Description:

This is a survey of the theory, techniques and skills used in costume creation for the theater and film. Areas of study and practice include basic construction, patterning and cutting; fabrics, design and realization; millinery; craftwork; and organization. 2 hrs. lecture, 2 hrs. lab/wk. This course is typically taught in the fall semester.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Use an industrial and domestic sewing machine, serger and other basic costume shop equipment.
2. Understand the theory and process of costume design and production.
3. Identify basic pattern pieces; draft and construct a fitting sloper from basic actor measurements.
4. Identify a variety of types and fabrics and trims and understand their uses and limitations.
5. Understand the scope and uses of craft work in costuming for the theatre and perform simple craft techniques.
6. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the costume shop.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Costuming
   A. Describe the role of Costuming in theatre/film, providing specific
examples.
   B. Outline the elements and process of designing costumes for theatre.
   C. Trace the major developments in the history of costume design.
   D. Explore the importance of the study of costume history in costume
design and construction.

II. The Costume Shop
   A. Identify and explain the use of all basic equipment and tools needed
in the costume shop.
   B. Correctly operate each major piece of costume shop equipment
including:
      1. Industrial straight/zigzag machine
      2. Domestic sewing machine
      3. Domestic serger
      4. Industrial serger
      5. Industrial iron
   C. Perform basic stitches and function using small hand tools.
   D. List and demonstrate safe shop practices.

III. Costume Realization
   A. Preparation
      1. Demonstrate the strategies of the design process.
         a. Research for authenticity the styles and details appropriate
to the show's/project's period and culture.
         b. Effective plan for costume sources:  building vs. found
costume pieces.
         c. Render the design and any appropriate variations of a
costume.
      2. Measure actors/classmates using appropriate techniques and
completing a comprehensive measurement form.
      3. Identify the major types of fabric and name fiber content and
characteristics.
      4. Select appropriate fabric for designs/projects based upon the
following criteria:
         a. Authenticity and appropriateness to the designs
         b. Workability
         c. Durability
         d. Cost
      5. Plan for purchase and rental of accessories, citing sources.
   B. Construction
      1. Create patterns for a basic garment.
         a. Demonstrate flat patterning in class project.
         b. Demonstrate patterning by draping in a class project.
      2. Cut a variety of fabrics using proper pattern layout and seam
allowance for both commercial and drafted patterns.
      3. Assemble costume pieces.
         a. Follow the general order for preparation and assembly of
pattern pieces.
         b. Complete preliminary sewing, including tucks, darts, pleats
and gathering.
         c. Sew all major seams, using the appropriate stitch, seam
allowance and alignment.
         d. Construct and attach sleeves, collars, cuffs, plackets and
pockets using proper techniques.
      4. Fit and alter costumes.
         a. Conduct a fitting, checking crucial areas for fit and movement
and recognizing special fitting problems.
         b. Alter both pattern and garment pieces as required utilizing
markings from fitting.
   C. Finishing
      1. Identify and apply final trims and embellishments.
      2. Correctly install and name costume fasteners including zippers,
buttons, snaps, velcro, hooks and eyes, and grommets (lacing).
      3. Explain and use dyeing and painting processes for costume.
      4. Discuss rigging of costumes for quick changes, specific stage
actions and special effects.

IV. Accessories and Special Projects
   A. List the various types of accessories that complete the costume.
   B. Describe the importance of appropriate accessories in completing the
costume design.
   C. Outline the processes and materials used in constructing each of the
major categories of accessories/crafts:
      1. Millinery
      2. Jewelry
      3. Armor
      4. Shoes
      5. Masks
   D. Create an accessory of original design using craft tools and
materials as discussed.

V. Organization
   A. Explain the wardrobe manager's tasks before, during, and after the
show.
   B. Discuss an effective storage plan for costumes.
   C. Summarize the care and repair of costumes in wardrobe storage.

VI. Attitudes and Work Habits
   A. Identify and develop positive attitudes toward tasks and fellow
staff appropriate for the workplace, including giving and accepting
criticism and praise.
   B. Recognize and develop productive work habits, including attending to
detail, completing tasks, maintaining the work setting and recording data.
   C. Develop collaborative/teamwork skills, including solving problems in
groups, building consensus and responding to supervision.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

   30% of grade   A minimum of three exams over text and lecture
material.
    5% of grade   Attendance at two theatrical performances and one
written review.
   50% of grade   Two construction/pattern drafting projects and one craft
project.
   15% of grade   Class participation and completion of in-class
practice/experiences.
  100%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.