Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Who owns the costumes?

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Who owns the costumes?

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3477
Printed Date: 8/02/25 at 1:29am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Who owns the costumes?

Posted By: RoseColored Gla
Subject: Who owns the costumes?
Date Posted: 9/19/08 at 11:59pm

A few years ago, I designed and built costumes for a ct production of Kiss of the Spider Woman. I was given a budget of $300 for a cast of 13, and close to 100 costume pieces. I managed to creep in at just over $700, though I only submitted the receipts that fell within my budget. I have since learned that the theater company has ceased to exist. As the 'owner' of the designs, would it be within my rights morally, legally, whatever, to ask for the actual costumes? I would be willing to pay for shipping them to me, but not willing to buy them from the defunct company.

ANY thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

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Dennis Dippary
Artistic Director
Songs for a New World http://rosecoloredglassestheater.com - RoseColored Glasses
May Dionysus smile upon your every performance!

Replies:

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 9/20/08 at 8:13am

My guess is that this company has lots more to worry about than the costumes from a specific show already produced.

I would contact them without using any kind of "debt" ideas. Just explain that you built the costumes - had to spend a lot of your own money on them - and that you would love to have them if they're not being used.

Often companies have a problem knowing what to DO with costumes, props, set pieces, etc. when they've ceased to exist.

Good luck!

Posted By: neilfortin
Date Posted: 10/03/08 at 11:31am

I would say totally give them a call, every few years we try to clean out our supply of costumes anyway...like tristanrobin said, they are probably trying to figure out what they are going to do with all the STUFF as it is!

Neil

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Community Theater makes us smile

Posted By: MartyW
Date Posted: 10/03/08 at 12:10pm

For us, if the theater paid for the materials, the costume is ussually considered company property. However, we often allow the cast member to buy thier costume at a reduced rate should they desire it. In the case of a defunct house, I agree with the others. Give them a call and tell them you will give the costumes a good home...

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Marty W

"Till next we trod the boards.."