Produced by the National Arts Centre
With insight from guest curator Michael Eagan
With insight from guest curator Michael Eagan
Welcome to ArtsAlive.ca's
The Secret Life of Costumes
This online exhibition offers teachers, students and theatre lovers the opportunity to learn about the National Arts Centre’s extraordinary collection of costumes created for productions at Canada’s National Arts Centre by some of the country's great theatrical designers of the last 39 years. Until now this collection has lived only in the dark recesses of the NAC archives. We hope you will enjoy the collection’s new life on these pages.
Contact us to tell us what you think.
Here's what you'll find:
History of the NAC Costume Collection
History of the NAC Costume Collection
Learn about the history of the NAC’s costume collection from NAC Archivist, Gerry Grace.
Archiving Theatre
Archiving Theatre
Learn about archiving theatre through an essay by top Canadian scenographic designer, Michael Eagan.
About Design
About Design
Delve into the elements, processes and people involved in designing and creating costumes for the stage.
Collection Features
Collection Features
Read in-depth features by Michael Eagan as well as biographies on the 35 designers whose work is featured in the collection.
Thematic Tours
Thematic Tours
Browse the costume collection through thematically organized tours of NAC English Theatre, Théâtre français and Opera productions.
Search the Collection
Search the Collection
Search the collection by production, designer, character, actor, playwright, composer…and in many other ways.
Activities & Resources
Activities & Resources
Explore resources for teachers, students and parents as well as quizzes, useful links and a glossary of terms.
