Spring 2010

Theatre-452-001

T/TH: 11:30am - 1:00pm

Room: AC/W 17

Kathleen Donnelly

e-mail: donnelly@uwosh.edu

Office: AC/W 220 - 424-7127

Office Hours: M/W 11:30am – 12:30am; Tues: 10:00-11:00am

TEXT: There is no assigned text for this course. A list of related texts used throughout the course is listed under reference books.

GOALS:

Based on goals established by the Theatre Program, the goals of this course, for the student, are: 1. To have a broad knowledge of the processes of theatrical production; 2.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.  The objective of this course is to expand the knowledge of the student in theatre/film/video to the advanced techniques and skills in costume construction. This course builds on techniques and skills acquired in the basic Costume Construction course or through outside experience. The student will be introduced to both flat and draped methods of pattern drafting, and advanced construction techniques used in the creation of historical or Non Western costumes. These principles will be demonstrated and tested through projects 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 specialized skills in pattern drafting, and advanced techniques used in costuming for the stage and screen.  A production project is included which will provide the student with a practical application of the skills learned.

ATTENDANCE:

Consistent attendance is critical to understanding the process and techniques of advanced costume construction and pattern drafting. If a student is going to be absent for a lecture, they need to contact the professor in advance of the class, if possible. The student is also responsible for getting the material that was covered in the missed class, and 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.  Because it is important to keep up with the time schedule allotted, no late projects will be accepted.

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS:

Project 1: The Bodice Sloper

due: Feb 18th

Part a: The objective of the project is to develop a bodice sloper, based on a selected dress form, using the flat pattern method of pattern drafting. The student will take measurements, and develop a paper pattern which will be constructed out of muslin and fitted on the dress form. Project will be graded on accuracy, neatness and demonstrated proficiency.

Part b: The objective of the project is to develop a pattern for a given bodice, based on the same dress form used in part a, using the draping method of pattern drafting.  The student will then compare the patterns created from the two different methods.  Project will be graded based on accuracy, neatness and demonstrated proficiency.

Project 2: Bodice Sloper: Dart Manipulation

due:  March 4th

The student will use the bodice sloper flat pattern created in Project #1a to create a new bodice pattern based on the drawing supplied.  The pattern will then be transferred to a muslin, and sewn together for a fitting.  Project will be graded based on accuracy, neatness, and demonstrated proficiency.

Project 3: Pattern a Historical garment

Part a: Paper Pattern

due: March 18th

The objective of this project is to introduce the student to the flat pattern (grid method) techniques used in drafting patterns for historical garment s. The student will use as a basis a garment pattern illustrated in the Janet Arnold: Patterns of Fashion  series or similar book to create a paper pattern. Projects will be graded on accuracy, neatness and proficiency demonstrated.

Part b: Muslin Mockup

due: April 8th

Students will use the patterns created in Project 4a to create a muslin mockup of the garment. Students will then fit the garment on a dress form to determine the alterations needed to the pattern. Muslin pieces will be altered to created final pattern.  Projects will be graded on accuracy, neatness and proficiency demonstrated.

Project 4: Construction of a Historical garment

due: April 20th

The objective of this project is to provide the student with the skills needed to construct a historical garment with period details. Students will construct a garment for the Spring production of Cabaret which is set in 1929-1930. Project may require additional time during Costume Shop hours to finish garment in a timely fashion.  Projects will be graded on accuracy, neatness and proficiency demonstrated.

Project 5 : Project Runway – Design  to Garment

due: May 11th

The objective of the project is to provide the student the experience of creating a costume from a drawing or photo. The student can utilize either the flat pattern or draping methods demonstrated in class to create the pattern for this garment.  The student will use the pattern created to cut and construct a garment out of appropriate fabric.  Project will be graded on creativity, proficiency of pattern skills and costume construction skills.

GRADES:  Grading for projects will be as follows:

Project 1a          10%

Project 1b          10%

Project 2          10%

Project 3a          15%

Project 3b          15%

Project 4          20%

Project 5          20%

Total               100%

BIBLIOGRAPHY for Advanced Costume Construction

In addition to the textbook, the following is a list of books that will be used for material in this class.

Armstrong, Helen Joseph.  Patternmaking for Fashion Design, 2/e. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 1995.

Arnold, Janet.  Patterns of Fashion: The cut and construction of clothes for men and women c1560-1620.  London: Macmillan London Limited, 1985.

Arnold, Janet.  Patterns of Fashion I: Englishwomen’s dresses and their construction c 1660-1860.  London: Macmillan London Limited, 1985.

Arnold, Janet.  Patterns of Fashion 2 : Englishwomen’s dresses and their construction c 1860-1940. London: Macmillan London Limited, 1985.

Davis, R.I.  Men’s Garments 1830-1900: A guide to pattern cutting and tailoring, 2/e (revised).  Studio City, CA : Players Press, Inc., 1994.

Emery, Joy Spanabel.  Stage Costume Techniques.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1981.

Holkeboer, Katherine Strand.  Patterns for Theatrical Costumes.  New York: Drama Book Publishers, 1993.

Hunnisett, Jean.  Period Costume for Stage & Screen: Patterns for Women’s Dress 1800-1909.  Studio City, CA: Players Press, Inc., 1991.

Waugh, Nora. Corsets and Crinolines. New York: Routledge/Theatre Arts Books, 2000.

Waugh, Nora. The Cut of Women’s Clothes 1600-1930.  New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1968.

Waugh, Nora.  The Cut of Men’s Clothes 1600-1900. New York: Theatre Arts Books, 1964.

SCHEDULE