Costume Stock Supervisor: Desireé "Dezi" Humphries
Contact: desiree.humphries@austin.utexas.edu 

The UT Theatre and dance Department has a large diverse costume stock available for the purposes of UT production as well as borrowing and renting to outside departments and organizations. The majority of stock  is located in the F.L. Winship Drama Building B.106. It is an available resource for costume students designing main stage productions but is also services the the local theatre/film community as a costume rental source. 


Who Can Borrow Costumes?

While our in house productions take priority our stock is available to loan and rent to productions happening outside of the UT&D department. 

  • Theatre and Dance Students for the purposes of class projects,New Works Festival, Evolution and productions

  • Universities and Theatres we have a Reciprocal Loan Agreement with

  • The Butler School of Music Opera Productions

  • Local Theatre and Film Productions (For a rental fee)

  • Radio Television and Film Students (For a discounted rental fee)

Requesting Appointments

  • Make an appointment at least 24 hours in advanced by emailing us at utcostumerental@gmail.com 
  • Appointments are an hour long (negotiable up to 3hrs depending on amount being pulled and travel) please plan accordingly! 
  • Please provide info as to who is coming to borrow so we know who to expect. 
  • Our Stock is limited and our season production takes priority so there may be things usually available for renting/borrowing that are withheld. Information will be needed to determine if you can rent/borrow anything. When requesting an appointment please provide information such as 
    • The nature of your project. Is this a class project, an outside production, a studio project, etc.?
    • What are you looking for? Period costumes? Modern costumes? Menswear, women's wear
    • If you are renting for a film we'll need to know if you're filming outside.Outside shoots will not be granted access to some items without a designated skilled costumer on crew 
    • Production (including Tech) or Filming dates

Borrowing and Renting Guidelines

Helpful Tips Before You Make an Appointment

"Pulling" costumes refers to the process of searching and setting aside costumes for the purposes of a production. If you are new to costuming and the process of pulling costumes here are a few tips to make sure you get the most out of your appointment.

  • See what is available to you for free

Sometimes you or your actor may have the very item you need for your project. It is best to explore every free avenue before setting up an appointment to pull costumes.

Make a list

Pulling from a costume stock as big as UT’s can be overwhelming. Before you make an appointment, it is best to bring a list of items you are sure you want to search for.

Bring your research.

There is no way to know what to look for if you don’t have research. Not only is it good to have research for yourself but it can help the stock staff point you in the right direction.

Bring measurements

If you have the measurements of your actors it will not only save you time but will also save you money. Pulling blindly can leave you paying for unusable items. The costume stock has tape measurers available for use. If you have any questions on the best way to measure a garment the stock staff will be available to assist.

Plan for transport

If you plan to pull a lot of items, we recommend bringing an assistant to help you take the costumes out. If you have access to a car you can bring your car to the loading dock at the back of the building and a stock employee can help you load your car.