The Duties of a Costume Designer
Costume designers create the overall look of every single character in the production of a play or film. Any garment or prop that cast members carry is their responsibility. A well-made costume plays three critical roles: it establishes a sense of time period for the audience, it enables an actor or actress to more fully envelope themselves in their character, and provides visual cues to the audience on who the character is---or a disguise of that character's true nature.
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Read the Script
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The first duty of a costume designer is to learn about the story that will be performed. Considerations revolve around the setting as well as the individual characters. If a play is set during the American Revolution, then research must be conducted to determine style of dress, type and density of fabric and how the action of the production may limit costume design.
Initial Designs
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When the design team is first assembled along with the cast, director and producer, the costume designer presents initial ideas for costuming. Usually, the designer will do this in the form of costume sketches for individual characters in pencil. Private meetings with the director after the initial meeting are used to determine the exact number of costumes needed---for non-speaking roles that have been added, for example, and may not be listed in the play itself
Final Costume Design
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Once preliminary sketches are approved, the costume designer is then responsible for presenting a more complete design. This will often be in notebook form, on placards or created on a computer. These final designs will incorporate full-color sketches, material samples, suggestions of props, and nuances in style created for individual characters.
Costume Plot
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A costume plot lists every scene in the play. Each character who appears in a scene is then listed along with their wardrobe requirements. If Hamlet, for example, must make a complete costume change in the midst of Act II, Scene Four, the costume plot will identify this and aid the designer in setting costumes and props in the most advantageous position for the actor offstage. This is extremely useful during quick changes.
Supplies and Staff
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When designs are finalized, the costume designer is responsible for selecting and purchasing materials or rentals. Also, costume makers must be interviewed, hired, negotiated with for compensation and provided the requirements of the production's design. Overseeing the creation of costumes, the designer arranges for costume fittings with actors. Usually there is an initial fitting, and then a final fitting just before the first technical rehearsal. Costume designers are present during initial rehearsals to make on-the-spot alterations as necessary. Designers are also responsible for keeping accurate expense records for costume material purchases or rentals for the production
Post-Production
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Once the run of the play has ended, the costume designer handles the return of any rented costumes. New costumes are stored in the theater or production company wardrobe area, where they may be used for future productions. The costume designer also turns in final expense reports to the appropriate production company office.
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