Since the beloved Lucy in Disguise costume store closed its doors in 2022, Austinites have struggled to find unique Halloween outfits. ATX Theatre is stepping in to save locals from lackluster online shopping and overpriced pop-up Halloween stores this year. The organization brings together Austin’s eighty-plus theatre companies and hosts a two-day public costume sale with five local theatrical groups.
“This sale has a distinct Austin vibe, just like Lucy’s, but the prices are much kinder on the wallet,” says Sharron Anderson, Austin native and Founding Executive Director of ATX Theatre. Reminiscing about past Halloweens spent at Lucy’s, she laughs, recalling how she once spent more than her family’s monthly grocery budget on costumes. Local theatre companies, including Austin Shakespeare, The Archive Theater, Salvage Vanguard Theater, Zilker Theatre Productions, and Concordia University’s Theatre Studies, will sell their costume collections at the sale. Each company will set its prices and handle transactions directly.
Jennifer Rose Davis, a costume designer helping organize the event, adds, “We’ll have an on-site alteration station where our theatrical costumers can make small adjustments or help you mix and match pieces for the perfect look.”
Anderson jokes, “You definitely won’t get that kind of service at a plastic-y Halloween store! And what we’ve got here is interesting. Our ATX Theatre collection includes costumes from now-defunct TV and film production companies. Think racks of one-of-a-kind, upcycled outfits, and clothing worn maybe once on screen. It’s a thrifter’s paradise.”
Volunteers, led by ATX Theatre Advisory Board member Inge Rider, are working hard to prepare for the event. Rider, a passionate theatre-goer who sees at least three shows weekly, offers practical tips: “There won’t be dressing rooms, but we’ll have mirrors. Shoppers should wear thin layers to try things on, and bring socks—especially if you want to check out our selection of shoes, like military boots, men’s shoes, and even brand-new cheer shoes and cleats!”
ATX Theatre is committed to fostering community by creating events that connect Austinites with the local theatre scene. This sale offers a chance to meet theatre company leaders and learn about upcoming productions in a fun, laid-back setting with free parking. “Honestly, free parking should be one of our organizational values,” jokes Mary Alice Carnes, ATX Theatre’s Board Chair.
Tickets:
The event is free, but you can reserve tickets online for priority entry if the venue reaches capacity. Snag a free hat with a purchase of $20 or more from the ATX Theatre collection (while supplies last). Get your tickets at https://atxtheatre.evvnt.events/events/atx-theatre-halloween-costume-and-thrift-sale.
Dates & Times:
Saturday & Sunday, October 19 & 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Venue:
The Memorial United Methodist Church Gym, 6100 Berkman Dr., Austin, TX 78723.