We were thrilled when the  Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School came to the re for materials to create costumes for their latest production, Shrek the Musical! Part of our mission at The Resource Exchange is to inspire more sustainable practices within the local arts and to divert reusable materials away from landfill making them more affordable and accessible to artists, students, educators, & makers of all kinds. 

The local production required lots of help from a group of parents and students volunteering their time to create over 130 costumes for 90+ actors! Reclaimed fabric trim and faux fur found at the re helped create the costume for The White Rabbit.

For Lord Farquaad, the show’s main antagonist, his legs were made using pieces of reclaimed foam! Most packing and upholstery foam is polyurethane, which unfortunately often ends up in landfills because it can be difficult to recycle. Reusing foam pieces in costumes and as stuffing for craft or home projects is the best way to extend the life of this material! 

More reclaimed faux fur and fabric trim were used to complete the look for the Three Bears. We’re so glad these materials were saved from landfill, so this fun-filled cast of fairytale creatures could put them to good reuse!