First of all, in planning the costuming for a play a definite color
scheme should be decided on with due regard for the scenery against
which the colors are to stand out and for the lights which will greatly
affect all values. Here is an opportunity for delightful study and the
exercise of the highest artistic ability. Skilful lighting and a well
chosen background will make cheesecloth as effective as cloth of gold.
Taste and careful experimentation not money secure the best results.

Family ragbags will often yield excellent material for theatrical
costumes, and of much better quality than would be bought new for the
purpose. But if the stuff is to be purchased, two materials will be
found especially suitable and inexpensive. For the peasants' costumes
canton flannel is recommended as it has body and comes in beautiful dark
reds, browns and other shades which light up well. For the dresses of
the richer group in the chancel, sateen is best. It, too, comes in
lovely colors and has a very rich glossy finish, though to give variety
an occasional piece of cheap velvet or upholstery brocade is very
effective. For trimming these richer garments, bits of fur or
passementerie can be used, or the material may be stencilled or even
painted freehand. Large gold beads sewed on in a simple design gives the
appearance of rich embroidery, as do also flowers cut out of chintz and
carefully pasted on.

All of the men's jerkins or tunics are made on the simple lines of a
man's shirt, opened a little at the neck and belted in at the waist.

The most inexpensive tights for amateurs are well-fitting cotton
underwear, dyed the desired color. The children and Bertel can wear
their own plain soft low-heeled slippers. The rich folk in the chancel