A large and sophisticated operation like the Metropolitan Opera in New York may have all of these specialists on staff. A smaller regional theatre may have only a few personnel who must do all of these jobs themselves. The list of jobs above recapitulates the normal process of costume production. Careful and complete measurements are taken of each actor. The costume list is divided according to source and work commences.
Shopping begins for fabric, notions , and other raw materials as well as costume accessories.
Costumes that are in stock are pulled from storage. When all the elements are assembled, construction begins. Raw fabrics may need to be dyed, overdyed, bleached, or sprayed to achieve the proper color, tone, or patina of age. Some costumes are made from paper patterns. These patterns may be purchased commercially, taken from existing files, or made from historic pattern books.