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==Production Process==
==Production Process==

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Example of Draping, Jeanette Aultz.jpg|thumbnail|Example of Draping fabric onto a dress form ]] -->
[[File:Draping on a dress form, 2013.jpg|thumbnail|Example of draping muslin fabric onto a dress form]]
Once the show is designed, it is necessary to plan where the items will be sourced. There are four options. Garments can be:
Once the show is designed, it is necessary to plan where the items will be sourced. There are four options. Garments can be:
* Pulled, which refers to searching through a costume shops stock
* Pulled, which refers to searching through a costume shops stock
Line 78: Line 79:
'''Draping''' involves manipulating a piece of fabric on a dress form or mannequin that have measurements closely related to the actors. It is a process that takes a flat piece of cloth and shapes it to conform the fabric to a three-dimensional body by cutting and pinning.
'''Draping''' involves manipulating a piece of fabric on a dress form or mannequin that have measurements closely related to the actors. It is a process that takes a flat piece of cloth and shapes it to conform the fabric to a three-dimensional body by cutting and pinning.



[[File:Draping on a dress form, 2013.jpg|thumbnail|Example of draping muslin fabric onto a dress form]]
== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Costume designer]]
*[[Costume designer]]

Revision as of 16:03, 15 May 2013

See also stage clothes.
Costume design for Gianetta - The Gondoliers

Costume design is the fabrication of apparel for the overall appearance of a character or performer. Costume is specific in the style of dress particular to a nation, a class, or a period. The most basic designs are produced to denote status, provide protection or modesty, or simply decorate a being.[1] Costume design is a tool to express an art form, such as a play or film script, dance piece, or opera. Costumes may be for a theater or cinema performance but may not be limited to such. Costume design should not be confused with costume coordination which merely involves altering existing clothing, although both create stage clothes.

Four types of costumes are used in theatrical design, Historical, fantastic, dance, and modern.[2]

Brief History

The earliest use of costume began as a ritual of hunting and gathering. The earliest mask was of an animal skin worn on the head after a kill by the primitive hunter. Ritual sacrifices were performed to honor Gods who would in turn provide fertility, health, and so on. The village festivals and processions in honor of Dionysus "See also Dionysia amongst the ancient Greeks, are believed to be the origin of theatre, and therefore theatre costume. The sculpture and vase paintings provide the clearest evidence of this costume. [1] Because of their ritualized style of theatre many masks were used giving each character a specific look and they varied depending if they were used for comedic or dramatic purposes. Some masks were constructed with a cheerful as well as a serious side on the same face in an attempt to indicate a change in emotion without a change of mask. [3] The same is true for the Romans, who continued the mask tradition, which made the doubling of roles easier.

During the late Middle Ages in Europe, dramatic enactments of Bible stories were prevalent, therefore actual Christian vestments, stylized from traditional Byzantine court dress, were worn as costumes to keep the performances as realistic as possible.[1] Stereotypical characterization was key when clothing performers for this style of theatre. In most instances actors had to supply their own costumes when playing a character found in daily life. [4]

Later, in Elizabethan performance during the 1500-1600s in England, costume became the most important visual element. Garments were very expensive because only the finest fabrics were used. The majority of characters were clothed in Elizabethan fashion, otherwise the costumes could be divided into five categories; "Ancient", which was out of style clothing used to represent another period; "Antique", older additions to contemporary clothing to distinguish classical characters; Dreamlike, "fanciful" garments for supernatural or allegorical characters; "Traditional" clothing which represented only a few specific people, such as Robin Hood, or "National or Racial" costumes that were intended to set apart a specific group of people but did not tend to be historically accurate. [5]

