The Costume Library
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The Costume Library is located on the NWU campus in the Elder Theatre Center at 51st and Huntington Street.
About the costume library
With over 50,000 costumes in stock and an inventory that is ever increasing and evolving, you're sure to find the perfect outfit at The Costume Library. We also have an amazing array of props, from chairs and tables to suitcases and swords. Whether you need a single vintage hat or costumes to outfit a large cast, let us help you get the job done. We even offer discounts for schools and non-profits.
- Costume forms and prices
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Rental Agreements
- Schools and organizations
How It works
- Our standard procedure for schools (and anyone needing multiple costumes) is to have you send us the measurements and costumes desired for each member of your cast. Just download the character measurement form (PDF) and fill out a form for each character that you would like to costume. Included on the form is an area for specific costume and accessory requests. The more detailed you can be the better—and don’t forget props!
- Email or mail your measurement sheets to our shop at least two weeks before you’d like to pick up your costumes (we can do less than two weeks—there will just be a small rush fee). Note: for 50 or more costumes, we request three weeks and for ten costumes or less we just need one week.
- Sometime after we receive the measurement forms, we can schedule a day for pick-up. We’ll have all your costumes waiting for you for that arranged time. Pick-up (as well as the return) will need to be during our open hours, Monday from 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. and Tuesday–Wednesday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Be sure to bring strong arms for transporting large props!
- Pick up your costumes on the agreed upon date and time. You’ll also be asked to sign a contract. Any costumes you return before your production will be taken off your bill.
- Return the costumes on the agreed upon due date, in the same order and condition in which you received them. No need to worry about washing or dry cleaning—we take care of that!
Notes: As far as prices, we are pleased to be able to offer schools and non-profits a discounted price for their rentals.
Directors or costumers are welcome to come and browse our inventory to get a feel for the types of costumes we have, however, for you to receive the discounted school prices, we reserve the right to pull the costumes. Those who wish to choose their own costumes may do so using our normal rental prices.
- Types of costumes available
Our costume inventory includes
- Animals
- Band uniforms
- Biblical costumes
- Choir robes
- Children's costumes
- Dance costumes
- Distressed clothing
- Fantasy costumes
- Furs/capes/coats
- Hats
- Hoop skirts/petticoats
- Japanese/German/Other Ethnic Attire
- Men's/Women's historical to modern
- Military uniforms
- Pajamas and sleepwear
- Peasant/ethnic wear
- Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Shoes
- Stuffing and padding
- Tuxedos and suits
- Various professional uniforms
- Wedding dresses
- Western
You may also choose costumes from the following show plots
- Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
- Christmas Carol
- Chorus Line
- Fiddler on the Roof
- Grease
- Guys and Dolls
- Into the Woods
- Legally Blonde
- Little Shop of Horrors
- Macbeth (modern/gothic)
- Oklahoma!
- Pippin
- Wizard of Oz
- and so much more!
Rental period
Rental period is two weeks for individuals. The rental period for schools and organizations is four weeks, and no deposit is required. We accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.