1. Costume design
For the Stage

2. The Reason for costume design
When you meet a person for the first time, your perception of their personality is based on three factors.
7% of your perception is based what they are saying
38% of your perception is based on their tone of voice
55% of your perception of a stranger is based on their appearance

3. The Reason for costume design
Costumers understand that when a performer walks onto the stage for the first time, the audience’s feelings about the character is heavily based on the character’s appearance
A costume designer can manipulate the audience’s perception of a character through the design.

4. Costume design vs. Fashion Design
In fashion design the main purpose is to create a visually stunning design.
The fashion designer might look to current trends, historical influences, or try to create a new style
There may be very little connection from one design to the next in a collection
There is very little thought to the personality or character of the person who is eventually going to wear the clothes

5. Costume design vs. Fashion Design
To be an effective costume design,
the design must complete certain criteria
Reflect the Production concept of the design team
Exibit a Unity in the Style of design of all the costumes
Provide a visual reflection of the personality and nature of each character
Reflect information about the Given Circumstances of the Play

6. Character COSTUME DESIGN
Designs that are dictated by the specific information contained in the play (historical period, location, season, climate, socio-economic status, occupation, personality) are known as character based costume designs

7. Decorative Costumes
Decorative costume designs are not based on conveying information but more for adding to the bigger picture of the over all concept. Ex. Extras in the background of a movie or a dancer’s outfit at a recital
Every design will have a mix of Character based design elements and decorative design elements.

8. Psychological Aspects of Clothing
What a person wears and how it is worn says a great deal about that person and the society in which he or she lives.
In corporate America men and women tend to wear conservativley cut somber colored suits. Anyone wishing to fit in with that world would dress along with that fashion to blend in with the business environment

9. A person rebelling from that environment might not wear a jacket and tie. They might leave their shirt un-tucked, and roll up their sleeves.
Using clothing to conform to a group or rebel against a group in society is one main reason for wearing clothes. It is a form of identity.

11. Objective Information provided by Clothing
Historical Period
Age
Gender
Socio- Economic Status
Occupation
Climate and Season

12. General Considerations of Costume Design
Analyzing the Script,
Stereotypical Costuming,
Character Evolution,
Costume Stylization,
Interpretation of Period, color, and fabric

13. Practical considerations of the costume designer
Needs of the Actor
Physical Needs (fit, comfort, motion)
Production Venue (can it read from the stage)
Budget and Construction Demands
(Renting, Buying, Modifying)

14. “Costume Bible” Cast Lists and Production Contact Sheets
Cast Measurement Sheets
Calendars, schedules, and deadlines
Costume Plots and Lists
Budgeting Sheets of Running Cost, Rental Contracts and Stock Pull Lists
Copies of Renderings, sketches and Research
Swatches and dyeing instructions
SM Production Notes