Description
This is an intermediate workshop designed for students who have a basic understanding of the principles of theatrical design and who want a more intensive study of costume design and the psychology of clothing. Students develop designs that emerge through a process of character analysis, based on the script and directorial concept. Period research, design, and rendering skills are fostered through practical exercises. Instruction in basic costume construction, including drafting and draping, provide tools for students to produce final projects.
Goal
To learn beginning processes for design, research and construction for period and modern costume on the stage.
Junk You Must Buy/Scrounge
Large sketching pad or book marked, "suitable for watercolor," soft lead pencils, watercolor or gouache set (tube or pan is OK), miscellaneous costume supplies (your choice), including 1 yard Renaissance hat fabric, 1/2 yard heavy interfacing and 3-6 yards of skirt/trouser fabric. Also, assorted thrift store items, garbage, various trims and embellishments. Students who are car-less and live on campus may make arrangements with me to get rides to shops if necessary. You will also need a binder/folder for the copious handouts you will be getting.
Hat Project
The Renaissance Hat project is your first sewing lesson. For this project you will need a yard or more of hat fabric (velveteen, canvas, denim, velvet, brocade or another trouser-weight fabric), and one half yard of a heaving interfacing. You will also need a piece of heavy weight paper like poster board, and whatever trims you decide on.
Skirt/Trouser Project
Your Skirt/Trouser Project is the second sewing project you will do. (I suggest you begin to hunt for suitable fabric as soon as possible.) You will be drafting out a simple skirt/trouser sloper which you will then redesign/re-work, adding godets, ruffles, trim, pleats, pockets, zippers or whatever your creativity dictates.
Final Project
Your Final Project will be a complete costume designed and made by you from a finished rendering. It will be made from scratch and can be for any type of character you've always wanted to "be", or can be made for a show you are doing, a friend, a child, etc. Previous students have done some wild stuff. I highly recommend starting with a commercial pattern.
Grading
Grading is based on a system of points given for successful completion of assignments. The assignments are due on the dates stated and are worth half of their point value if turned in late. The total value of points obtainable in the regular assignments is 1000 points. Grading is based on the following table:
| POINTS | GRADES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|---|
| 1000-900 | A | 100-90 |
| 899-800 | B | 89-80 |
| 799-700 | C | 79-70 |
| 699-600 | D | 69-60 |
| 599-0 | F | 59-0 |
Below are the possible point values for each assignment:
| assignments | point values |
|---|---|
| Class Participation/Attendance Both "Live" and Online | 100 |
| 1 Rendering for On the Harm of Tobacco | 20 |
| Renaissance Hat | 40 |
| 1 Mask Rendering | 20 |
| Hamlet Machine Mask | 60 |
| 3 Hamlet Machine Renderings | 60 |
| 1 Rendering for Skirt/Trouser Project | 20 |
| Skirt | 80 |
| 1 Rendering for Final Project | 30 |
| Research Xeroxes of URLs for Augustus Does His Bit | 20 |
| 3 Renderings for Augustus | 60 |
| Garbage Project | 60 |
| 4 Color Renderings for Kiosk Man | 60 |
| Thrift Store Project | 60 |
| Final Project Complete Costume | 200 |