At the highest levels of the profession, such as a Broadway show or major motion picture, the renderings are sent out by the producer to various costume construction studios for bid. After the bid is awarded the costumer need only check the progress of construction on a periodic basis to ensure fidelity to the design. In a regional or academic theatre the costumer is often part of a permanent staff. Costume Production Among the many professional specialists with unique skills who are required to produce the highest quality costumes are the following. There are shoppers who seek out and purchase the raw materials and accessories needed to assemble costumes.
Dyers change the color of fabrics.
Cutters specialize in patterning and cutting the pieces of fabric needed to assemble a costume. Stitchers are those who do the actual sewing. Fitters and tailors make adjustments to ensure the proper hang and fit of a costume. Milliners and cobblers specialize in the creation of hats and footwear. Finally, there are costume crafts specialists who produce accessories such as jewelry, armor, medals, parasols, fans, lace, and belts, and do detail work such as beading and the aging or distressing of finished costumes.