Lion King Costume Breakdown
Parents! We have decided to rent only some of the costumes for this show! The majority of
the cast participation fee will be to cover the rental of costumes and/or purchased costume
pieces. However, each student will be responsible for shoes and undergarments, plus a
few other simple items as shown on the character costume breakdown.
From the Costumer
Greetings theater families,
I’m Lisa P., a fellow Hilliard theater parent. My son was in Mrs. Grubbs’ sixth grade musical
back in 2016, and it’s been my pleasure to help with costumes ever since. I’m excited to be
a part of this year’s fun show!
We will provide the bulk of the costumes, but need our actors to provide a few basic pieces.
Please let us know if getting any of these items is a hardship for your family!
EVERYONE
• Black shoes and socks – Shoes should be black flats, or dance flats. Here is
an Amazon link to great (and inexpensive) dance shoes: Jazz shoe link. Please
wear black socks too.
• Clothing for modest costume changes. – we have no dressing rooms, so all
costume changes take place backstage, around other actors. If you have a
costume change, you’ll need undergarments that allow you to change modestly.
One combination that works well is a flesh-toned tank or cami with bicycle
shorts. However, many characters in the show require a black tank top which
will work just fine. And some can wear their black pants/leggings through the
whole show. It depends on what other costumes you have. Go through the rest
of the list below, think through your costumes and reach out if you have any
questions!
• Hair supplies – none of the characters in the show are human, so no one has a
human hairdo. If your hair is longer, wear it pulled back, off your face and
behind your shoulders. A ponytail, bun or braid work best, especially since most
characters will have a hat/headpiece. Please provide the supplies you need for
this! Hair ties, bobby pins, comb/brush, hair spray. Bring extras.
Notes about hygiene
• Please wear antiperspirant, if possible – You WILL get hot and sweaty dancing
under the stage lights. Wearing antiperspirant will keep you and your costume
just a little less sweaty and smelly. Note, antiperspirant is different from
deodorant.
• Make a plan for laundry – you’ll be wearing your costume for 4 dress rehearsals
plus 2 performances – 6 times! The garments that lay next to your skin will get
sweaty and smelly. Launder what you can (socks, leggings, tank tops,) when
you can. Just be sure to have them back for the next rehearsal or performance!
Again, please let me know if it’s a hardship to acquire any of these items, or if you have any
questions or concerns. Email is the best way to reach me LLPetersen@hotmail.com or
leave a voice message at 614-391-4900.
Parents, thank you so much for all you’re doing for the show. As both a theater mom and a
former performer, I know what a difference your support and participation makes and how
much it means to the cast and crew.
CHARACTER COSTUME BREAKDOWN
Below are the items we need you to provide. Note for all items: no logos, graphics, printed
patterns
African Chorus
• Tank or tee (style doesn’t matter since it’s worn under something else)
• Black leggings/pants
Grassland Dancers
• black tank top (thicker straps are preferred, but if you already own one with
thin/spaghetti straps, make sure your bra is black or flesh-toned)
• black leggings
Just Can’t Wait Ensemble
Top
• If you happen to already own a tank top in a bright, solid-color please wear it. We can
provide many, but not all.
Bottom
• Bright, solid-color shorts (can have one other color (preferably another bright color) – for
example a stripe or color-block but not a complex pattern.
• Or black shorts
• Or black leggings
Hyenas
including Sheni, Banzai, Ed
• Black pants/leggings
Wildebeests
• Black tank or tee – Long sleeves would be ideal for this number, but most actors already
have a black tank or tee elsewhere in the show, so you can just keep that on.
• Black leggings/pants (not shorts)
Jungle Ensemble
To be worn under a dress:
Black leggings or bicycle shorts
Black or flesh-toned tank top
Caleb: MAY need black pants, but not sure yet, sorry!Love Ensemble
• black tank top (thicker straps are preferred, but if you already own one with
thin/spaghetti straps, make sure your bra is black or flesh-toned)
• Black leggings
Watering Hole Ensemble
Puzzle:
• Black top. Long sleeves would be ideal for this number, but most actors already have a
black tank or tee elsewhere in the show, so you can just keep that on.
• Black pants/leggings (not shorts)
Lionesses:
• Nothing extra needed for this number. You’ll wear the top and bottom of your lioness
costume (minus the headpiece and drape.)
Josh: we’ll discuss
Prideland Animals
Giraffe: black tank/tee, black leggings/pants
Elephant: black tank/tee, black leggings/pants
Rhinoceros: black tank/tee, black leggings/pants
Antelope/gazelle: black tank, black leggings (Nick, you may wear black pants instead)
Bluebird: black tank, black leggings
Buzzards: black tank or tee, black leggings or pants
Whitebirds: I’m so sorry, I don’t know what you’ll need yet! I believe the rental costume
will be a white dress, so think about what you can wear under that
Pumba: black leggings/pants, black long-sleeved shirt with a plain neckline, no collar
Lionesses
including Young Nala, Adult Nala, Sarabi, Sarafina
We will provide all pieces. Note please have light-colored underwear/bra
Lions
Adult Simba, Mufasa, Scar: You may need a tank/tee under your costume. I’m not sure yet,
sorry! The rest is provided.
Young Simba: we will provide all pieces
We will provide all the pieces for:
• Zebras
• Timone
• Zazu
• Rafiki