1. COSTUME DESIGN

2. Purpose • To create costumes which portray a character • To produce costumes which look “authentic” on stage • To produce costumes that are durable and adaptable • To produce costumes that can be changed quickly

3. Functions of design • To Tell the Story • Support the Action • Establish an Environment • Establish Time & Place • Create and / or Support a mood

4. Seven Steps of the Design process • Commitment • Analysis • Script • Research • Background • Conceptual • Questioning Process • Incubation • Selection • Implementation • Evaluation

5. Planning and design • Establish the style and period in which the play is set and do not deviate from it • Study the silhouettes from the period and recreate the basic outlines of the silhouette • Do not dress people out of character • Color and fabric help to establish the character of the role

6. Analysis • Where does the play take place? • When does the play take place? • Who are the characters? • Socio-economic status • Relationships • Religion • Ethical conduct • What happens before the play begins?

7. More Analysis questions • What is the function of each of the characters • Who is the protagonist? Antagonist? • Is the play realistic? • What is the action of the play • Do the characters have to move a lot? Which ones move a lot? • What is the theme of the play?

8. Elements of design • Line • Shape / Mass / Form • Balance • Symmetrical • Asymmetrical • Color • Texture • Harmony / Composition • Relationships • Inter-relationships • Style • Movement & Pattern

9. sketching • Sketch your ideas to show the director what you want the costumes to look like • Half way down the length of the body, the legs divide off • Elbows when the arms are hanging down are near the waistline • The corner of the eye and the join of the ear to the head are about on a line with each other • Shoulders are usually wider than hips • There are stock figures you can use • Make your choices specific • Make your choices proportionate