Rental appointments are subject to availability, and must be requested at least one week in advance by calling (413) 637-1199 ext. 376 or by emailing mhathaway@shakespeare.org. Please note: Shakespeare & Company does not ship costumes.

Rental rates for non-profits (schools, colleges, and theaters) are $45/costume for the first week beginning with dress rehearsals and previews, and performances. Each subsequent week is $30/costume per week. A costume consists of 5 or fewer pieces including footwear and accessories.

Rental rates for individuals and for-profit organizations (businesses, films, corporations etc.) are $100/costume for the first week of shooting, dress rehearsals, previews, and performances. Each subsequent week is $60/costume per week. A costume consists of 5 or fewer pieces including footwear and accessories.

Selecting and pulling costumes from Shakespeare & Company’s stock is, after a brief tour, entirely self-service and the responsibility of the renter. Shakespeare & Company suggest renters bring performers’ measurements with them. Prior arrangement may be made with the Costume Shop Manager if assistance is desired in pulling. This service is subject to the availability of staff and requires a $25/hour consultation fee. Holds are made at the discretion of the Costume Shop Manager and will incur a $45/ week fee. Please note: Shakespeare & Company does not ship rentals.

Items unavailable for rent include some footwear and all high boots, tights, stockings, undergarments, corsets, antique or fragile garments and costume pieces potentially needed for current or upcoming Shakespeare & Company productions.

Transport of rented costumes is the responsibility of the renter. The renter will take pulled costumes with them on the day they are pulled, and the renter should bring baskets or bags for transportation. Costumes taken out on hangers must be returned on their original hangers. Please do not return costumes on plastic hangers. Once fittings are done any unused items may be returned and will be stricken from the inventory. Any unused garments that are returned before first dress will not incur a charge on the final invoice. If unused garments aren’t returned before first dress the renter will pay for on the final invoice.

Care of rented pieces includes the renter agreeing to exercise the highest degree of care of pieces rented from Shakespeare & Company. All costumes are rented “as is.” Carefully stitched alterations of Shakespeare & Company costumes for size are acceptable; major alterations must be reversed before return. Proper care of garments assumes that; the renter may not cut, paint, or dye costumes, use staples, safety pins, glue, or tape to alter a piece, or in any way irreparably alter or damage a costume. Damaged or lost pieces will be subject to repair or replacement fees.

Costumes must be professionally dry cleaned before return. Shoes, hats, leathers, and masks must be gently sprayed with an antiviral spray such as Lysol before return. All safety pins, ribbons, and name tags must be removed from the pieces before return. If costumes are not cleaned a drycleaning fee of $10 per garment will be charged. If all safety pins, ribbons, and name tags are not removed a service fee of $1 per garment will be charged. A copy of all dry-cleaning receipts must accompany each return.

Rental return dates will be agreed upon by the renter and the Costume Shop Manager and noted at the time of the rental, generally 10 business days after the close of a show to allow time for cleaning. Costumes returned later than the agreed upon return date will continue to be charged at the “subsequent week” rate of $30 or $60 /costume/week until returned. An additional holding fee of $45 per week may be added to rentals pulled and racked well in advance of fittings and performance opening.

Payment is due within 30 days of the last performance date or it is subject to a 5% of the total rental fee every month thereafter. A credit card number is required as a guarantee, and is the preferred form of payment.

Please contact Costume Shop Manager, Michelle Hathaway at mhathaway@shakespeare.org or call (413) 637-1199 ext. 376 with any questions.