AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF Lillian Casey Watkins, for the Masters in Fine Arts degree in Theater, presented on May 2, 2014, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: DIE FLEDERMAUS: OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE TRIM MAJOR PROFESSOR: Wendi Zea In February of 2014, the School of Music and the Department of Theater at Southern Illinois University presented a production of the operetta Die Fledermaus. This thesis is a presentation of the process and final product of the costume design of that production. Die Fledermaus exhibits the best of carnival escapism, with daring disguises, topsy turvy scenarios, opulent scenes and extravagant use of alcohol. This design project was an attempt at capturing that escapism and expressing it through costuming, paying particular attention to detail and trim and actor movement and dance, creating the bubbly, champagne-filled fantasy that is Die Fledermaus. Chapter 1 contains research and analysis of the script, including information about the composer, cultural and historical occurrences that inform the script and previous production history and critical analysis. Chapter 2 focuses on analysis of the characters and their relationships, and how those inform the design of their costumes. The goals that I wished to accomplish with the design and production of the show are covered within Chapter 3. Chapter 4 documents my design process, leading to Chapters 5 and 6, which document the build and production processes, respectively. Chapter 7 is an analysis of the full process and production itself, in regards to the fulfillment of the aforementioned goals. The appendices contain renderings, research, production paperwork and photos.