1. Costumes What the actors wear

2. Do clothes really make the man (or woman)? Costumes add a visual element that enhances the audiences understanding of the character, time period, theme and more Just like sets, lights, and sound, the work of the costume designer supports the mood, style and message of the play

3. Costume Design for Cirque Dreams Contest

4. Where to get costumes? Generally 5 ways to get, and all are used at some point: Pull- in stock already Rent- paying for limited time use Expensive, often ill-fitting, size availability, poor condition, short use time Borrow- temporary use Take a beating, should be returned in good shape Buy- pay to own Build- creating from scratch

5. Modified Authenticity Fashions do not have to be replicated stitch by stitch, as long as prominent design elements that identify the era (or character) are in place Underwear is important! Greek robes require long slips to prevent “see through” under stage lights Elizabethan skirts need special frames to produce fullness and shape Civil War period needs a hoop and crinolines, full stiff underskirts

6. Tarzan

7. Important Design Elements A designer needs to consider Fabric Color Decoration Comfort If you feel awkward then you will look awkward Rehearsal costumes

8. West Side Story

9. The Little Mermaid

10. Costume Research Before designing a costume, you must research: Time period Setting Relevant social situations Understanding fashions of a certain time helps you understand beliefs of the time Resources: paintings, books, photos and illustrations

11. Movin’ Out

12. The Lion King

13. DO NOT EVER… … tell the costume designer you don’t like your costume Instead, ask questions, or make suggestions If you are rude, you might be building, buying, renting, borrowing or pulling your own costume!

14. Making Actors Fit the Part Long, vertical lines make people appear taller and thinner Dark colors create slim silhouettes Velvet absorbs light and makes people look smaller and thinner Long skirts, high hats and v-necks add height Satins, glossy fabrics and horizontal stripes appear to add bulk and size

15. Costumes