Costume Design 101 :: Act I, Scene I :: Act 1, Scene II :: Act II, Scene I :: Act II, Scene II
In Act I, scene II, there is no dialog so it becomes extremely important that the costumes do all the talking. We must show that MOM, DAD and SON are separated from the DAUGHTER as they leave for the party.
To strongly show that they are a group, MOM, DAD and SON are dressed in
a similar style and color scheme to tie them all together. While all three
are dressed in ivory linen summer suits, there are different details to
each to avoid looking like absolute carbon copies of each other. The DAD's
suit is a conservative cut two-piece with white shirt cuffs showing beneath
the sleeve hems and the trousers have just a slight "break"
to them. He also has a tie and carnation in his lapel befitting his generation.
The MOM's suit is the female equivalent of DAD's: conservative cut with
matching skirt and white blouse echoing DAD's shirt and is completed with
gold and pearl jewelry. The SON also wears a linen suit but it is a little
too big for him suggesting that it may be a hand down from a cousin. The
sleeves and trousers are too long and the jacket pulls away from his neck
intentionally to show it is too big for him. He also wears a white shirt
like his parents but has no tie in the style of his generation. The DAUGHTER
is still in a black T-shirt and cut offs showing the audience she is not
on her way to the party with the rest of the family.
ACT I, SCENE II
6.30PM later that same day
MOM, DAD and SON come downstairs dressed for a dinner party DAUGHTER is still on the couch. MOM, DAD and SON cross stage left and exit out the front door without saying anymore to DAUGHTER
End of scene.
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