Final answer:
Costume design in theatre serves to distinguish a realistic from a stylized production approach, contributing to the storytelling and the audience's comprehension of the characters and setting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another objective of costume design, aesthetically, is to help distinguish a realistic from stylized approach to the production. Costumes are a critical element in theatre that assists in portraying characters and shaping the audience's understanding of the play's world.
Designing costumes involves a detailed process which includes thorough research, planning, and collaboration with the director and design team to align with the production's overall approach and thematic goals.
Every play has a unique set of requirements that dictate the form and function of costumes, driven by the story and its characters.
Thus, a costume designer must approach each play with the critical question: How do I best support this unique story?
Whether a play aims for an authentic depiction of a historical period or a more abstract representation of the environment, costume designs play a pivotal role in achieving the desired artistic vision and ensuring production cohesion.