Final Production Meeting, Set and Dress Parade.

We had a very short production meeting as everything is prepared and ready for the dress parade and in terms of the set, the technical rehearsals. The dress parade went really well and it was very good to have a chance to see all the actors and actresses in costume together. This helped me to see if any costumes didn't fit with the whole ensemble, that the colour palette was good and if any costumes needed adjustments or additions. My notes from the parade were:

• Prioress: Needs a slip and a thin leather belt with a crucifix hanging from it rather than beads all the way round. This may break with all the movements they have to do.
• Wife of Bath: Turn around belt so the lacing is at the front. Give the costume a more worn look. The bloomers appear french, cover lace. Bigger purse.
• Alison/Pilgrim: Channel in her apron pocket added for her recorder, slip and elastic in her shoes.
• Pilgrim/Miller's Wife: White tights, black petticoat, tippets dipped down in colour.
• Pilgrim/Emilee: Add belt decorated with same braid used on cuffs and collars. Garland, make for Emilee and hang on the set for her to take.
• Chaucer: Hem needs adjusting and add a black scarf, looked a bit bare without.
• Host: Break down more and add belt loops.
• Knight: Make the fabric around his hat longer and red gloves needed.
• Squire: No gloves, not suitable for the amount of sword fighting he is doing.
• Yeoman: Cut line of t shirt so it doesn't show.
• Monk: Good.
• Reeve: Break down blue cape and hat.
• Miller: Loosen hood so beard can stick out more.
• Cook: Brown hat added and add a scarf? Apron more greasy.
• Man of Law: Trousers too long. Good.
• Nun's Priest: Good, pouch for recorder to be added.
• ASMs: Good.
• Weeping Queens: Good.
• Knight's Tale: Coverings need washing and pressing.
• Miller's Tale: Carpenter needs an apron. I decided to change this from my design and make it a full body one similar in shape to the one they had been using in rehearsals so it is really easy for the actors to use the new apron and doesn't affect how they have been rehearsing the change.
• Reeve's Tale: Good.
• Man of Law's Tale: King Aella- cut crown. Young Knight: Cut cape. Counsellors use fabric as headdresses.
• Shipman's Tale: Good.
• Prioress's and Nun's Priest's Tale: Complete puppets and headdresses.

I am really pleased with how the dress parade went and it's helped me to think more in depth about my design choices.

 Trying out the Sultan's headdress, I like it like this but with less fabric hanging down.

 Adjusting the puppets and giving more fabric around the head so there is more room for the hand. After this we added the bodies.

 Making a saw for the Jewish Cut Throat. I made it bold so that you could see it from a distance. I tested this in the dress rehearsal and it was visible.

Breaking down the Prioress' lapdog using Fuller's earth, paint and by cutting in to it and sewing parts differently, particularly the ears and the brow.
Before

 After

Production Meeting and Set work.

On the 26th we had our 2nd production meeting since rehearsals began. It went well and I think the production is progressing well, it is just at the point where the set up and decoration of the set can begin and the costumes have mostly been decided and sourced. Alterations will have to be made to some of the hired garments although getting them a week earlier means that the cast can rehearse in the shoes they will be wearing for the performance. I think that this is a very interesting and yet challenging play to work on. Trying to create spontaneity whilst keeping the authenticity means that I have to consider every creative decision and give it an explanation, so that the themes of the play endure throughout. This will ensure that the play runs smoothly and the audience is carried along by the themes the cast portray.
The tavern signs have developed a lot during this project due to making developments in other elements of the play. This has meant the signs have changed and become more like coats of arms. I'm really pleased with them and look forward to working on them full size. I decided to change the Nun's Priest's sign as I felt the mirror did not fit with the other signs and the director was unsure of the reflective element. Below is a picture of the new nun's Priest's sign:

Below is a picture of the Jap Silk that we are lighting blue for the Sea in the Man of Law's tale. It has had to have some repair and I have used linens and silk noile for this and I have also neatened it. It was used for another AUCB production and it creates a good movement for waves in the sea. I wanted it to look as though it had been patched up by the host or one of his maids, as if it had previously been a grander table cloth and then a brawl had broken out and covered it in spots of blood as the taverns in the medieval period could be rough places.

I am pleased with how the made garments are going and I'm looking forward to seeing them at the next fittings. Below are some pictures of how the hats/head pieces for the Miller, Squire, Monk and Don John are developing.

Above is the Miller's hood. I really like the long tail, however it needs to have more of a point at the end.

This is the squire's hat. I like the fit on the head although it needs shortening.

Above shows snood that the monk will have. I decided to have the one for Don John half the length as he will have to put it on very quickly and easily.

Fabric Sourcing and Production Meeting 19th October.

Today my supervisor and I sourced the wools for the saxon scene in the Man of Law's Tale. I am really pleased with what I chose and the fabric I allocated to each character. As one of the fabrics did change from my original choices (we found a good tartan in the archive clearance sale with the right amount for the Northumbrian Lord and Lady) it made sense to create a collection of tartans that had the same tone and texture. It was important for me in this scene in the Man of Law's tale to have a fabric that accentuated each character and to ensure that the fabrics worked as a whole.
We also had our 2nd production meeting today, the first since the cast has been rehearsing and I think that it went really well. I enjoy these meetings as it is good to bring up any issues or confusion when everyone is together as problems are solved much quicker. I feel much more confident in being vocal with my thoughts and ideas. I also think that having sketches of any relevant ideas really helps the director and crew to understand ideas and to solve any agendas.

Production Meeting.

Today was the first production meeting of this term and it feels as if the project has really kicked off. I'm really looking forward to the designs being realized. The costumes that are being made have been decided and I'm really pleased with the result, along with all the extra elements eg. capes etc, although they are very simple, time has to be allowed for them as they are essential pieces as well. I am very excited about the garments that are going to be made however I am also looking forward to the challenges of sourcing garments that are closest to my designs.