13 Scary-Good Theatrically Inspired Halloween Costumes

Halloween has finally arrived! After months of anticipation, with pumpkin decorations and Spirit Halloween visits, the streets are now filled with Halloween fear and cheer. Amidst the excitement of costumes, candy, and spooky vibes, one daunting question arises:

“What are you going to be for Halloween?”

For many theatre folks, Halloween is a cherished time, offering dramatic lighting, elaborate costumes, and ghost stories. But, what if your well of costume ideas has run dry?

Fear not! We’ve gathered 13 spooky, theatrical, and show-stopping costume ideas to help you steal the spotlight this Halloween.

Beetlejuice (Beetlejuice)

A favorite amongst theatre and non-theatre folks alike, the character Beetlejuice has risen to popularity in recent years. This is in no small part thanks to the smash-hit Broadway musical of the same name, as well as popular portrayals of the character across theme parks and Halloween/haunt events. You'll need some green and white facepaint, a horrifyingly styled wig, and that iconic black-and-white striped ensemble. Instantly recognizable, this costume is sure to draw big reactions from the living world.

Lydia Deets (Beetlejuice)

She's got a classic bridal look with a gothic twist, and a story to tell from beyond the grave. Lydia Deets helps channel your inner goth with this iconic 80's movie-inspired look! All you need is some pale makeup, a red gown, and that effortlessly moody attitude. It's perfect for anyone who wants to haunt their bridal party in style.

Gomez Addams (The Addams Family)

Known beyond the stage in popular media, this character was made for theatre-lovers. Dark, dramatic, but full of personality, Gomez adds a certain playfulness to the macabre. You'll just need a pin-striped suit and an Addams attitude for this look. Whether you've found your matching Morticia, or you're still looking for that perfect pairing, Gomez will pull some lighthearted romance into your spooky night.

Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family)

Popular in TV as well as stage, Wednesday Addams perfectly marries together current popular culture with the dramatic theatricality of a performer. If you're feeling a bit moody and can nail that iconic "Wednesday stare," this might just be the look for you. All you'll need is some dark eye makeup, pigtail braids, a black dress, and poof! You're Netflix's favorite moody detective.

The Witch (Into The Woods)

Don’t settle for just any witch this Halloween. Instead, channel Sondheim’s spellbinding sorceress from Into The Woods. With a little creativity (and maybe a dramatic reveal), you can capture both sides of the Witch’s transformation: the wild, ragged enchantress we meet in the woods and the radiant, powerful figure she becomes. A true two-for-one costume for anyone who loves a little theatrical flair. Get creative with long. flowing cloaks, a messy harido, and some intentionally terrifying makeup for this look. Or take your vision in a different direction with a stunning dress, sparkling makeup, and a magical updo all concealed with a large cloak for that deliciously dramatic reveal.

Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street)

A dark and gothic anti-hero, Sweeney Todd is a Halloween classic for theatre lovers with a preference for all things dark. Pair a white dress shirt with rolled-up sleeves, a blood-stained apron, and a streak of gray through your hair for that unhinged Victorian look. Add a prop straight razor (plastic, of course, like this one) and your best scary glare, and you’ll embody the chilling essence of one of Broadway’s darkest favorites.

Jane Doe (Ride the Cyclone)

From the cult-favorite musical that earned its way onto every theatre-lover's playlist, Jane Doe is undoubtedly the most frightening character in the small cast of Ride the Cyclone. A mix of tragic schoolgirl and haunted doll, the visual alone is enough to send shivers down your spine. Don your pleated school uniform, perfect your porcelain-inspired makeup (bonus points for creating cracks or chips in the "porcelain" with special effect makeup like these), add in a stiff, creepy walk, and grab a headless doll prop, and you have a sight that's scary even before she sings her gloomy ballad.

Carrie (Carrie)

A horror icon who’s transcended the page, stage, and screen, Carrie is the very picture of innocence turned to vengeance. Start with a simple white prom dress, then add a few artfully placed red stains (theatrical blood, of course, of which there are several DIY recipes easily found online) for a look that’s instantly recognizable and completely terrifying. Pair it with wide-eyed prom makeup and you’ll capture the moment when shy, misunderstood Carrie finally snaps. Equal parts tragic and terrifying, this costume is perfect for those who love bringing a bit of dramatic flair to misunderstood characters.

Elphaba (Wicked)

One of the most iconic figures in modern musical theatre, Elphaba is instantly recognizable. With her signature hat and broom, she’s an expected face in any Halloween group photo. A little green face paint, a long black dress, a broom in hand, and a touch of “Defying Gravity” attitude and you feel perfectly wicked this year. Got a gal-pal you want to include? Your perfectly popular pairing is just a blonde wig and a sparkly pink dress away!

Seymour + Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors)

A delightfully quirky duo that’s equal parts scary and laughable. For Seymour, grab your best thrift-store sweater vest and oversized glasses. For Audrey II, a potted plant or hand puppet makes the perfect sidekick. It’s a creative, blood-free way to celebrate Halloween while paying homage to one of Broadway’s strangest (and beloved) musicals.

The Phantom of the Opera (The Phantom of the Opera)

Haunting, elegant, and timeless, the Phantom is a true theatrical classic. All you need is a half mask, a flowing cape, and a single red rose or a candle to capture his haunting presence. Whether you lean into the romance or the terror, this costume brings just the right touch of drama to any Halloween night.

Frank-N-Furter (Rocky Horror Picture Show)

Bold, unapologetic, and brilliantly extravagant, Frank-N-Furter is the definition of making the unconventional extraordinary. With fishnets, a corset, and plenty of confidence, you’ll have the time(-warp) of your life. This cult-classic look is perfect for anyone ready to strut their stuff and celebrate Halloween with a flair for the dramatic and unusual.

Missed Cue/Dropped Line (Or Other "Inside Jokes")

The truest terror known to any performer, but a goofy way to show your theatrical adoration in a "dad-joke" kind of a way. Keep it simple and budget-friendly with this one. For your "Missed Cue," use markers or tape to create a target on the front (or back) of a plain t-shirt. At the center of this target, you can write the word "cue." You can mark an "X" far, far from the center of the target and voila! You're a "Missed Cue," by means of a missed throw at a quickly-fashioned target. A "Dropped Line" is even easier, as all you'll need is a piece of cardboard or similar item with the word "line" written across it. From there, you can simply drop your prop "line" all night, and the joke visualizes before you. If neither of these suggestions are your forte, you can get creative with all kinds of "inside jokes" us theatre folks get!

So... What are you going to be for Halloween?