"Ordinarily, fashionable garments were used in both comedy and tragedy until 1727, when Adrienne Lecouvreur adopted the much more elaborate and formal court dress for tragedy. Her practice soon became standard for all tragic heroines" [6] Major actors began to compete with one another as to who would have the most lavish stage dress. This practice continued until around the 1750's when costumes became relevant to the character again. Art began to copy life and realistic characteristics were favored especially during the 19th century. For example, Georg the second, Duke of of Saxe-Meiningen took personal interest in the theatre and began managing troupes. He advocated for authenticity and accuracy of the script and time period, therefore he refused to let actors tamper with their own costumes. He also made sure the materials were authentic and specific, using real chain mail, armor, swords, etc. No cheap substitutes would be allowed. [7]

In August 1823, in an issue of The Album, James Planché published an article saying that more attention should be paid to the time period of Shakespeare's plays, especially when it comes to costumes. In the same year, a casual conversation led to one of Planché's more lasting effects on British theatre. He observed to Charles Kemble, the manager of Covent Garden, that "while a thousand pounds were frequently lavished upon a Christmas pantomime or an Easter spectacle, the plays of Shakespeare were put upon the stage with makeshift scenery, and, at the best, a new dress or two for the principal characters."[8][9] Kemble "saw the possible advantage of correct appliances catching the taste of the town" and agreed to give Planché control of the costuming for the upcoming production of King John, if he would carry out the research, design the costumes and superintend the production.[10] Planché had little experience in this area and sought the help of antiquaries such as Francis Douce and Sir Samuel Meyrick. The research involved sparked Planché's latent antiquarian interests; these came to occupy an increasing amount of his time later in life.[11]

Despite the actors' reservations, King John was a success and led to a number of similarly-costumed Shakespeare productions by Kemble and Planché (Henry IV, Part I, As You Like It, Othello, Cymbeline, Julius Caesar).[11] The designs and renderings of King John, Henry IV, As You Like It, Othello, Hamlet and Merchant of Venice were published, though there is no evidence that Hamlet and Merchant of Venice were ever produced with Planché’s historically accurate costume designs. Planché also wrote a number of plays or adaptations which were staged with historically accurate costumes (Cortez, The Woman Never Vext, The Merchant's Wedding, Charles XII, The Partisans, The Brigand Chief, and Hofer).[12] After 1830, although he still used period costume, he no longer claimed historical accuracy for his work in plays. His work in King John had brought about a "revolution in nineteenth-century stage practice"[12] which lasted for almost a century.[13]

In 1923 the first of a series of innovative modern dress productions of Shakespeare plays, Cymbeline, directed by H. K. Ayliff, opened at Barry Jackson's Birmingham Repertory Theatre in England.[14]

Historical costumes of Le Cateau Cambrésis, France

Costumes in Chinese theatre are very important, especially in Beijing Opera. They are usually heavily patterned and loud in color. The standard items are comprised of at least 300 pieces and describe the actors character type, age and social status through ornament, design, color and accessories. "Color is always used symbolically: red for loyalty and high position, yellow for royalty, and dark crimson for barbarians or military advisors." [15] Symbolic significance is also found in the designs used for emblems. For example, the tiger stands for power and masculine strength. A majority of the clothing, regardless of rank, is made out of rich and luxurious materials. Makeup is also used symbolically and very important to the overall look.

In Japanese Noh drama masks are always used and the prominent aspect of the costume. They are made of wood and usually used for generations. There are five basic types; male, female, aged, deities and monsters, all with many variations. [16] The masks are changed often throughout the play. In Kabuki, another form of Japanese theatre, actors do not wear masks but rely heavily on makeup for the overall look. Features are exaggerated or removed and for some of the athletic roles musculature is outlined in a specific pattern. Traditional costumes are used for each role, based upon historical garments that are altered for dramatic effect. "Some costumes weigh as much as fifty pounds, and stage attendants assist the actors in keeping them properly arranged while on stage" [17]

Design Process

The costume design process involves many steps and though they differ from genre to genre a basic method is commonly used.

