The costume design for Bandstand: The New American Musical supports the theme of healing and identity by showing how these veterans navigate life after the war, including the lasting effects of PTSD. The mix of military remnants and 1940s civilian clothing reflects the liminal space where they are no longer soldiers, but not fully settled into who they are becoming. I found a lot of inspiration in my own grandparents’ World War II photos and experiences, which made that transition feel especially personal and real to me. As the band finds success, the costumes shift into more polished, performance-ready looks, highlighting their growing confidence, sense of identity, and movement toward healing.
