ABSTRACT The following thesis documents the costume design process and execution for the staged production of Mark Twain’s Is He Dead? as adapted by David Ives. It was produced at the University of New Orleans as part of the Film, Theatre, and Communication Arts Department 2011-2012 season in collaboration with New Orleans theatre company, The NOLA Project. In conjunction with the director and the design team, it is the role of the costume designer to support the overall concept of the production. The documentation of this process begins with the textual, historical, and visual research pertaining to the design concept. The various aspects of the costume design process are presented leading up to the execution of the final designs and successful realization of the play, concluding with a final analysis of the work. Supporting visual documentation and sources used to illustrate the phases of design are contained within the subsequent appendices. Costume Design, Mark Twain, Is He Dead?, Theater Design