When a play is performed, all eyes are on the actors—which means the costume department can make or break a production. This program introduces skills and responsibilities essential to theatrical costume design, technology, and management. After outlining the history of stage costuming, the video shows how an actor’s attire reveals his or her character, how a designer researches and incorporates period dress styles, and how various fabrics, colors, patterns, and aging effects are used in making costumes. Discussions of presets, quick-changes, and an actor’s backstage needs help students understand the wardrobe supervisor’s challenges. Costume professionals from London’s National Theatre add their expertise. A viewable/printable instructor’s guide is available online. A part of the series Treading the Boards: Theater Fundamentals. (25 minutes)