2. DESIGNING
Before even considering designing, I will have to do my
research into the show, seeing what the costumes included
it was first performed. I will also be liaising with the director
to find out her ideas for the overall look for the show.
There are 23 principle roles in this show therefore I have to
make sure I have done enough research into the script and
show to have enough knowledge to start designing.
When it comes to designing, I will have to make numerous
designs in order for the director to see a visual idea of what
our plans are for the show. There will be many drafts and
meetings with the director before we get the costumes right
and often when it comes to the shows we will have to
change some things anyway.
3. MAKING/SOURCING
After researching and having numerous meetings with
the director, I can begin sourcing and making
costumes. I plan to be more organised this year as last
year we left some bits till the last minute, which made
the job more stressful.
When we have the costumes in place, it will be a case
of altering them and changing them depending on the
directors thoughts. Sometimes its hard to see what
everything is going to look like until its on stage with all
the other technical elements such as set/props.
4. SUPERVISION
Leading up the show week, probably the weekend before when we can
get into the gym, I will be organising the costumes on different rails so
that the principles and general cast have what they need in the correct
places. It is my job to make sure that this stays like this throughout show
week and costumes are put away carefully at the end of the show.
There are 6 shows and a dress rehearsal so there is bound to be times
where costumes break or get damaged, so I will have to be on hand to
mend anything or fix any problems.
Also I will have to make sure that after the shows, each costume gets put
back to where it needs to go. Sometimes we hire out costumes or borrow
costumes from other theatre
5. CAREER PATHS
There are no clear entry requirements for doing degree or
course in costume designing. Most often you would need
experience in this aspect of theatre so you have the
knowledge of the role.
It is advised that when you apply for this type of course or try to
get into the industry, that you create a portfolio of your work.
This can include work from your school, further education or
even voluntary work you have done.
Other ways of getting high up in this career would be to do an
apprenticeship somewhere. That way you are set up with the
right people in good places and would gain experience.
