Fabric Sampling. Getting the Right Colours.

Today I did a lot of dyeing to create the colours that I want for my designs (above is a photo of some of my samples). I think it is important that there is a good range of colours in my designs as I want the colours to be tonally similar in a way and yet I want each character to look unique. I have tried to create colours that look as though they are from that period whilst considering what the audience will be seeing as a whole, and at a later stage, the lighting used and how this affects the costumes. I really enjoy dyeing fabrics to create the colour that I want and I think this is a useful skill to develop. I think it is always important to consider the potential of a fabric. I have dyed a variety of textural fabrics, as because of the tones used differentiations can also be made with texture and weight. I know that many of my costumes will be hired, but for my designs I want to create an ideal outfit for each character and also this will ensure they will work as a whole. More particularly it will help me to choose the correct garments in the autumn term.

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.

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.