A Costume Crash Course: Halloween 2025

Costume Idea: The Painting from 'ART'

Marcus Truschinski, 'ART.' Photo by Michael Brosilow. Scenic Design by Kate Noll.

What you'll need:

• White* shirt and pants
• White* beret
• A copy of "De Vita Beata" by Seneca
• (Optional) Blue pen
• (Required) Large jar of olives

Yasmina Reza’s ‘ART’ is back in the spotlight this year. With a star-studded Broadway revival playing on the heels of our Touchstone run, there’s truly no better time to commit to the sophisticated bit and go as this sleek piece of modern art. This costume is perfect for those with a capsule wardrobe and a love of minimalism, expensive taste and the works of Seneca. And if your evening with friends turns raucous, whip out your favorite blue pen and let your frenemies sign your shirt as a peace offering.

Pro tip: a jar of olives makes a great salty snack in case you find yourself hangry during the night.

*Many art connoisseurs (aka Serge) are of the opinion that the titular painting in 'ART' is not a monochromatic white. Feel free to dress in whatever color palate you see fit to represent the painting's full artistic expression.

Costume Idea: Anna Karenina from Anna in the Tropics

Phoebe González, Anna in the Tropics. Photo by Hannah Jo Anderson. Poster design by Josafath Reynoso and Mary Gawronski.

What you'll need:

• Long, pink coat
• Fluffy, pink hat
• Pink, winter hand muff or gloves
• Jewelry you love
• (Optional) A copy of "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy
• (Required) A vintage cigar box to collect candy during trick-or-treat

Fans of classic Russian literature, this is your moment to shine. Take inspiration from Marela in Anna in the Tropics and dress up as Tolstoy’s most glamorously tragic heroine, Anna Karenina. You can style this look with maximum opulence in mind, dressing it up with jewels, furs, gloves and hats. Add a heavyweight long winter coat perfect for a ball in Imperial Russia or a chilly Wisconsin evening. Don’t forget to bring along your own copy of Anna Karenina to read aloud and a vintage cigar box to store your trick-or-treating treasures.

Pro Tip: For those over 21, a shot of vodka can be a great accessory.

Costume Idea: Bottom from A Midsummer Night's Dream

Sam Luis Massaro, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Costume Design by Daniele Tyler Matthews.

What you'll need:

• Donkey ear headband
• Donkey tail
• White, long sleeve shirt
• Red vest
• Brown belt
• (Optional) Binder for your script
• (Required) A dramatic monologue, 60 seconds or less

An APT classic. Our beloved bully Bottom has one of the most famous costumes in all of Shakespeare’s cannon. Dust off your favorite Ren Faire attire for the base layer of this look. Since Bottom is a very dedicated thespian, carry a binder for P. Quince’s “Pyramus and Thisbe” script and check your lines throughout the day. Then, out of nowhere, add a pair of donkey ears and a tail to the ensemble for the ultimate transformation. Get crafty with the ears and the tail or find something similar at your local costume store.

Pro Tip: Give your look a throwback-feel by taking inspiration from Bottoms of productions past! Check out 2017, 2008, or take it all the way back to our very first Midsummer in 1980!

Costume Idea: Jane and Julia from Fallen Angels

Laura Rook & Phoebe González, Fallen Angels. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Costume Design by Fabio Toblini.

What you'll need:

• Yellow dressing robe and/or pajamas
• Gold evening gown or bridesmaid dress
• Heels or slippers
• Smeared lipstick, runny mascara
• (Optional) Champagne
• (Required) Bubble bottle

This duos costume is perfect for you and your most fabulous friend. Dress up in an evening gown or opt for comfy with a glamorous pair of pajamas. Go all in with the hair and makeup to emulate that 1930s movie star aesthetic. Then, mess it up. Smear that lipstick. Let the mascara run. You should look - dare we say - a little unhinged (or “perfectly hinged” according to Julia). It is Halloween after all. Whether you’re planning on staying in or going out on the town, a combination of champagne, gossip and your best friend will make it a night to remember (or not).

Pro Tip: Finish strong with a travel-sized bottle of bubbles to end the evening on a high note. Cheers!

Costume Idea: The Bear from The Winter's Tale

The Winter's Tale. Photo by Michael Brosilow. Bear design and build by Becky Hanson, Sarah Beth, Erin Donnelly & Brenna Budic.

What you'll need:

• Brown coat with fur lining (faux or vintage!)
• Brown winter hat with fur lining
• Bear ears headbands
• (Optional) APT's 2025 "Exit, Pursued by a Bear" T-Shirt
• (Required) Gummy Bears

You don’t think we’d forgot about the literal BEAR this season, did you? The ultimate scene-stealer, the bear from The Winter’s Tale knows a thing or two about creating an iconic moment with minimal onstage effort. Dress warm in your faux or vintage fur coat, hat, gloves or boots. Make it cute with a pair of ears. Make it gruesome with some fake blood from your last snack (sorry, Antigonus). Layer with this season’s adorable, “Exit, Pursued by a Bear” t-shirt or any APT merch.

Pro Tip: bears are “never curst but when they are hungry,” so bring along a bag of gummy bears to have on reserve.

Costume Idea: APT Wardrobe Department

Mike Humke (in bear) and Wardrobe Assistant Caitlin Fanning. Backstage at The Winter's Tale. Photo by Hannah Jo Anderson.

What you'll need:

• Dark colored clothing to hide from the audience
• Fanny pack filled with infinite number of threads, buttons, bandages, scissors - basically everything
• Your favorite pin cushion bracelet (bonus points if you made it yourself)
• Basket of sweaty laundry fresh off the stage
• Timer to check record-setting quick changes
• (Optional) Headset
• (Required) Ability to work quickly under pressure

Are you the friend in the group who is always prepared and ready to help in case of a costume emergency? If that's you, consider taking your skills to the next level and dressing in honor of APT's amazing Wardrobe Department! The wardrobe team makes sure the gorgeous costumes you see onstage continue to stay that way throughout the production's entire run. Armed with a needle and thread, the wardrobe team works wonders (in the dark!) with any stuck zipper, ripped hem or lost button. Speedy and precise, wardrobe makes sure even the quickest of quick changes can happen, standing by and ready to pounce.

Did you know the wardrobe supervisor and assistants are often the final people to leave the theater after the show? They ensure the costumes are properly cleaned and refreshed for the next performance. They're graceful under pressure, immeasurably helpful and the stealthiest team around. Make sure your Halloween runs smoothly and pay homage to our wardrobe extraordinaires.