The Challenges of Teaching Costume and Scenic Design in Tertiary Institution: The Federal University Oye – Ekiti Experience

Abstract

The basic responsibility of the theatre cast and crew, of which the costumier and scene designer are an integral part, is to interpret an artistic work. Thus, in communicating with the audience through costumes and scenic design, the ultimate goal of the costume cum set designer is to transform an ordinary person into an extraordinary yet believable character and setting within a story that does not exist in reality. Accordingly, costumes, as used in theater performances or movies, speak to the audience with words of silence and visual interpretation, just like the scenic design does.  However, this study identifies a fundamental issue: the task of costume and set designers' interpretation presents a variety of challenges that they must overcome. This study therefore investigates the challenges of teaching costumes and scenic designs in educational theater, with a particular focus on FUOYE Theatre.  The study relies on semiotic theory to accomplish its goal, asserting that a costume/scenic designer constructs meaning based on a shared system of signification, which may originate from culture, a social system, or a belief system. The study employs qualitative research methods, focusing on literature analysis and examining the perspectives of scholars in the field. The study's findings confirm the challenge of teaching costume and scenic design in educational theatre. In light of the aforementioned findings, the study suggests that costume and set designers instruct theatre students in the fundamentals of costuming and design, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly researching the play before beginning the construction of costumes and sets. Also, costume and set designers must collaborate with the artistic team in the rehearsal process in order to achieve the team's success.