David Draper

At Thanksgiving

David Frederick Draper
aka Belle Poitrine
28 Apr 1948 - 14 Sep 2021

Clubs & Associations

Bathing Beauties
Midnight Squares
Western Star Dancers

Quick Facts

his alter-ego, Belle Poitrine, as part of The Christmas Belles, won the Honky Tonk Queen contest in 1998

Media Features

Medallion Dancer

2001 | 10 Year Medallion at Make Magic

Obituary

David Draper
April 25,1948 — September 14, 2021
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., David received his BA in acting/directing from University of Maryland, College Park and his MFA in costume design from University of Texas at Austin. Aptly named, his skill as a draper of garments was legendary. He managed the costume shop of American Conservatory Theatre for 25 years and was a prolific designer, contributing to such local companies as ACT, California Musical Theatre's Music Circus, Theatre Rhinoceros, Margaret Jenkins Dance Co., and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. He also worked extensively in New York City, Baltimore, and Minneapolis. The list of celebrities he dressed includes top film and theater actors, as well as such queer icons as Divine, Brian Boitano, and Klaus Nomi, whose iconic white patent leather dickie was draped by David's hand. Famous for his wicked sense of humor, friends fondly recall his epic team costumes at Halloween, such as the Bubble Headed Bimbos. He was the recipient of a Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award. He is survived by two siblings, Anthony Draper and Katharine Sizemore.

Plans for a memorial will be shared at a future date on his website.^[3]

Remembrances

I am very sad to report that our friend David F. Draper passed away yesterday at Kaiser Hospital, San Francisco.
For a look at some of his professional skills check out www.davidfdraper.com . For his creative and personal skills... remember the Quarter Queens, the Bubble Headed Bimbos, and any number of Halloween nights!
Ron Goodman and Tony Loncich helped David in his final days and deserve much thanks. As plans develop for celebrating his life, we will post them on Facebook and on his website.
— Galen Workman

So sorry to lose David. Many, many good times to remember and cherish, both in SF and at all the many square dance conventions.
— Hollis Greenwood

David was a brilliant collaborator and a dear, dear man. I first saw his gorgeous costume designs in an Edward Albee play at ACT, and thought, “I can only hope to work with a man of that talent.” My buddy Galen Workman put us in touch and three years later he designed for me PRESENT LAUGHTER, a Broadway quality set of costumes - absolutely sumptuous. He also designed THE BOY FROM OZ, THE NORMAL HEART, ACTION HERO, RADICAL and SISTER ACT for me and Theatre Rhino. Each design a different period, historical moment and feel, and each perfectly realized. He could also sit in an audience, watch a runthrough, and give me spot on feedback on a production; a feat few designers can or want to do. He was a delight to hang with, a joy to create with, and a kind, kind, generous soul. Endless love to you, Darling David. I will think if you every time I put on a dressing gown or see a nun’s habit for you truly were a gentleman and a saint.
— John Fisher

He was quite a character during the years I knew him as a wry-tongued square dancer. I had seen his recent posts about selling some furniture, but didn't realize WHY he was selling it. Very saddened.
— Bill Eyler

OMG I am so sad to hear the news. I last spent time with him at Harlan Kerr 's birthday party a couple of years ago. Have many memories of David. RIP
— Steve Anderson

Oh no, such a lovely man. RIP David.
— Anne Uebelacker