1.) Analysis: The first step is an analysis of the script, musical composition, choreography, etc. Parameters must be established:

  • Indication of events happening before the piece took place if applicable
  • Geographical location
  • Day, month, year or specific season
  • Who the characters are regarding relationships and socio economics, government and religious rule, and ethical conduct, marriage or family.
  • The function of each character in regards to protagonist, antagonist etc.
  • Dialogue mode of text
  • Texts action in sequence. This is used to create a Costume Plot or Action Chart, which lists which characters are in what scene.
  • Theme of the text

2.) Design Collaboration: An important phase in the process is meeting with the director and fellow designers. There must be a clear understanding of:

  • Script/Text
  • Budget
  • Time table/Calendar

3.) Costume Research: Once guidelines are established, the next step is to gather research.

  • A research outline is important to focus your attention, listing any questions necessary to complete your study.
  • Use primary sources for the majority of your research; Such as, museums, periodicals, newspapers, sculptures, paintings, etc.

4.) Preliminary Sketching and Color Layout: Once enough information is obtained to begin drawing, a preliminary sketch must be performed. Successful preliminary sketching conveys an accurate depiction of:

  • Line, which will show the silhouette of the targeted piece of clothing
  • Proportion, of not only the garment but also the actors body.
  • Detail, of not specifics but general ideas. Such as the indication of what type of fabric or pattern may be used.
  • A color layout, using either fabric swatches, or paint samples needs to be represented.

5.) Final Sketches: The final costume sketch can be completed in any medium but must include:

  • Name of text
  • Name of character/actor
  • Scene(s) in which costume is represented
  • Signed signature of artist
  • Swatch of fabric if being constructed

[18]

Production Process

File:Draping on a dress form, 2013.jpg
Example of draping muslin fabric onto a dress form

Once the show is designed, it is necessary to plan where the items will be sourced. There are four options. Garments can be:

  • Pulled, which refers to searching through a costume shops stock
  • Rented
  • Shopped
  • Constructed, or also known as made to order.

There are two ways a garment can begin to be constructed; either pattern drafted or draped, and many times both methods will be used together. Pattern Drafting begins by using a set of basic pattern blocks developed from the actor’s measurements. They are drawn out on paper first, then transferred to fabric, and sewn together to test fit. [19] "See also Pattern (sewing) Draping involves manipulating a piece of fabric on a dress form or mannequin that have measurements closely related to the actors. It is a process that takes a flat piece of cloth and shapes it to conform the fabric to a three-dimensional body by cutting and pinning.


See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Eubank, Tortora, Keith, Phyllis G. (2005). Survey of Historic Costume. New York: Fairchild Publications. p. 1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Grimball and Wells, Elizabeth B. and Rhea (1925). Costuming a Play: Inter-Theatre Arts Handbook. The Century Co. p. 6. ISBN '''000-00000'''. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  3. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 53. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 96. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 125. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 254. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 358. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ^ Obituary, The New York Times, 15 June 1880, p3
  9. ^ Reinhardt, The Costume Designs of James Robinson Planché, argues that a letter published in The Album, August 1823, pp298–304, signed only 'P', which called for more attention to be paid to the costuming of Shakespeare's plays, and proposed a wardrobe system whereby all locations and periods could be accommodated, was in fact written by Planché.
  10. ^ Obituary, The New York Times. The playbill for King John states that if the play meets with "approbation and patronage" more of Shakespeare's plays will be performed "Dressed in the same splendid, novel, and interesting style".
  11. ^ a b Reinhardt, The Costume Designs of James Robinson Planché, p526–7
  12. ^ a b Roy, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
  13. ^ Granville-Barker, Exit Planché—Enter Gilbert, p. 107
  14. ^ Morris, Sylvia (2012-01-13). "Innovating in Birmingham: Barry Jackson and modern dress Shakespeare". The Shakespeare blog. Retrieved 2012-03-21.
  15. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 201. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 206. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  17. ^ Brockett, Hildy, Oscar G., Franklin J. (2007). History of the Theatre. USA: Pearson Education Inc. p. 211. ISBN 0-205-47360-1.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ^ Covey, Ingham, Liz, Rosemary (1992). The Costume Designer's Handbook. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. pp. 15–100.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Covey, Ingham, Liz, Rosemary (2003). The Costume Technician's Handbook. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. p. 98.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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