Caleb Wolfe
Design Assignment
I think that one of the most unique design elements would be the costumes. There are
multiple ways that you could design the costumes for a production of this play. Being that it does
take place in Athens, I think that it would be appropriate to have the characters dressed in a bit of
Grecian wear that would have been wore during the time of the play’s creation (around 1600).
My main ideas consist of the mortals/humans wearing clothing that resembles this time and I
think that, since some of them are of nobility, their clothing should be colorful and vibrant.
Some of the women, I think, could even have jeweled clothing or dresses that they wear to
display their wealth and their power. As for the fairies, I think that the king and the queen of the
fairies should be depicted with some aspects of royal garb: this could include wooden/stick
crowns, capes, and the king could have some sort of power stick that he carries around (like a
scepter). I think that the fairies should also be colorful and should also have a bit of a nature look
to them. I think that they should have brown and green included into their costumes. The fairies,
not the king, queen, or Robin Goodfellow, should probably have a costume that resembles that of
Peter Pan or Tinkerbell, minus Peter’s hat. As for the donkey head that will be needed for Nick
Bottom, I think that this should be a normal, full head-covering donkey head. It may also be
easier to do it from a more Shrek the Musical style approach, with a fur covering of the head
(that has ears) and paint on the face (this would probably be the second choice if finding a
donkey head proved difficult).
I really think that the director will want to focus on any accuracy that aligns with their
interpretation of the script along with how they feel the set should be designed. Some directors
have given the play twists that are not like the original script and therefore the design elements
would need to be adjusted accordingly. For this production of the play, I am assuming that the
director’s vision is to have the play run/interpreted in the general sense and the way that it is
normally produced, which goes based off it taking place in an ancient version of Athens. I think
that the director’s vision is not extremely unique, I think that they may add and subtract some
minor details but will stay true to the heart/core of the play.
Character
Costume Type/Design Idea
Thesus
I think that Thesus should be able to wear garbs that are
brightly colored and goes down to about the mid-calf. I
think his tunic should be grey and he could include a chest
protector on there to show his power. A crown of some
sorts, like the one in the image below, could be good. I
think that a grey tunic with red sash and gold belt would
be good for him. I also think that a chlamys would be
good to add to the idea of power.
Hippolyta
Hippolyta should be able to stand out. I think that her
dress could be green and could be detailed with gold on
the front (towards the top). I think that she should also
possibly have some sort of headdress, like the one in an
image below. I think some sort of fancy-looking jewelry
could also add a nice touch.
Egeus
Egeus, being that he seems to be older, and possibly more
traditional, could wear an all-white tunic that has a sash
and a belt. The sash could be decorated or have a type of
floral look/design to it, to show sophistication. With the
fact that he is respected and older, we could add grey to
his hair and then we could also possibly have a beard
(symbolic of wisdom). I think that a chlamys of red would
be able to depict his power/importance.
Hermia and Helena
Hermia, who seems to be a little less respective and has a
slight lack of authority, could have some less traditional
clothing to juxtapose that of her more traditional father. I
think that she could have a sort of lower cut tunic that also
has some bedazzled/jeweled design on/around the upper
part of her tunic. She could also compliment her outfit
with some jewelry around her neck and bracelets for her
wrists. Helena, being a young woman herself, could have
a similarly designed outfit, including some quality
be good for Lysander while green would fit Demetrius. I
think that these two should be able to juxtapose each other
outfit wise.
the brown/darker shows that he is mischievous and up to
no good. I think the dark tunic with a gold belt and a
yellow-like cape of sorts.
