Orsino: Cape Construction for “Twelfth Night”

Once the design was approved, I got to work on Count Orsino’s signature piece. Pulling two pink skirts from the costume shop, I “fashioned” a cape with an exterior that would sparkle under the production lights and a richly patterned interior that would complement without competing.

After joining the skirts however, I discovered that I had excess of the outer layer which, if sewn together, would begin to bunch visibly.

To solve this problem, I ended up creating a split for the interior layer that would allow the outer layer to flow freely. This modification would not be seen by the audience.

Next, I created an interior pocket as the script and blocking called for Orsino to pull coins and gems from his pocket on several occasions to pay Feste and present gifts for Olivia.

Finally, I created “fairytale prince” epaulettes trimmed with thick gold fringe. These embellishments were sewn on the night of dress rehearsal to ensure proper placement.