Costume rentals and sales, dance shoes, theatrical makeup
The American Backstage Company is Washington’s premier theatrical store, offering costume rentals and sales, accessories, dance shoes, theatre scripts and books, wigs, hats, and stage makeup. We provide costumes for all types of events, from high school musicals to Halloween costumes to Cosplay and Comicon activities to church plays and pageants. We are proud to serve the performing arts community in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland.
Conveniently located in Alexandria Virginia, near Van Dorn Metro, we are open from 9:30 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12-5 pm on Sundays.
Keywords: Costumes, backstage, rental costumes, costume rentals, theatre supplies, theatrical supplies, wigs, dance wear, masks, ballet shoes, dance shoes, magic, drag queen, corsets, scripts, dancewear, Halloween, Ben Nye, Capezio, hats, stage makeup, theatrical makeup, special effects, zombie makeup, cosplay, comicon, masks, masquerade, tiaras
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
We opened in 2013. Our company's history is simultaneously short and long. When the long-established Washington DC business Backstage, Inc., closed at the end of 2012, we were able to acquire its inventory and huge collection of costumes. Under the ownership of longtime Backstage manager Rip Claassen, our 6,500 square foot store in Alexandria is now open to serve the performing arts community in Northern Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland.
What is your primary product or service?
We carry costumes and theatrical supplies of all types. The American Backstage Company has a huge costume rental department as well as packaged costumes for sale, from Samson and Delilah to Sonny and Cher, as well as fantasy characters from television and film. Custom costumes and plus-size costumes are also available. From Santas to Easter Bunnies, Batman and Darth Vader to sexy French Maids, we have every costume you might want. We provide costumes for high school musicals, professional theatrical productions, masquerade parties, Cosplay and Comicon events, church plays and pageants, store promotions, singing telegrams, films, and Halloween events.
Other large departments are theatrical makeup, theatre books and scripts, dance shoes, accessories, and magic supplies.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
Owner / Impresario Rip Claassen is well-known in the Washington theatre scene as a costumer, director, teacher, and dramaturge. Before opening the American Backstage Company in 2013, he worked for 24 years at Backstage, Inc., in Washington DC. Rip is a graduate of the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. His interest in costuming began in childhood as assistant to his grandfather, a former Vaudevillian, and he has costumed more than 100 shows. He is a proud member of the National Costumers Association. Many of our staff members are actors, dancers, singers, and models.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
We are the largest theatrical store in the Washington area, with the broadest range of products.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have one location, at 5380 Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria, near the Van Dorn Metro.
Provide detailed directions to your location
Our store is located just inside the Beltway off the Van Dorn Street exit. We are a two minute walk from Van Dorn Metro.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash and credit cards. We also handle purchase orders from schools.
Which areas do you service?
Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The business is owned and operated by Rip Claassen, with two assistant managers.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from 9:30 am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 12-5 pm on Sundays.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
One we get all the time -- "I won my costume contest!" That always makes us feel good.
A week after our Grand Opening, a young couple came in to buy costume and makeup items for a comic book convention. I spent some time with them, discussing options for creating the look they wanted. As they were leaving, I heard one say to the other, "That was really awesome!" "OK," I thought to myself, "I'm on the right track."
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
From Shakespeare's play Hamlet, "This above all, to thine own self be true."
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