1. Costume Design and The Drowsy Chaperone
A concise explanation of how the costume designer envisions and creates costumes for a production with examples from Theatre UCF’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone.

2. Overview Script Analysis Concept & Research Design Meetings
Preliminary and Final Designs
Shopping/Pulling
Construction Process
Fittings
Dress Rehearsals
Show Maintenance
Strike

3. Script Analysis Read Script for enjoyment and overall tone.
Read the script again for details: Time, Place, Social Structure, Specific Clothing References, Quick Changes, etc.
Create a page breakdown noting what each character will be wearing in each scene and detailing possible quick changes.
Continue to read the script throughout the design process in order to delve deeply into the individual characters and their motivations.

4. Concept and Research
Based on your reading and analysis, form a concept of how you plan to approach the design. This is usually a decision made in tandem with the Director.
Look for visual research to inspire and inform you as to the details of the world of the play.
Pay particular attention to the silhouette of a Period show and whether it involves corsetry or padding to adapt the figure.

5. Research for The Drowsy Chaperone

6. Design Meetings
What does the director see as the mode and form of the play?
What theme or concept has the director developed for the play?
How does the director see the characters?
What is the cast size and breakdown?
How many costume changes does the director see for each character?
How much is the budget?
What are the director’s priorities?
When will casting be completed?
How does your vision fit with that of the other designers?
What rehearsal items will be needed and when?
Share research and then create preliminary sketches and then final designs.
Agree on a master schedule and deadlines for the production with all production areas.

7. Preliminary Designs

8. Final Designs

9. Shopping/Pulling GolfKnickers.com Lacey Costume Wigs Theatre House
PULL LIST
Tottendale - Dress from Leading Ladies
Janet – Dress from Most Happy Fella
Chaperone – Dress from Cabaret
Monkeys – Jackets from Spring Awakening
Man in Chair – Sweater from Virginia Woolf
George – Suit from No Sex Please…
Reporters – Costumes from Side Show
Adolpho – Smoking Jacket from Largo
Kitty – Red Costume From Dames at Sea
Lacey Costume Wigs
Theatre House

10. Construction Process Draper Meeting Pattern Creation
Draping or Flat Patterning
Mock Up Construction
1st Fitting
Pattern Correction
Fashion Fabric Construction
Second Fitting
Finishing Touches

11. Fittings

12. Dress Rehearsals

13. Show Maintenance Wardrobe Check In and Check Out Quick Change Training
Wardrobe Crew Reports
Shop Repairs versus Crew Repairs
Wig Styling
Supply Replenishing
Wear and Tear
Laundry and Pressing

14. Strike Final Check In Dry Cleaning Final Laundering
Returning Items to Stock
Wig washing
Restoring Dressing Rooms
Assessing usefulness of garments