Costuming a Show

1. Costuming a Show

2. Steps to Costuming a Show • Read the Script • Analyze • Envision • Collaborate • Schedule • Explore Your Resources • Measure • Find/Borrow/Make/Order/Buy • Fit • Accessorize • Organize the Dressing Rooms • Dress Rehearsals and Performances

3. Read the Script • Read the script once to understand the plot. • Read the script again – this time underlining all references to costumes. • Read the script AGAIN – get to know the characters.

4. Analyze • Determine when costume changes need to happen: • What time of day is it? • How much time has passed since the last scene? • Has the scene changed location?

5. Envision • Questions to ask yourself: • In which time period will your show take place? • What tone do you want to convey with your show? • Is there a specific theme you want to portray on stage?

6. Time Periods • Depending on the vision for the show, the time period may not be the same as the time period in which the show was written. • Example: For Midsummer Night’s Dream we are making it a contemporary play instead of an Elizabethan play.

7. Collaborate • Set up a production meeting with the director and designers. • Share your visions for the show and listen to theirs. • Meet with the set and lighting designers to determine the color palate so the costumes compliment each other.

8. Schedule • Meet with the producer to determine your costume responsibilities and budget. • Are you in charge of wigs, makeup, props, shoes, etc. or just clothing costumes? • Review the production schedule with the director and set up fittings and dress rehearsals with the actors.

9. Explore Your Resources • Determine which costume pieces actors can bring themselves. • Make sure you “okay” these items. • Determine which costumes you have access to already. • Determine which costumes you will have to rent. • Determine which costumes you will have to construct.

10. Measure • Use measurement forms to ensure the costumes will fit the actors properly. • If you have a seamstress or tailor available to you, this will determine which costume pieces need to be altered.

11. This is where your natural waistline is!

12. Find/Borrow/Make/Order/Buy • Look in your costume closets and ask your actors what costume pieces are readily available. • Ask other theatre companies/schools if you can borrow something from their collection. • Determine which pieces you will have to create yourself. • If all else fails, order pieces from costume rental stores and costume catalogs.

13. Fit • Make sure your actors wear proper undergarments and their costume shoes so that costumes fit as they should. • Understand how period costumes are worn.

14. Accessorize • Decide what items would finish the look you are trying to accomplish. What else do you need? • Jewelry, parasols, fans, glasses, canes… • Have all accessories by the first dress rehearsal.

15. Organize the Dressing Rooms • Designate a space for each actor. • Use fabric tape for name tags of each costume piece. • Actors are responsible for their own costume pieces going back where they belong. • Have a sewing kit available for costuming emergencies and assign backstage helpers to deal with costume malfunctions.

16. Dress Rehearsal and Performances • Be a part of the audience and take notes to make minor tweaks as necessary during the final dress rehearsals. • Enjoy the hard work you have done! ☺