Costuming a Show
Steps to Costuming a Show
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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! ☺