Description:

A 16-week course designed to introduce basic techniques in costume design and research and to provide an overview of the scope and impact of costume as a technical and artistic aspect of theater and film. 1 hr. lecture, 1 hr. lab/wk. This course is typically taught in the spring 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. Evaluate the role of costuming in characterization and overall design, atmosphere and visual impact of a production.
2. List and describe the role and responsibilities of a costume designer in a film or theatre production.
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how to research historical costume and customs of dress.
4. Identify the basic elements of design and relate them to costume for theatre and film.
5. Recognize and name common materials, tools, techniques and terms used in theatrical costuming.
6. Describe and illustrate the major elements of dress in the six historical periods most commonly used in theatre.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Evaluate the role of costuming in characterization and overall
design, atmosphere and visual impact of a production.
   A. Explore the definition of "costume".
   B. Survey the history of costume and costume design in early cultures
and theatre history.
      1. Ritual / Dance
      2. Religious ceremony / Pageants
      3. Theatre: ancient to modern
   C. Determine the roles costume plays in a production.
      1. List the traits which costume can indicate about a character.
      2. Explore how costume contributes to the production as a whole:
         a. Theme, concept, mood
         b. Overall design, visual impact

II. List and describe the role and responsibilities of a costume designer
in a film or theatre production.
   A. Describe the various design and technical staff positions in a
theatre or film production.
   B. Identify the specific roles and responsibilities of a costume
designer.
   C. Trace the basic steps in the costume design process from initial
reading to completion of production.
      1. Read and discuss assigned play.
      2. Create a costume plot.

III. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of how to research historical costume
and customs of dress.
   A. Describe the importance of research in any type of costume design.
   B. List possible sources of research for plays and film.
      1. Historic plays / film
      2. Modern works
      3. Fantasy or abstract theatre or film
   C. Research an assigned historical period.
      1. Create a research board from multiple sources.
      2. Present orally and in written outline form the basic
characteristics, garments, fabrics, and accessories for the time period
assigned.

IV. Identify the basic elements of design and relate them to costume for
theatre and film.
   A. List and describe the six basic elements of all design. (Space,
line, shape/form, light, color, texture)
   B. Relate each of the design elements to costume design and explain
their significance.
      1. Complete projects based on shape; line; color
      2. Experiment with light and its effect on fabric and color.
      3. Explore the subliminal and cultural aspects of costume color.
   C. Use elements of design to complete a final costume design project
for a play.
      1. Create a viable color scheme for the final project.
      2. Use line, shape, and texture to indicate character in preliminary
and final design sketches. 

V. Recognize and name common materials, tools, techniques and terms used
in theatrical costuming.
   A. Demonstrate a knowledge of common fabric types and their uses,
compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages.
   B. Define and use common terms used in costume and theatre design.

VI. Describe and illustrate the major elements of dress in the six
historical periods most commonly used in theatre.
   A. Identify the silhouettes and basic garments of 6 major historical
periods of western fashion.
      1. Greek
      2. Medieval
      3. Renaissance / Elizabethan 
      4. Restoration
      5. 18th Century
      6. Victorian
   B. Design and illustrate costumes based on one of the six periods of
fashion history.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

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

   *Examinations (minium of two)
   *Daily or weekly assignments / class participation
   *Final Design Project
   *Production Reviews (two)

Caveats:

1. Students are required to attend 2 theatre productions during the semester they are enrolled in the course, for which they may have to purchase tickets.

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.