Colorguard is expensive. We’ve got to order costumes, get rights to the music, pay for staff, buy warmups, buy shoes and. gloves, pick out and pay for equipment and silks, pay for props, find and pay for space, get transportation, pay registration fees, and…well you get the picture.
I’ve worked for programs that have budgets as high as $10,000 per season for the guard and as low as $100. There’s a lot to pay for, and we all know emergencies that require money pop up on the reg. It’s hard enough as it is, but a lot of programs that don’t have access to the cash to provide these things often come up short in the score category as well (mostly through the fault of biased judging and no access to proper instruction, but we can talk about that later).
Heads up: This is not a fundraising article. This article is meant to help you understand how to make the most of what is available to you.
Want some tips on how to cut costs and make a show look like a million bucks with way less? Read on!
1. Reuse Old Materials
The simplest way to avoid buying new materials is to use what you already have! Go through your guard closet and find old props, silks, equipment, costumes, etc. See if what you have can fit your new theme and if it does, you’re in luck!
2. Revamp Old Materials
It’s time to give those old costumes. flag silks, props, floor, and weapons a makeover! Head over to your local budget fabric store and see if you can add (or replace/take away) anything from your current costumes and silks to give it a new vibe.
Want your weapons to look different? Tape them with different color electrical tape!
What about your floor? Just paint something else on top of your current floor (or go floorless with just props as drill markers–easier clean up too 😉 )
Props? Paint them or chop them up and make something new. The possibilities are endless. Plus recycling is extremely eco-friendly and the planet will thank you.
3. Buy High Quality Materials
This one seems counter-intuitive because higher quality usually means a higher price tag.
But you know what else it means?
It’ll last longer. Spending the extra $50 on a Designs By King Sabre is well worth it. Your students will be happier and you won’t have to spend $200 in two years on a new set of equipment.
Invest in your program.
4. Borrow
Can we normalize asking for help and not being looked down on for not being able to afford new things every year? I’ve done this so many times and it had SAVED my programs, given life to my creative vision, and made the season that more more fun for the students!
One thing that I really love about the colorguard community is that we are all in this together. Reach out to the surrounding programs and ask if anyone has some extra materials they aren’t using this year. Obviously you need to take care of it if you are expected to return it, but this can give your program a fresh look with literally no money down.
Plus, you’ll make new friends!
Swallow your pride and borrow from your friends.
5. Ask For Donations
You’d be surprised at the amount of things that people are willing to just give you if you frame it the right way.
Need paint? Ask a local home-improvement store to sponsor you. Need a new floor? Reach out to billboard companies and take their used billboards and cut them. New costumes? Ask around to see if any programs want to de-clutter for little to no cost.
A lot of people don’t do this because it takes a bit of work. You have to spend the time crafting your pitch, building relationships, and reaching out. But it has invaluable benefits and can literally transform your program with virtually no money.
This one has saved my life. It works, trust me.
6. Learn Some New Skills (Or Find Someone Who Already Has Them!)
Do you or any of your guard parents know how to sew? Make some flags and costumes from the fabric in the bargain bin down the street.
Any artist friends? Have them help you design your floor/logo/ whatever else you need (just try to pay them somehow).
Know anyone whose good with a hammer and table saw? Have them craft your props.
Alternatively, you could learn these skills yourself and try your hand at it. However, I know that as instructors, we’ve got our hands full with other aspects of the program so if you can, try to outsource.
7. Take the Road Less Traveled
One thing that’s often overlooked is using things from the real world in your show. I’m referring to mostly costumes, but there are other things that you can find too!
If you can’t afford custom costumes, piece together your own using clothes found at various clothing stores. This has been becoming increasingly popular, and can give your program an extra layer that not a lot of other programs will have.
8. Buy Used Materials
Last by not least, buy materials (equipment, costumes, etc) that are used and in good condition. There are plenty of places on the web where programs from all over the world can sell their used flag silks, equipment, props, and costumes. My favorite is the Facebook group, Colorguard Equipment Closet Sale.
I’ve literally funded and ideated entire seasons with this group before.
That”s it for today! Have you used any of these tactics before? Let me know and make sure to share with your peers! After all, #noprogramleftbehind.
