Costume Basics
The art of planning and creating what actors wear to show character, time period, and style.
What is Costume Design?
Anything worn on the head as part of the costume (hat, crown, fascinator).
What is a Headpiece?
A painted or printed background behind the action (skyline, forest, room).
What is a Backdrop?
A prop or set item that actually works in real life (a lamp that turns on, a sink with water).
What is a Practical?
What app is known for short videos and a “For You Page (FYP)”?
What is TikTok?
The overall outline/shape of a costume when you see it from a distance.
What is a Silhouette?
A costume feature that includes a mask OR something the actor manipulates like a puppet as part of the design.
What is a Mask/Puppet Element?
A large movable part of the set (like a wall unit, doorway, staircase).
What is Set Piece?
Objects handled/used by actors (phone, book, cup).
What are Props?
In slang, what does “cap” mean?
What is A lie / lying?
The look/feel of a fabric surface (smooth, rough, shiny, fuzzy)
What is Texture?
A very fast costume change, usually happening offstage or in the wings.
What is a Quick Change?
The art of designing the visual world of the stage (background, layout, environment)
What is Scenic Design?
Different heights onstage that make the picture more interesting (standing on steps, platforms, stairs).
What are Levels?
In texting/social media, what does “DM” stand for?
What is Direct Message?
A planned group of colors used together for one character or the whole production.
What is Color Palette?
Making a costume look aged, worn, dirty, or lived-in on purpose.
What is Distressing?
Everything you see onstage that creates the environment of the play.
What is a Set?
planned actor movement and positioning onstage
What is Blocking?
In music, what’s the “hook”?
What is the catchy repeated part (usually the chorus)?
Extra items added to a costume (jewelry, gloves, belts, bags) that complete the look.
What are Accessories?
A chart/list that tracks who wears which costume pieces in each scene and when changes happen.
What is a Costume Plot?
A raised structure actors can stand on (like a riser).
What is a Platform?
The “snapshot” of how actors are arranged onstage at a moment to tell the story clearly.
What is a Stage Picture?
What does it mean when a post or video “goes viral”?
What is it spreads fast and gets a lot of views/shares quickly?