The document provides details on the costume design for a production of Anton Chekhov's play "The Seagull." The costumes will reflect late 19th century Russian styles from 1896, using neutral colors, long sleeves, and wool and cotton materials. Each main character is described, noting how their costumes will portray their personality and role. Costume colors will help illustrate the changing moods and seasons over the course of the play. The designer aims to use costume colors to signify characters' moods and experiences, with light colors for happy characters and dark colors for those struggling.

1. The Seagull
By: Anton Chekhov
Costume Designer: Andre’ Valmore

2. Style
• The style of the production will fit the
environment of Russia in the fall of 1896
–Solid and neutral colors in the costumes
–Long sleeve dresses and suits will be common
with characters

3. Historical Period
• Each character’s costumes will reflect the
historical period of the play
–1896
–Classic Gentlemen and Lady clothing from this
period
–Cotton and Wool material used in most costume
–Suits, vests, and long dresses are popular in this
period

4. Characters
• Main Characters:
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IRINA ARKADINA, an actress
CONSTANTINE TREPLIEFF, her son
PETER SORIN, her brother
NINA ZARIETCHNAYA, a young girl, the daughter of a rich landowner
ILIA SHAMRAEFF, the manager of SORIN'S estate
PAULINA, his wife
MASHA, their daughter
BORIS TRIGORIN, an author
EUGENE DORN, a doctor
SIMON MEDVIEDENKO, a schoolmaster
JACOB, a workman
A COOK
A MAIDSERVANT

5. BORIS TRIGORIN
-Trigorin possesses a
distinguished look
with a fancy mustache.
-Wool material reflects
the time of year the
story takes place
Trigorin, in his late 30’s, is
a well known author and
presents himself as such.

6. IRINA ARKADINA
Arkadina is an actress in
her early 40’s who seems
to likes having the
attention.
-Arkadina wears
dresses that will
demonstrates her
grand personality.
-Dark colors will
illustrate the time of
year and day as each
scene changes.

7. CONSTANTINE TREPLIEFF
-Constantine is a
young aspiring
playwright
-He doesn’t care how
he presents himself.
-Constantine wants
people to take him and
his play serious.

8. NINA ZARIETCHNAYA
-Nina is a 22 year old
aspiring actress.
-She is from a wealthy
land owner and her
costume in the first
Act represents her
character’s free spirit
and enthusiasm for
acting.
-By Act 4, a few years
have passed and we
see Nina differently.
-Her costume
reflects all the she
has been through
over the years as
well as how her
horrible experiences
has changed her
character.

9. PETER SORIN
-Sorin is the estate owner
where this play takes
place.
-His costume reflects his
deteriorating health.
-Sorin feels no need
to present himself in
the highest regard.
-His facial hair and
free flowing hair
illustrate how he
sees himself.
-Dark material
reflects the time of
year the story takes
place

10. ILIA SHAMRAEFF the
manager of SORIN'S estate
Other Characters
PAULINA, Shamraeff’s wife
MASHA, their daughter
EUGENE DORN,
a doctor

11. SIMON MEDVIEDENKO, a schoolmaster
Other Characters
JACOB, a workman
A Cook
Maidservant

12. Providing A Focus
• There are two different approaches since there is two
clear moods
• The importance of the characters’ costumes
– The colors of the character’s outfits will signify the state
of mood or personality the character has.
• Light colors will depict a happy or lively character.
• Dark colors will identify with struggle or bad experiences.