Costuming

Costume Designer

The Costume Designer is responsible for the design and implementation of all elements of costume design including designing, building and/or acquisition in a timely manner and within budgetary limits.

Responsibilities

Pre-Production

  • Reads and studies the play; attends design meetings at which Director presents his/her interpretation of the play.
  • Discusses possible costume treatments with the Director.
  • Does research on costumes of the period as well as the style of the play.
  • Collaborates with the Director and other designers in choice of color, texture, fabric, line and hair design.
  • Designs and sketches all costumes, including accessories, hairstyles and specialty make-up.
  • Attends fittings, production meetings and dress rehearsals. 

Rehearsal Content

  • Responsible for purchasing all fabrics and trims.
  • Consults with the cutter/draper about patterns and construction methods.
  • Attends fittings, production meetings and dress rehearsals.
  • After the show closes, makes sure that costumes are struck, laundered and put away.
  • Attends all Technical and Dress Rehearsals making notes for Costume Shop Manager.

Assistant Costume Designer

Responsibilities

  • Assists the designer with research.
  • Swatches and shops.
  • Often assembles accessories and works on costume props.
  • Attends fittings, production meetings and dress rehearsals as required.

Cutter/Draper

Responsibilities

  • Develops patterns and is responsible for cutting all fabric, including interlinings, facings, linings, bias strips, plackets, etc.
  • Plans the construction process for each garment.
  • Gives stitchers careful and complete instructions.
  • Attends fittings.
  • Supervises alterations.

Stitcher

Responsibilities

  • Assembles garments as instructed by the cutter/draper.
  • May or may not do finishing.

Dyer

Responsibilities

  • Dyes fabric before it is cut.
  • Dyes, paints and distresses costumes after they are completed.

Costume Shop Supervisor or Manager

Responsibilities

  • Directly responsible for the day-to-day running of the shop.
  • Hires staff.
  • Supervises staff.
  • Orders supplies and equipment.
  • Keeps abreast of construction progress.
  • Conducts shop meetings.
  • Attends general theatre staff and production meetings.
  • Keeps track of budgets.
  • Remembers everything.

First Hand

Responsibilities

  • Serves as the cutter/draper’s assistant.
  • May develop some patterns or only cut fabric using patterns developed by the cutter/draper.
  • May supervise stitchers.

Craftsperson

Responsibilities

  • Plans the construction process for accessories and costume properties with the designer and carries the plans to completion.