For Drama Directors

Production Resources

Everything you need to plan, budget, and order for your school's next production — without the back-and-forth.

Drama Directors

Get an Instant Quote

Select your show, enter your cast size, and we'll kick off your quote in seconds.

1

Production Budget Calculator

Get a rough cost estimate before building your PO. Select your show type and cast size — we'll break it down by category.

Estimated Production Budget

Rough estimates based on typical orders. Actual costs depend on specific items and quantities. Use this as a starting point for your PO request.

Build a Quote →
2

Buying Guides

📄 How to Pay with a Purchase Order

Theatre House has processed school purchase orders since 1955. Here's how it works:

  • Step 1 — Build your quote. Browse the catalogue and click "Start a Quote" on each item you need. Your quote is generated instantly with a full line-item breakdown.
  • Step 2 — Issue your PO. Have your business office issue a PO using the quote number as reference. Email to info@theatrehouse.com or fax.
  • Step 3 — We ship and invoice. We ship your order and send a Net 30 invoice to your business office.
📞 Need a W-9, vendor packet, ACH info, or certificate of insurance? Call 800.827.2414 or email info@theatrehouse.com — typically returned within the hour.
🏭 Tax-Exempt Purchasing for Schools

Public K–12 schools are generally tax-exempt on purchases for educational use.

  • Email your state tax-exempt certificate with your first order.
  • We keep it on file — future orders under the same school name are processed tax-free automatically.
  • District-level blanket certificates work too — just reference the district name on your PO.
You only need to submit your certificate once. After that, just note "tax-exempt" on your PO or quote request.
🎭 How to Order by Show

We've organised our catalogue by show so you can find costumes, props, makeup, and accessories for a specific production in one place.

  • Visit the Show Browser and select your production.
  • Browse all items curated for that show — no searching by product type required.
  • Add to your quote as you go. Your quote is generated instantly once you're ready.
Can't find your show? Call 800.827.2414 — we likely carry the products, just haven't built the page yet.
📅 Planning Your Order Timeline

Work backwards from opening night:

  • 8–10 weeks out: Measure students. Start building your quote.
  • 6–8 weeks out: Submit your PO.
  • 4–6 weeks out: Order arrives. Do a full inventory check immediately.
  • 2–4 weeks out: Fittings and alterations. Exchange sizes if needed.
Tight on time? Call 800.827.2414. We can often expedite or identify in-stock items shipping same day.
3

Costume Size Guide

Use this chart when measuring students before ordering. When in doubt, size up — alterations are easier than exchanges.

How to Measure

  • Chest: Around the fullest part of the chest, parallel to the floor.
  • Waist: At the natural waistline (narrowest point), about 1″ above the navel.
  • Inseam: Crotch seam to floor in bare feet.
  • Height: Barefoot, standing straight against a wall.
Size Typical Age Height Chest Waist Inseam
Youth XS 6–8 yrs 44–50″ 23–25″ 21–23″ 20–22″
Youth S 8–10 yrs 50–55″ 25–27″ 23–25″ 22–24″
Youth M 10–12 yrs 55–60″ 27–30″ 25–27″ 24–26″
Youth L 12–14 yrs 58–63″ 30–33″ 27–29″ 26–28″
Adult XS/S 14–16 yrs 62–66″ 32–36″ 26–30″ 28–30″
Adult M Adult 64–68″ 36–40″ 30–33″ 30–31″
Adult L Adult 66–70″ 40–44″ 33–37″ 31–32″
Adult XL Adult 68–72″ 44–48″ 37–42″ 32–33″
Adult 2XL Adult 68–74″ 48–54″ 42–48″ 32–34″

Sizing varies by manufacturer. Always check individual product size charts when available. Call 800.827.2414 if unsure.

4

Show Planning FAQ

How far in advance should I order?

6–8 weeks before opening night. This gives your business office time to process the PO, allows for standard shipping, and leaves 2–4 weeks for fittings and exchanges. Tight on time? Call us — we can often expedite.

Do you accept purchase orders from schools?

Yes — since 1955. We supply W-9s, vendor packets, ACH details, and certificates of insurance usually within the hour. Email info@theatrehouse.com or call 800.827.2414.

How do I get a formal written quote?

Use the quote builder — click "Start a Quote" on any product, build your list, then submit. Your quote is generated instantly with a full line-item breakdown. Use the quote number when issuing your PO.

Is there a minimum order size?

No minimum. We serve productions of all sizes.

What if a costume doesn't fit?

Unworn, unaltered costumes can be exchanged within 30 days. Email info@theatrehouse.com with your order number. See our full Return Policy.

Do you offer tax exemption for public schools?

Yes. Email your state tax-exempt certificate once and we keep it on file. All future orders under your school name are processed tax-free automatically.

Do you ship to school and district addresses?

Yes — schools, district offices, and individual teacher addresses. Large orders may ship freight; we'll notify you in advance.

Still have questions?

Our team has been helping drama directors since 1955. Call 800.827.2414 or email info@theatrehouse.com.

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