The Lion King JR: Costumes for School & Youth Theater

From one volunteer to another:The Lion King JR has a large cast and bold visual moments, but the costumes don’t need to be complicated to read clearly onstage—this page shares practical notes on what’s worth building, what’s easier to buy or upcycle, and links to the resources that helped keep things manageable and budget-friendly for school productions.

How It’s Made

Youth elephant headpiece for a Lion King JR production, made with lightweight paper mâché and fabric. The oversized trunk and tusks sit above the actor’s head, allowing clear movement and visibility for school and youth theater ensembles.

A collection of lightweight 3D-printed lion headpieces designed for Lion King JR productions. Each headpiece features simplified lion facial forms with painted details and fabric drapes or mane elements, sized for youth actors and intended for school

Youth performers wear a DIY giraffe costume for a Lion King JR production, featuring a lightweight paper mâché giraffe head, brown unitard base, and a simple handmade skirt sewn from upholstery fabric for school theater ensembles.

ELEPHANT HEADPIECE

3D PRINTED MASKS

GIRAFFE COSTUME

Backpack harness system used to secure a Pumbaa head for a Lion King JR production. A simple backpack creates a stable, hands-free support structure that distributes weight evenly, making large costume heads safer and easier for youth performers in s

Two youth theater performers wear white bird ensemble costumes with satin silver blouses and DIY sheer drape skirts that are budget-friendly and easy to sew in under an hour for school musical ensembles. Feather headpiece made of EVA foam.

White bird headpiece for a Lion King JR production, built on a white tennis visor with an EVA foam wing base and layered foam wrap feathers. Designed to sit above the face, allowing clear visibility and movement for youth performers in school theater

PUMBAA BACKPACK HACK

“SHEER DRAPE” SKIRT

WHITE BIRD HEADPIECE

Lion King JR Costume Inspiration Gallery

Rafiki Costume

Rafiki's Staff

Scar 3D Headpiece

Mufasa 3D Headpiece

Sarabi 3D Headpiece

Nala 3D Headpiece

Lioness 3D Headpiece

Lioness

Simba 3D Headpiece (baseball hat base)

Nala and Simba

Sarafina Costume

Nala (young and older)

Simba (young and older)

Giraffe

"Timon" 3D Headpiece

"Wildebeest" Prop

"Hyena" 3D Headpiece

Grasslands Costume

Zazu with a Disney Magnetic Shoulder Plush

Pumbaa

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Follow along for costume ideas from this and future productions.