Dressing for Black Light & Costume Suggestions

Please note that it is not necessary to use hoods in the classroom when using black lights in your drama workshop. Asking the children to come dressed in black or dark clothing is helpful.  

Clothing to hide performers/puppeteers

• Hoods – we made of lightweight black cotton broadcloth with a face panel of easy-to-see-through lighter black knit (doubled) and long enough they sat on the children’s shoulders. One size fits all (kids & adults). Directions to make hoods below.
• Black Gloves - when you don't want hands seen (inexpensive kid’s knit black gloves that are available everywhere in the fall/winter).
• Clothing black (long sleeves, long pants).
• Socks – black.
  
  

Costume Suggestions (that will glow under blacklight)

• White clothing also works for dance numbers. Black tights, white wrap around skirt, white gloves, white flower head band, neon streamers from waist, etc.
• Also, use any neon colored costumes you have that glow under the UV lights, have puppeteer wear hood, add a neon wig or white shepherds hat.
• To make wigs – buy mops and spray paint with neon colours. Or watch around Halloween at the costume stores for ones in the neon colours – blue neon is great!
  
  TIPS:
• Have extra clothes on hand, for visitors and kids who forget to wear black. I went to a local used clothing store and picked up a few inexpensive kids “black” sweatshirts, sweaters, pants, and sweatpants. Plus, purchase some extra black socks.
• Have black tape on hand to cover any emblems, logos, track pant stripes. You can get Black Vinyl Electrical Tape that is wider (around 4" or 5” width) that worked nicely.
  
  

Simple “HOODS” You Can Make Yourself