Research: The role of the Costume Designer

What to do and tips:

1. Read the play and jot down

• Information on the time of the play 
• Specific clothing needs of a character
• Any clothing guidelines given in the play 

*make notes for each character
2. Draw sketches of every costume

• Think of an overall theme
• Ensure that a design suits the set the set and the other designs
• Historical plays will need research into the dressing style of the time

3.    Decide on the fabric for each item of clothing

• Try to find pictures of shoes and hats that will be needed

4.    Check the result

•  Remove colours that don’t go well together

•  Make sure that the costumes are not totally the same (tough try to keep a character in the same colour world)

5.    Have actors check their outfits

•  Take into consideration points (if made) by actors on need of mobility for their character ect.

Fair, Kay. "How to Design Theatre Costumes." EHow. Demand Media Inc. Web. 07 Apr. 2011.
<http://www.ehow.com/how_4524273_design-theatre-costumes.html>.