COSTUME CONSTRUCTION

COSTUME SHOP Cutter/Draper- is responsible for actually translating the designer’s sketches into reality Cutter/Draper- is responsible for actually translating the designer’s sketches into reality First hand-to supervise the construction of the costumes First hand-to supervise the construction of the costumes Stitchers-operate the sewing machines and do the hand sewing that pieces the costumes together Stitchers-operate the sewing machines and do the hand sewing that pieces the costumes together Dye/painters-dye and paint the fabric Dye/painters-dye and paint the fabric Milliner-makes hats and accessories Milliner-makes hats and accessories Wigmaster-makes, styles, arranges the wigs Wigmaster-makes, styles, arranges the wigs Costume craftsperson-makes and creates the shoes Costume craftsperson-makes and creates the shoes Wardrobe supervisor-responsible for all costumes and accessories Wardrobe supervisor-responsible for all costumes and accessories

CREATING A COSTUME There are three different ways a costume is created for a production There are three different ways a costume is created for a production Rental: the theatre rents costumes from a costume shop Rental: the theatre rents costumes from a costume shop Reuse: costume shops use materials and stock to create a new piece Reuse: costume shops use materials and stock to create a new piece Build: construct a costume from scratch Build: construct a costume from scratch

COSTUME NEEDS Costumes used in theatre or dance performances often need to serve multiple purposes Costumes used in theatre or dance performances often need to serve multiple purposes At times an actor may need to change costume quickly or on stage At times an actor may need to change costume quickly or on stage If a costume is being used in a musical or dance number, the costume cannot hinder the actor If a costume is being used in a musical or dance number, the costume cannot hinder the actor The costume must be durable, shows on Broadway can run up to 10 times in a week The costume must be durable, shows on Broadway can run up to 10 times in a week The costume must be safe for the actor The costume must be safe for the actor

THE PRODUCTION BUDGET FOR THE BROADWAY MUSICAL WICKED WAS $42 MILLION The bubble dress for Glinda in the Broadway production of Wicked is worth approximately $35,000. The costume was built from scratch and includes thousands of beads and sequins that were hand stitched. The main dress for the Wicked Witch is worth approximately $20,00.

BEHIND THE SCENES Behind the scenes of Wicked Behind the scenes of Wicked

STITCH 101 Straight Stitch Straight Stitch Basic stitch used for hems, sewing two pieces of material together, and gathering fabric Basic stitch used for hems, sewing two pieces of material together, and gathering fabric Whip Stitch Whip Stitch Used for decorative purposes, can be invisible, and can close a hem Used for decorative purposes, can be invisible, and can close a hem Catchstitch Catchstitch Line of x’s, is a stronger stitch, flexible and strong Line of x’s, is a stronger stitch, flexible and strong Fell Stitch Fell Stitch Attaches a raw or folded edge Attaches a raw or folded edge Slip Stitch Slip Stitch Used for joining two fabrics together Used for joining two fabrics together Basting Stitch Basting Stitch Wide running stitches meant to be temporary Wide running stitches meant to be temporary

COSTUMES: THEATRE V. FILM Phantom of the Opera (2004) Phantom of the Opera (2004) Phantom of the Opera 25 th Anniversary performance Phantom of the Opera 25 th Anniversary performance