THE CRUCIBLE

The Crucible is a play by Arthur Miller based on the Salem Witch Trials. Students in Grade 10 and 11 participated. The play was directed by Ms. Abeyawardene, who is an English teacher at OSC.

As we just came out of the Secondary Schoool play, which we had to do as part of our class, I decided that I did not want to act, but instead be involved in a stagecraft. They needed people for costumes and make-up, and so I volunteered for this, along with Camille.

Goals:- Design costumes.
- Possibly learn how to use the sewing machine if it is necessary.
- Have all the costumes ready by the time of the show.


In the process, we had to read the play and come up with costumes that would be suitable for each character. What we came up with was a way to show the differences in character by the use of colour and accessories. The two main female characters - Abigail and Elizabeth Proctor wore a matching skirt and top, whereas the other more minor characters simply wore a skirt and a white or black shirt on top. The minor male characters wore black trousers and a white shirt, whereas the major male characters were also required to wear a jacket. For the women, we also had to make pagan hats and aprons, which we spent much time after school in the art room sewing.
On the nightsof the performance, we had the basic enough task of applying make-up onto the characters, but we had help for that, and many of the actors wanted to apply their own make-up. We also had to wait backstage and touch up make-up for characters that needed it.

From this, I learnt how to use the sewing machine properly, and also to make items with it. I also found that I really enjoy using the sewing machine, and am actually quite good at it.

Outcomes:- Learnt how to use the sewing machine.
- All costumes were ready on time.
- Found that I like sewing, and making things.