Theatre Collaboration Project

1. BUS STOP: COSTUME
DESIGN
WHITNEY ROSENHEIM
GROUP 97

2. Style


Costumes should inform the audience about the style
of a play.
The play, Bus Stop, is set in the 1950s’ in a small
town just 30 miles outside Kansas City.

Using this information, as well as the character
description that is included in the playwright, I will be
able to design costumes that are realistic and
believable.

All costumes will be inspired by 1950s fashion. With
the men back from war, women focused on their
suburban role as homemakers, and looked for
clothing that was easy to wash and keep neat.

3. Historical Period

Costumes indicate the period and location of a play

In order to make the production realistic/believable it is
important that the characters’ costumes are relevant to time
era the play portrays.

1950s:A time of change in the American culture. During the
Fifties, mass culture began to dominate in the United States.

A booming economy helped shapethe 1950s. A rebuilding
Europe was hungry for American goods and fueling the
consumer-oriented sector of the American economy.

4. Nature of Individual Characters

It is important to consider the character’s station in
life, occupation, and personality when creating their
costume.
Bo (Cowboy)-Jeans, Plaid Button-Down Shirt, Red Bandana (around neck), Cowboy
Hat
Cherie (Nightclub singer)-Skimpy Jacket (edged with cheap fur), Sequin/Net
Dress
Dr. Lyman (Retired Professor/drunk)- Grey Tweed Suit, worn Burberry Coat,
Glasses
Elma (Diner Waitress)- 1950s Waitress Dress, Apron
Grace (Diner Proprietor/waitress)- 1950s Waitress Dress, Apron
Carl (Bus Driver)- Jeans, Worn Flannel Shirt, Heavy Snow Coat
Will (Town Sherriff)- Worn Black Sheriff Hat, Large Heavy Boots, Black Coat

6. Main Characters

Show relationships among characters--separating
major characters from minor ones, contrasting one
group from another.

The play, Bus Stop, develops most of its characters
evenly. Bo and Cherie stand out as main characters
due to their climaxing relationship. Cherie is the only
character to make a costume change throughout
the show. Bo is also dressed differently than Virgil
as he wears more distinct colors and a more
elaborate costume.

7. Original Costume Designs
Elma/Grace (left) and Bo/Virgil (Right)

8. Meeting The Needs Of The
Actors

Making it possible for an actor or actress to move
freely in costume.

No matter how attractive or how symbolic a stage
costume may be, the costume must work for the
performance.

Unlike scenery, which stays in place, a costume is
always in motion. This allows costume designers
to incorporate rhythm and grace in the way a
costume