Costume Designer

This document details some of the work generally performed by the costume designer. It is not a definitive document as the duties of the costume designer will always be influenced by the needs of the production and the assigned crew.

Job description

The costume designer is responsible for all items worn by the performers, including make-up, hair styles and accessories such as bags. Costuming is integral to shaping how the audience sees the characters and how the characters relate to their physical world. The costume designer will convey the design to the Head of Costume via costume renderings, reference images, and fabric swatches.

As both set and costumes form the physical world on stage, the set and costume designer are often the same person. When the roles are separated, both designers should work together closely. Most of the costume designer’s work is in the lead up to the presentation of all items at the “costume parade,” but may continue up until opening night for any last minute changes.

As soon as you are assigned to a production

• Get a copy of the script and read it, once to just read it, then again making notes on your first impressions of the costume design.
• Meet with the director to discuss your first thoughts regarding the design, and the director’s thoughts and requirements. Use reference images, sketches, fabric swatches and any other visual references that help you effectively communicate your ideas.
• Meet with the production manager to discuss the timeframe, crew availabilty and budget. Create deadlines for the design.

The next step (as soon as possible)

• Continue work on your design concept. Collect more reference images etc as required. Share your ideas with the director.
• Finalise your design concept and how this will be implemented. Create documents and physical references to convey the details of your design to others. These may include sketches, technical drawings (plans, sections, elevations, construction drawings), colour swatches, lists or reference images.
• Deliver a design presentation to the director, other designers, and the head of costume. Discuss your design concept and how it will be implemented. Use visual references.
• Meet with the head of costume to discuss details of the costumes. Supply any additional information they need. Determine whether items will be sourced from existing stock, bought, made, or hired.
• Create a costume plot, detailing what each performer wears in each scene, and give it to the stage manager. Include all aspects such as shoes, accessories, hair styles and make-up.

As the costumes are sourced/created

• Remain in contact with the head of costume and monitor the progress, to make sure items are to your specifications. Respond to feedback and be prepared to make changes if required.
• Be available to discuss changes with the director.
• Attend fittings as they happen to ensure the fit is as desired.

For each rehearsal session

• Read the stage manager’s rehearsal report to check for any relevant information, and respond to it.

Two to three weeks prior to first performance

• A costume parade (or several) will be scheduled around this time. During a costume parade, each performer models their full costume/s, including shoes, accessories, hairstyle and make-up. You will observe and discuss each full costume with the director, stage manager and head of costume.
• Take note of any feedback given during the costume parade, and act upon it.
• Attend any full runs of the show in rehearsal, to see how your costumes will work. Make any necessary changes.

One week prior to first performance (production week)

• Attend all technical and dress rehearsals, and make any last minute changes.

For each performance

• Read the stage manager’s performance report for each show, and respond to anything relevant.

After the season (bump out)

• Final design documents should be archived for future reference.
• Evaluations and feedback