Costume designers create the look of each character in the show by designing clothes and accessories the actors will wear in performance. Depending on their style and complexity, costumes may be made, bought, revamped out of existing stock or rented. Their designs need to faithfully reflect the personalities of the characters in the script.

Entry-Level Costume Designer: $500/ production Experienced Costume Designer: $20,000/production Top-Level Costume Designer: $150,000/production

Broadway and Off-Broadway Theoni V. Aldridge - One of Broadway's most prolific designers, including Annie, Barnum and A Chorus Line. Desmond Heeley - Brigadoon Julie Taymor - Lion King Ann Roth - Assassins Jane Greenwood - The Scarlet Pimpernel, Once Upon a Mattress Santo Loquasto - Fosse, Ragtime Susan Hilferty - Wicked Ann Curtis - Jekyll & Hyde William Ivey Long - The Producers, Chicago Ann Hould-Ward - Beauty and the Beast Willa Kim - The Will Rogers Follies Film and Television Adrian - The Wizard of Oz Colleen Atwood - Little Women (1994) Cecil Beaton - My Fair Lady, Gigi Jenny Beavan - Howards End, Sense and Sensibility John Bright - Howards End, Sense and Sensibility Milena Canonero - Out of Africa, Titus Ngila Dickson - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, The Last Samurai Danilo Donati - Romeo and Juliet Edith Head - Sabrina (1954), The Sting Dorothy Jeakins - The Sound of Music Jean Louis - From Here to Eternity Orry-Kelly - Gypsy Walter Plunkett - Gone with the Wind, Singin' in the Rain Sandy Powell - The Wings of the Dove, Shakespeare in Love Ann Roth - The English Patient Irene Sharaff - Call Me Madam, Guys and Dolls Theodora van Runkle - Bonnie and Clyde

Costume designers must have a college degree in fashion or costume designing. Relevant subjects include theatrical set design, costume design, art, and performing arts production. Individuals who have completed a postgraduate degree or diploma program, or who have attended specialized training courses, are likely to be preferred over other candidates. Employers often look for designers with knowledge of accessories, textile fabrics, and fashion trends. Experience in designing clothes and accessories is beneficial, as is contribution to creating outfits for independent theatrical productions. Knowledge of art, fashion, and general world history; technical skill in dressmaking and designing; good research skills; and ability to work with other professionals and handle pressure and stress are some other aptitudes a costume designer must possess.

costume - designer.htm