A-Level Edexcel: Drama &
Theatre Glossary - Costume
Design with correct answers
2025/2026
accessories - correct answersanything carried or worn on top of the basic costume for
decorative purposes, e.g. a purse or shawl
basic block - correct answersa pattern which is the starting block for a more detailed pattern
based on a particular actor's measurements, and reflecting specifics like historical period
basting - correct answerssewing fabric pieces together with long or loose temporary stitches
breaking down - correct answersartistic process of aging or distressing a costume. Paint, glue,
dye, ripping and tearing can be used in this process.
costume - correct answerswhat an actor wears to evoke the appearance of a particular
character. Costumes maybe realistic or stylised. They may be "period"—appropriate to the
historical setting of the play—or deliberately modern in look, even when the play is set in a past
era.
costume build - correct answersthe process of constructing the costume
, costume fitting - correct answersfirst meeting between the actor and his/her costume. Enables
wardrobe staff to ensure a correct fit, and to enable the actor to see if all necessary movement
is possible.
costume parade (dress parade) - correct answerscostume check on stage
costume plot - correct answersa list or chart made by the costume designer showing the
characters appearing in each scene, and what they are wearing. This helps track each
character's whereabouts throughout the performance.
cutter - correct answersskilled wardrobe craftsperson who creates the patterns and is
responsible for the construction of the female costumes. The cutter's tools include craft paper, T
square and fashion ruler.
draping - correct answerscreating a pattern by arranging muslin on a dress form, pinning and
tucking to get the desired shape, and transferring that shape to craft paper.
dress form - correct answersthe adjustable torso (male and female) used by costume cutters,
dressmakers and tailors for creating garments; useful for: creating shapes from which patterns
are made (draping), fitting and detailed in-place sewing.
dress rehearsal - correct answersdress full costume/lighting/effects/sound/action rehearsal
dresser - correct answerscrew member who aids with dressing
dressing rooms - correct answersrooms containing clothes rails and mirrors (often surrounded
with lights) in which actors change into their costumes and apply make-up. Dressing Room
doors have a list of the actors contained within. (see also GREEN ROOM)
Theatre Glossary - Costume
Design with correct answers
2025/2026
accessories - correct answersanything carried or worn on top of the basic costume for
decorative purposes, e.g. a purse or shawl
basic block - correct answersa pattern which is the starting block for a more detailed pattern
based on a particular actor's measurements, and reflecting specifics like historical period
basting - correct answerssewing fabric pieces together with long or loose temporary stitches
breaking down - correct answersartistic process of aging or distressing a costume. Paint, glue,
dye, ripping and tearing can be used in this process.
costume - correct answerswhat an actor wears to evoke the appearance of a particular
character. Costumes maybe realistic or stylised. They may be "period"—appropriate to the
historical setting of the play—or deliberately modern in look, even when the play is set in a past
era.
costume build - correct answersthe process of constructing the costume
, costume fitting - correct answersfirst meeting between the actor and his/her costume. Enables
wardrobe staff to ensure a correct fit, and to enable the actor to see if all necessary movement
is possible.
costume parade (dress parade) - correct answerscostume check on stage
costume plot - correct answersa list or chart made by the costume designer showing the
characters appearing in each scene, and what they are wearing. This helps track each
character's whereabouts throughout the performance.
cutter - correct answersskilled wardrobe craftsperson who creates the patterns and is
responsible for the construction of the female costumes. The cutter's tools include craft paper, T
square and fashion ruler.
draping - correct answerscreating a pattern by arranging muslin on a dress form, pinning and
tucking to get the desired shape, and transferring that shape to craft paper.
dress form - correct answersthe adjustable torso (male and female) used by costume cutters,
dressmakers and tailors for creating garments; useful for: creating shapes from which patterns
are made (draping), fitting and detailed in-place sewing.
dress rehearsal - correct answersdress full costume/lighting/effects/sound/action rehearsal
dresser - correct answerscrew member who aids with dressing
dressing rooms - correct answersrooms containing clothes rails and mirrors (often surrounded
with lights) in which actors change into their costumes and apply make-up. Dressing Room
doors have a list of the actors contained within. (see also GREEN ROOM)
