Hands on a Hardbody: Costume Design and Stereotypes

Abstract

This thesis combines the work I did for my Senior Capstone, costume design for Arizona Repertory Theatre's production of Hands on a Hardbody, with the research I did on the stereotypes present in the show and throughout the history of theatre. While working on the production I noticed that there was a very fine line between authentic costumes or satire with designing these characters' costumes. The show tackles identities as one of its themes, and the characters use stereotypes to attack each other or use as a façade. After completing the production, I decided to research the inception of the visual cues and stereotypes that costume designers use on stage to depict such characters. Because of the politically correct society we live in currently, there's been an increase in calling out insensitive costumes and portrayals. I analyzed how these costume stereotypes may be damaging and how costume designers can work with visual cues that audiences recognize to convey characters in a sensitive manner. This thesis includes my research paper and documents pertaining to my Capstone design assignment: artist's statement, research, renderings, production paperwork, and archival photos.