Experimentation - Creating the feel of Roman/Grecian/Saxon etc. Dress.

This is an example of some experimentation I have done to create the Roman, Grecian, Saxon etc atmospheres that are in some of the Tales. My thinking was 'how many ways can you use a length of fabric to create a different costume'. In the medieval period most tables, benches etc had a simple white covering. I thought that if this was the case in my set design it might be possible for these coverings to be used in a simple and effective way to create new costumes. As I have stated before, this play is about storytelling and I think it will be very interesting if all the costume changes were quite simple and happened in front of the audience. This would accentuate that they are all telling their own tales which are being created in front of the audience. I really like this idea and my experimentation is allowing me to explore the limitations and advantages of it. Obviously these changes have to be quick, simple and clear for the audience to understand. The above picture is inspired by Grecian dress and the Grecian God Diana. The only problem with this particular one is the belt, would this be too clumsy for the actor? Could it be tucked into an exsisting belt or tied with a rope instead? All of my experiments only took me a few seconds each and would be really easy for the actors to recreate. This experimentation has been very effective and therefore I intend to incorporate it into my designs.

Beginning my Costume Ideas.

I have begun sketching my ideas for my costumes. The director has said he wants to keep this play in the medieval period. I agree that this is the best way to represent it and furthermore I am really trying to get across as much as I can the atmosphere of Chaucer's original tales. I want the audience to feel as though the characters have stepped straight out of the original writing. Chaucer's work was all about storytelling and this is a very important element and theme of the piece. I have already done in depth research to back up my ideas and through experimentation and idea development I hope to get that theme across. I am pleased that I began planning early on as my script breakdown and analysis have helped me to focus my ideas and to collate the best and most useful research. This project is exciting in the way that the costumes are very much dictated by the actual performance and story telling elements. I feel I have already learnt a lot about the period and how to represent the tales and I look forward to the further challenges that will arise.

Mock Up Set and Experimentation.

Here is one of the pictures I took whilst trying different arrangements of my set. I think this method really helps me as a designer to visualise what the set will look like, to actually get an idea of the space and the objects within it and to test out sightlines. I have also tried out different flooring styles to try and achieve the right atmosphere. This experimentation also ensures I have developed my idea enough to discuss with the director futher at our next meeting.

Initial Set Thoughts.

This is an initial set sketch based on the requirements of the piece and what I found out from the director. I am finding there are a few issues with sightlines and I would like to escape from my sketchbook so to solve these issues I am going to create a mock up set that I can chop and change to really get an idea of how things might look. In my last project I realised that this is a good way for me to work and I got this feedback from my tutors, so I am going to develop my ideas this way. I have also done a lot of research into the period and I feel I confident enough to move forward with ideas.

Sampling and Fabrics

I have been unsure as to whether it would be a good idea to visit London, Shepherd's Bush etc. to source my fabric samples so I asked the advice of the 3rd years who did this project last year. Their advice was very helpful and it enabled me to put my thoughts into the right context for the amount of time there will be to make the costumes in the autumn term and how many may be made. An issue with buying the fabrics this term, particularly from London, is the distinct probability that they won't be there in the autumn term.  However something similar could be bought instead. Ultimately things will have to be changed in the autumn term but I know the kind of feel I want to achieve for this piece. Changes will be a matter for the supervisor and myself to discuss in the autumn term. To start my research I will look in the shops in my local area. I think I want quite textural fabrics that could be dyed, yet are quite plain to reflect the period. At the moment I feel these would not be too difficult to source locally.

Updated Work Plan.

First Meeting with the Director.

I had my first meeting with the director and I am really looking forward to realising this project. I haven't worked with a theatre director before and I found it interesting how quickly some of the challenges were overcome just through a short discussion. I feel like my confidence in myself as a designer has begun to grow even more and hopefully by the end of this project I will feel much more professional in my practice. I am also excited at how different this project is from anything I have done previously. I haven't gone as far back in period as the middle ages before and I am looking forward to the ways I can achieve the look of this period whilst still communicating the various different characters.

The Canterbury Tales.

I now know I am doing The Cantebury Tales by Mike Poulton production - Costumes and set. My first thoughts are because of the time period, this show will be on the 8 - 10th of November, there will not be time for big makes. So I'm thinking of interesting ways I can represent a knight without a full suit of armour etc. Also because of the nature of this production I want the set to be quite minimal but used in an interesting way so it becomes all about the story telling. Now I intend to start researching and analysing the script. Looking forward to seeing the director....

Work Plan.

Introduction to my Blog.

My blog is a reflective journal on what I will learn during my self directed project. For this project I am designing the costumes for one of the School of Production performances which will take place in the autumn term.
It is the first day of Self Directed project and I'm very excited. I have began by asking for tips about the project from 3rd years that designed last year. Main points that I got back were:

• Be flexible and willing to adapt to what the director asks for, but also to stand my ground when necessary.
• Have confidence in my work and good communication with the director.
• Research the time period very well before going fabric sourcing.
• Try to go to rehersals as much as possible.
• Think ahead and be good with time management.

The feedback that I got from my last project was that I have a good approach to research and I communicated my ideas well with my costume designs; however I need to push my fabric samples further and think of the context for these fabrics. I'm going to take this feedback forward and use it to help me in this project.