Costume Designer

Job Duties

The costume designer is responsible for the look of the actors onstage. Through collaboration with the director, hair and makeup team, and the actors, costume designers create a distinct and vibrant look for each character onstage.

The beginning process for the costume designer is to read the script. They must clearly understand the story and get a sense of who the characters are and when and where the story is set. With this beginning knowledge, the designer then meets with the director to get a sense of the overall concept of the show. (These initial production meetings can often include scenic, lighting, sound, and makeup/hair designers as well.) With a sense of the visual style of the show, the costume designer can then begin their research.

The research of the costume designer has many facets. First, the designer must look at the historical period of the show--is it set in the present day, or medieval Spain? They must also consider if the director envisions a strict realistic interpretation, or is the show more symbolic instead of literal? Answering these questions helps the designer research two specific costume elements: the look and shape of the costumes, and the materials used to construct them.

Once the designer has completed their research, they create their designs, called renderings. Full renderings are in color (usually pencil, pastel chalk, or watercolor), and identify specific fabrics that will be used. Once the designs are completed, they are shown to the director (and sometimes other designers) and discussed and revised as necessary. When the designs are finalized, they go to the shop.

The costume designer leads the costume team to create the costumes. Large theatrical companies could have dozens of people working in the shop, some with very specific tasks. Drapers are responsible for creating the patterns to make the costumes. Cutters make the actual cuts in the material, and stitchers piece it together. Large shops also have milliners, cobblers, glovemakers, and other specialities.

Once the costumes are created, the actors are brought in for fittings--not just to ensure that the garments fit properly, but also to identify adjustments necessary for safety, movement and flexibility, or quick changes. The costume designer might be present for the fittings, but the shop and wardrobe crew are responsible for making the alterations and maintaining the costumes.