It is often said that the real magic of theatre happens behind the scenes – and this year’s College production of The Wizard of Oz proves exactly that. As preparations continue for the much-anticipated performance, the production team has been hard at work bringing the Yellow Brick Road to life, while placing sustainability and environmental responsibility at the heart of the creative process.
Costumes with a Conscience
From the cheerful residents of Munchkinland to the dazzling citizens of the Emerald City, every character needs a memorable look. Rather than relying on newly purchased materials, costume designer Anna Inman embraced the ethos of “reduce, reuse, recycle.”
Many base costume pieces were sourced from local charity shops, giving pre-loved garments a second life on stage while supporting organisations such as Isabel Hospice, Cancer Research UK and Oxfam. Online marketplaces also proved useful, with items like monkey masks and Glinda’s dress discovered at bargain prices.
The team also explored the College’s own costume archive, rediscovering sparkling pieces from previous productions such as Made in Dagenham. For the second year running, a generous collection of past costumes was also loaned by the Harpenden Scout troupe, thanks to Tania York, ensuring these items could continue their theatrical journey.
Support from the wider school community also played an important role, with friends and families lending items from their personal collections. Even the Wicked Witch’s corset was creatively upcycled using ribbon offcuts and additional trims, while Glinda’s elegant dress was sourced second-hand for less than £30.
The Wicked Witch’s corset was upcycled using old ribbon offcuts and some new trims
Glinda’s beautiful dress was less than £30 from second hand
Props and Sets: Upcycled Wonders
Sustainability extended beyond costumes to the creation of props and set pieces. The production team demonstrated that one person’s waste can truly become a theatre team’s treasure.
For example, the eerie tree masks used in the forest scene were crafted primarily from discarded delivery boxes, transforming ordinary cardboard into striking theatrical features.
In addition, many of the decorative trims and details used throughout the costumes and props came from the extensive craft and fabric collections belonging to Helen and Anna. These forgotten remnants from past projects provided the perfect finishing touches for the production.
Creativity with a Purpose
By prioritising reuse and upcycling wherever possible, the production team has significantly reduced the environmental footprint of this year’s show while encouraging creativity and collaboration across the College community. Any newly purchased items will also be carefully preserved so they can be reused in future drama lessons or productions.
With imagination, teamwork and sustainability guiding every step behind the scenes, audiences can look forward to a truly magical performance when the curtain finally rises on The Wizard of Oz.
There are limited tickets available for the production here.
For more information on Drama at St Edmund’s, you can click here for GCSE Drama and here for A Level Drama.