: Planning with the director (Jacquelyn) for the look and feel of the show. Performing is the creative outlet for the actors, but the design and building of the costumes is mine. I love to design clothes that enhance the characters that the director and actors create.  

TBM: What is your favorite costume in the show?
Martin: I have two, Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s court clothes. They’re just beautiful and elegant. I really like those outfits

We want to thank Pam not only for costuming this show but also for taking some time to answer questions and we hope that everyone can come out and see these wonderful costumes and the actors who will be wearing them in Macbeth, showing every weekend in October at The Curtain Theater. For tickets and more information, go to www.thebaronsmen.org/tickets