Introduction to the Theatre

THE 101 / University of Idaho

Costume Design

I. Introduction

	Why do we need costumes?
	What is exactly a costume?
	What is the process of creating a costume?
	What is the importance of clothing?

II. Clothing Facts and Theory

Clothes Provide:

	Protection and Utility: weather, elements, chemicals
	Adornment and Decoration: sex, seduction, image, culture
	Modesty: cultural, parental
	Status: wealth and hierarchy

Impression Management:

	Creation of Own Image
	Convey Message to Others
	Present and Future Projection
	First 4 minutes of contact with a stranger is based on 3 areas of assessment

Appearance (55%)

Tone of Voice (38%)

What the person is saying (7%)

Clothes send a message that is understood by all levels of society.

Costume Designer knows this and designs this first impression.

Costumes Provide:

	Character Support
	Clarification and Association
	Understanding and Refinement
	Style and Poise

III. Role of a Costume

	To provide information that is not explicit in the text.
	To help create appropriate character statements.
	To enhance characterization of a role.
	To heighten the visual impact of a play.
	To provide a unity of style and to reinforce overall theme and mood
	To reinforce time and place and to help create spectacle when needed.

IV. Definition of a Costume

	Anything worn on stage. Usually larger than life, exaggerated, or stylized
	Technically a dress or suit with underpinnings, accessories, hair, and makeup.
	Includes rehearsal clothing
	Should be as appropriate and meaningful as possible

V. Categories of Costume

Character:

Dictated by scriptural information

Supported by dialogue

Decorative:

Strictly decorative

Extras and Showgirls