COSTUME CONSTRUCTION - Fall 2009
Theatre 351 - 001
T/TH: 9:40 - 11:10am
Room: AC/W 17

Instructor: Kathleen Donnelly
e-mail: donnelly@uwosh.edu
424-7127 / Office ACW 220
Office Hours: M/W: 11:30am -12:30pm, Tues 11:15am – 12:15pm, or by appointment

TEXT: Rebecca Cunningham: Basic Sewing for Costume Construction, A Handbook

GOALS:
Based on goals established by the Theatre Department, the goals of this course, for the student, are: 1. To have a broad knowledge of the processes of theatrical production; 2. To be able to analyze and communicate a dramatic text to an audience; 3. To develop a commitment to the pursuit of artistic excellence and integrity.

Theatre is a collaborative creative process requiring a broad knowledge of the human condition to be successful. The importance of theatre in society is well documented, and understanding the role it plays in society contributes to the development of a well-rounded citizen. Theatre, as with all areas of the Liberal Arts, is most effectively employed when it is built on a broad base of knowledge.

OBJECTIVE;
The goals listed above will be achieved through the following objective of this course: to introduce the student in theatre/film/video to the techniques and skills required to construct costumes. These principles will be demonstrated and tested through projects, exams and practical application.

LECTURE/DEMONSTRATION:
At the beginning of each project, a lecture/demonstration will be given to familiarize the student with the purpose, demands, and techniques required of a project.

PROJECTS:
There will be five projects required in this class. The purpose of these projects is to give the student the basic construction skills and techniques used in costuming for the stage and screen. A production project will be included which will provide the student with a practical application of the skills learned.

EXAMS:
There will be a midterm and final exam in this class. These exams will cover reading material and information given in class lectures.

ATTENDANCE:
Consistent attendance is critical to understanding the process and techniques of costume construction. If a student is going to be absent for a lecture, they need to contact the professor in advance of the class. The student is also responsible for getting the material that was covered, and expected to be prepared for the next class. Two unexcused class absences will not affect grade, however unexcused absences in excess of two will decrease your overall class grade by two points for each absence thereafter.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:

Project 1. Hand Sewing Sampler- due: 9/24
The objective of this project is to provide the student with the basic hand sewing stitches and techniques needed for the construction of costumes. The student will produce muslin samplers which will demonstrate the stitches and techniques learned. Projects will be graded on neatness and proficiency demonstrated.

Project 2. Machine Sewing Samplers
The objective of this project is to provide the student with the basic machine sewing techniques needed for the construction of costumes. Ten samplers demonstrating proficiency in these techniques will be required. Projects will be graded on neatness and proficiency demonstrated.

a. machine control - due: 9/29
b. regular seam - due: 10/1
c. jean seam - due: 10/1
d. serged edge – due: 10/6
e. bias tape edge – due: 10/6
f. gathering - due: 10/13
g. pleating - due: 10/13
h. dart - due: 10/13
i. buttonholes - due: 10/15
j zipper - due: 10/15

Project 3. Production Project - due: 11/17
The objective of this project is to provide the student with the practical application skills in the area of costuming. The student will create a costume item to be used in upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The project will require 10-15 additional hours of supervised practicum in the costume shop to complete project. Project will be graded on neatness, and proficiency demonstrated.

Project 4. From Pattern to Finished Costume - due: 12/8
The objective of this project is to provide the student with the skills and experience of costume construction, from pattern to finished garment. The student will use a commercial pattern to create a modern garment. Project will include: laying out the pattern on the fabric, cutting the fabric, sewing the garment, and finishing work. Project will be graded on neatness and proficiency demonstrated. (Student will provide the fabric for this project.)

Project 5. Costume Accessory Project - due: 12/15
The objective of the project is to provide the student the experience of constructing accessories for costumes. The student will create an accessory or hat based on techniques learned in class. Projects will be graded on neatness, accuracy and creativity.

GRADES:

New Letter Grade Scale:

TEXT READINGS:

9/10 Tools of the Trade/ Appendix 1
9/15 Hand sewing stitches / Chapter 1
9/17 Hand sewing closures / Chapter 2
9/24 Machine sewing - Seams / Chapter Chapters 3, 4, and 5
9/29 Machine sewing – Seam finishes/ Chapter 6
10/1 Machine sewing – Special Techniques/ Chapter 7
11/3 Measuring the Actor/ Chapter 8
11/3 Pattern Making Basics/ Chapter 9
11/3 Using Commercial Patterns/ Chapter 13
11/24 Hat making / Chapter 10

Costume Construction: Semester Schedule - Fall 2009