Costumes have a major role in
shows but may not be noticed specifically by audience
members when they are very well done. Some costumes get
noticed because, “People don’t dress that way any more.”
Good costuming is integral to a production and, when well
done, may not stand out to the average theatergoer.
Costumes do get
noticed when they are absolutely WRONG. They may be
ill-fitting, uncharacteristic of the ‘character’ or really
out-of-time. Questions arise in the minds of the viewer –
“Why is he wearing that kind of suit?” “ Why is she in that
color?” “Shouldn’t that hem be lower/higher?” “Are those
shoes right for that dress?”
A good costumer has lots of
research to do. What did people of that time wear? What does
this costume say about this person in this situation? What
will support the situation and the action of the scene, the
play? What size should he/she be wearing?
With any luck, the theatre will
have a large store of costumes that is well organized,
labeled, sized and readily available. In addition, a
collegial relationship with other theatres that may have
just the piece that’s needed can be of great advantage. In
some cases a costume may have to be ‘built’.
Luigi hopes that these
considerations are part of costuming shows but has been
present (as many readers may have been) when it is apparent
that something is used because (1) we have it, (2) it fits
okay, (3) costumer likes the color, (4) budget prohibits
building a costume, (5) lack of research, (6) lack of
attention to detail.
So, beware
producers, directors and costumers. If you can’t afford it,
don’t want to do the research or are simply unaware of
bad-costuming ramifications, find something else to
present. Luigi is watching.
