Costuming a Show

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

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.

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?

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is where your natural waistline is!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! ☺