How can you balance authenticity, accessibility, and inclusivity in costume design?

2 Research the context

Once you have a clear idea of the purpose of the play, you need to research the context of the costumes. This means finding out as much as you can about the historical or cultural aspects of the clothing, such as the materials, the patterns, the symbols, and the meanings. You can use books, websites, museums, archives, and experts as sources of information. However, you also need to be aware of the limitations and the biases of your sources, and avoid reproducing stereotypes, inaccuracies, or generalizations. You should also acknowledge the diversity and the complexity of the cultures and the periods you are representing, and avoid homogenizing or exoticizing them.

3 Adapt to the stage

Another factor to consider when designing costumes is the stage. You need to adapt your costumes to the practical and technical requirements of the performance, such as the lighting, the sound, the movement, and the budget. You need to make sure that your costumes are visible, audible, comfortable, and durable for the actors and the audience. You also need to make sure that your costumes are affordable and feasible for the production team. This may mean that you have to modify, simplify, or improvise some aspects of your costumes, such as using synthetic fabrics, altering sizes, or adding Velcro.

4 Involve the actors

One way to balance authenticity, accessibility, and inclusivity in costume design is to involve the actors in the process. You can consult with them about their preferences, their opinions, and their feedback on the costumes. You can also collaborate with them on creating or customizing their costumes, such as adding personal touches, accessories, or layers. This can help you create costumes that are more suitable, expressive, and comfortable for the actors, and that reflect their identities, personalities, and perspectives. It can also help you build trust, rapport, and respect with the actors, and foster a sense of ownership and agency.

5 Engage the audience

Finally, you need to think about how your costumes will engage the audience. You need to create costumes that are appealing, captivating, and meaningful for the viewers, and that invite them to immerse themselves in the story and the characters. You also need to create costumes that are respectful, inclusive, and diverse for the audience, and that acknowledge and celebrate the different backgrounds, cultures, and identities of the people who watch the play. You can do this by using a variety of colors, styles, and influences in your costumes, and by avoiding stereotypes, clichés, or appropriation. You can also do this by creating opportunities for dialogue, feedback, and education with the audience, such as providing notes, explanations, or resources about the costumes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?