What is essential for understanding the setting of a production in costume design?

Thoroughly reading the script is essential for understanding the setting of a production in costume design because the script provides detailed context regarding the time period, location, and atmosphere in which the story takes place. It reveals the social status, cultural background, and lifestyles of the characters, all of which influence costume choices. Analyzing the script allows the costume designer to integrate visual elements that align with the narrative and enhance the audience's comprehension of the setting.

By understanding the nuances of the text, the designer can make informed decisions about color palettes, fabrics, and styles that reflect the world the characters inhabit. This foundational understanding of the script ensures that the costumes are not only visually appealing but also thematically appropriate, supporting the overall storytelling.

In contrast, while imagining costumes, focusing solely on character, and consulting with the director may contribute to the design process, they do not provide the comprehensive grounding in the production's setting that a thorough script reading does.