Its only the second full week of January, but rehearsals are well underway for The Sound of Music, TLTs first blockbuster show for 2010. While the cast has been reading lines, practicing at the piano, and getting to know their characters better, there are lots of other preparations afoot

Take costumes for instance. A small band of efficient costumers have already been hunting and gathering in TLTs costume department, thrift stores, and other peoples closets for appropriate dresses, boots, hats and jackets to fit not only the actors, but the time and place of the story line.

Carol Browning, head of costuming for the show, says she wouldnt be able to do it without the help of Chris Reidy, Lisa Moser, Mimi Alexander, Gail Muir, Jody McPherson and Sherry Carter.

The process is fairly involved, she says. We first have to measure every cast member, determine how many costumes each needs, then we pull from our existing costumes what we can findand from there we start sewing, borrowing, and hunting for the remaining pieces.

About 100 costumes will be needed, with many actors making lightening-quick changes between scenes. We have to make some of the costumes from scratch for the Von Trapp children, and we are renting a few, but the bulk comes from our costume shop that well modify to fit.

Browning does need help finding some specific pieces, and asks that you dig in your closets to see if you can find the following items which can be donated or loaned: A Tyrolean hat, a large size black tail coat, large size riding boots (9-12), light khaki shirts size 15 to 17. Contact Browning at 864-457-5099 if you have any of these costume pieces.

TLTs production of Rodgers and Hammersteins The Sound of Music runs at the Fine Arts Center for two weekends: February 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., February 21 at 3 p.m., and again February 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and February 28 at 3 p.m.

Tickets will be available starting February 5 at the TLT workshop box office at 516 S.Trade St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.