A Costume Crash Course: Halloween 2023

Posted October 25, 2023

Costume 101 cover3

Your guide to APT-inspired costumes perfect for next Halloween party


On the quest for a last-minute Halloween costume? We’ve got some ideas straight from the APT stage that should make for some pretty iconic costumes to celebrate this spooky season. Most of which require minimal to low effort. Win-win!

The most important part of any good costume, Halloween or theatrical, is confidence. Don’t forget to supply your own star-quality to transform these looks from everyday to applause worthy!


Costume Idea: Falstaff as Herne the Hunter

David Daniel, The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Susan Tsu.


What you’ll need:

  • Pink t-shirt or tank top
  • Pink shorts or pants
  • Blue scarf
  • Blue knee-high socks
  • Pink pipe-cleaner (Optional)
  • Headband/ hat (Optional)
  • Blue fabric Pen/ blue iron-on patches (Optional)

If you’re looking for a costume that’s larger than life, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re as crafty as Sir John Falstaff and looking to chew just a little bit of scenery, this ensemble will give you some freedom to make it your own while staying true to the now iconic Herne’s Oak reveal from this season's production.

And no dazzling forest stag would be complete without some eye-catching antlers. We’d suggest breaking out the hot glue gun or some of your favorite tape to finish the look, but as long as you own it with the confidence of Windsor’s favorite knight, you can’t go wrong.

Costume Idea: George Gibbs and Emily Webb

Ronald Román-Meléndez and Samantha Newcomb, Our Town, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Scott Rött.


What you’ll need:

  • Classic looking dress/ skirt and top
  • Classic looking button-down shirt
  • Neutral toned pants
  • Suspenders
  • (Optional) baseball glove
  • (Optional) math homework


Move over Romeo and Juliet, the it couple of Grover’s Corners are taking the spotlight! George and Emily might be the most adorable couple's costume ever. It’s romantic and nostalgic, along with super easy to put together with what you already own. Go the extra mile and bring along props like a baseball glove or some math homework. BYOL (bring your own ladders).

Costume Idea: Jay Jackson

Jamal James, The Royale, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Yvonne L. Miranda.


What you’ll need:

  • Blue athletic shorts
  • Boxing gloves
  • Championship robe
  • (Optional) personal boxing bell

Now THIS is a cool costume. Go for a suave and sporty look while honoring a real-life boxing legend. We doubt anyone will be able to capture the fast remarks and even faster fists of Jack Johnson or Jay Jackson, or Jamal James for that matter, but we respect the effort.

Costume Idea: (Young) Anton Chekhov

Nate Burger, Anton's Shorts, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg.


What you’ll need:

  • Some really iconic spectacles
  • Disheveled hair and/or facial hair
  • Vest suitable for Russian climates
  • Neck tie of some kind
  • (Optional) Pen and paper
  • (Optional) stuffed seagull

Express your inner literary genius by going as the father of theatrical modernism, Anton Chekhov, this Halloween! Observe party-goers while sulking in the corner, occasionally jotting down musings you'll put in your next play. Bring along a seagull (or some vodka, depending on the party) to really sell the look.

Costume Idea: Clarice and Lucrece 

Phoebe González and Samantha Newcomb, The Liar, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Holly Payne.


What you’ll need:

  • Pink and purple clothing
  • Matching pink and purple fans
  • Flashy jewelry fit for court in 1645
  • (Optional) pink and purple wigs
  • (Optional) elbow length gloves
  • (Optional) color-coordinating desserts

These fabulous and flamboyant looks require a pair of best friends who are never afraid to stand out in a crowd. Opulence is the only option when it comes to these rococo inspired ensembles. Lucrece and Clarice are always down for some flirty fun. Handheld fans are a must to disguise your gossip throughout the night.

Costume Idea: Capulets and Montagues

Jim DeVita, Nathan Barlow, Sam Luis Massaro and Daniel José Molina, Romeo & Juliet, 2023. Photo by Liz Lauren. Costume design by Daniele Tyler Mathews.

What you’ll need:

Go as Verona's most fearsome families this Halloween - the Capulets and the Montagues. Perfect for larger groups (and high school English departments), there are no limits when it comes to the creativity on this one. Violent delights are encouraged. Violent ends, not so much.

Costume Idea: APT House and Concessions Staff

APT House Staff at Hill Closing, 2023. Photo by Hannah Jo Anderson.

What you’ll need:

  • Green polo shirt
  • Green rain jacket
  • Walkie-talkie
  • Weather App on phone
  • Parking lot signals (Optional)
  • Handful of gummy bears (Optional)

Looking for a costume built to withstand Wisconsin weather patterns this Halloween? The APT House and Concession Staff uniform is the perfect solution. Dress for warm or cold temperatures with these forest green layers. Bonus points if you accessorize with a walkie talkie or a bag of gummy bears to get you through the night. Add a super-hero cape since they always save the day.