Stock

Definition

In costume history, 'stock' refers to a collection of standardized garments and accessories that are readily available for theatrical productions, allowing quick costume changes and efficient dressing of characters. This system streamlined the process of dressing actors by providing a versatile wardrobe that could be mixed and matched to create various looks, particularly important in the evolution of men's costume such as the three-piece suit.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Stock costumes often include basic elements like jackets, trousers, and vests that can be easily altered or accessorized to fit different characters and settings.
2. The use of stock helped theaters save on production costs while still providing high-quality looks that were essential for audience engagement.
3. Stock items became especially popular in the 19th century as theater productions grew in scale and ambition, leading to a demand for varied costumes.
4. The three-piece suit itself can be seen as a part of stock because its components are often used interchangeably in theatrical settings to portray different characters and time periods.
5. Stock systems were key to the development of costume departments in theaters, allowing them to build extensive collections that supported various productions over time.

Review Questions

• How does stock facilitate costume changes in theatrical performances?
  • Stock allows for quick costume changes by providing a ready-made collection of garments that actors can easily don. This system streamlines the dressing process, enabling quick access to standardized pieces that can be mixed and matched. The versatility of stock items is crucial during performances where time constraints make rapid outfit changes necessary.
• Discuss the impact of stock on the cost-efficiency of theater productions.
  • Stock significantly enhances the cost-efficiency of theater productions by allowing companies to avoid the expense of creating custom costumes for every character. By utilizing a shared inventory of costumes, theaters can allocate resources more effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing creative opportunities. This approach also helps in scaling productions since more actors can be dressed appropriately without incurring additional costs.
• Evaluate how the evolution of stock influenced the portrayal of characters in theatrical history.
  • The evolution of stock has transformed how characters are portrayed on stage by providing a diverse array of readily available costumes. This accessibility means that designers and directors can focus on character development without being constrained by budget limitations. Stock allows for greater experimentation with character representation through varying styles and combinations, enabling productions to reflect broader cultural trends while ensuring consistency in appearance across different performances.

Related terms

Costume Rental: The practice of renting costumes for performances, which allows productions to access high-quality outfits without the expense of purchasing them outright.

Dresser: A professional responsible for assisting actors with their costumes, ensuring they are dressed correctly and quickly during performances.

Wardrobe: The entire collection of clothing and accessories available for a production, which can include stock items, custom pieces, and rented garments.