COSTUME

DESIGN
WHAT IS A COSTUME?
– Any outfit worn by an actor in a production. This also includes
accessories

– Help the audience “see” the character and helps to showcase

WHO the character is

– Show age, personality, tastes, social standing, occupation, etc.

– Color and style help bring the overall vision of the show to life

– Help actors feel more in character

WHAT IS A COSTUME DESIGNER?
– helps communicate the character to the
audience
– Creates a vision for the costumes based on
show analysis and director vision of the show.
– Creates the sketches and costume renderings
for the costumes
– In charge of purchasing, making, renting, etc.
all elements needed.
Things to THINK ABOUT…
•Stereotypical Costuming:
– Costuming a character based on a stereotype
– May upstage the actor, might have negative connotations, could be a great help in
identifying a character quickly. (Example: Geek with glasses and pocket protector)

• Character Evolution
– Shows the progression and growth of a character (Ex: Character starts out as an
“ugly duckling” and then becomes more and more prettier as the play progresses)
• Costume Stylization
– How “real” are the costumes, may not be necessarily historically accurate

• Time Period
THINK ABOUT…
•Interpretation of Color and Fabric
– Helps the audience to interpret mood. (Ex: wool might show someone who is
uptight and green could signify jealousy or youth or you think about what
types of fabric and colors were available during the time period)
• Color Theory
– Red, yellow, blue, green, orange, brown, black, white, purple, etc.
– Which color represents your character?
• Also…
– Status, gender, time period, age, occupation, climate/season
Costume Examples
Costume Examples
Step 1: Ideas and Costume Plot
Step 2: Sketch and Detail
Step 3: Execute
•Find
–Thrift stores, online, etc.
•Borrow
–Rentals, other schools, cast members provide items
needed, etc.
•Build
–Adapt pieces you already have, create from scratch,
etc.
Organize
Clothing Racks: Create tabs with each actors name/character. Put their outfit behind it

Check In/Check Out Process: Create a Check In and Check Out Process for your actors. Make
sure they sign it out from a costume designer at the beginning of the show and check it back
in at the end of the show

CLEAN the costumes when finished wearing them and before returning them or putting them
back in storage
Credits

Drama Teachers Academy

Georgia Dept. Of Educational Resources
Forsyth County Teachers