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Luigi is Watching
by: Luigi
Anonymous Guest Writer
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.
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