Theater Costume Work
Bobbi Smith has been building, altering, and repairing costumes for community theater productions for decades. If your theater company needs an experienced, reliable costumer who understands the demands of a production schedule — and who can make things that actually hold up under stage lights and eight shows a week — she would love to hear from you.
30+ Years of Theater Costuming Experience
Bobbi brings a working knowledge of theatrical costume construction that goes well beyond home sewing. Her background includes:
- Costume construction from commercial and adapted patterns
- Period and character costume building for stage productions
- Fitting and alterations for cast members of all sizes
- Fast-turn repairs and emergency alterations during production runs
- Working with costume rental pieces — alterations, repairs, and returns
- Collaboration with directors and costume designers on vision and execution
What Bobbi Can Do for Your Production
Costume Construction
Build costumes from scratch or from commercial patterns. Period pieces, character costumes, uniform looks, whimsical designs — Bobbi has the technical range to bring a costume designer's vision to life on a community theater budget.
Alterations & Fittings
Alter purchased or rented costumes to fit your actual cast. Hems, taking in and letting out seams, resizing bodices, adjusting sleeves — the alterations that turn a costume that almost fits into one that looks like it was made for the actor.
Repairs & Reinforcement
Production repairs that hold. Seams that need to survive choreography, closures that need to open and close eight times a week, costume pieces that need to last a full run — Bobbi sews for durability as well as appearance.
Rental Piece Management
Receiving, inspecting, altering, and returning rented costume pieces in good condition. If your theater rents from a costume house, Bobbi can manage the fitting and alteration process so returns go smoothly.
Rush & Emergency Work
Sometimes a zipper breaks the night before opening. A hem comes down at intermission. Bobbi understands production reality and is available for rush and emergency work when schedules demand it.
Contract Basis
Available on a per-production contract basis. Pricing is discussed based on the scope of the production, number of costumes, timeline, and complexity. Reach out early — good costumers book up ahead of auditions.
Theaters in the Area
Bobbi is available to community and regional theaters throughout Delaware County and the greater Philadelphia area. Local theaters she is familiar with and available to work with include:
PCS Theater
Swarthmore, PAOne of the most active community theater companies in Delaware County, with a full season of productions each year.
Hedgerow Theatre
Rose Valley, PAA historic professional theater with community and educational productions throughout the year.
Media Theatre
Media, PAA well-established community theater with musicals, dramas, and children's productions in the heart of Delaware County.
Delaware Children's Theatre
Wilmington, DEA children's and family theater with productions that require a range of character and period costume work.
Hire Bobbi for Your Next Production
The best time to reach out is before auditions — before the production schedule is locked and before the costume list is finalized. Early conversations make everything easier. Call, text, or email to start the conversation.
Available to theaters in Swarthmore, Rose Valley, Media, Upper Chichester, Aston, Brookhaven, Chester, Wallingford, Wilmington, and throughout Delaware County and the greater Philadelphia area.