MCCCD Program Description

Theatrical Design: Costuming

Course: THP226

First Term: 2015 Fall

Lec + Lab 3 Credit(s) 4.0 Period(s) 3.7 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S - Standard Load

Description: Basic techniques involved in researching, designing, and constructing costumes for the stage.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify tragic, comic, and tragicomic genres and how they affect costume design. (I, III) 2. Distinguish between realistic, naturalistic, representational, and presentational styles and how they affect costume design. (I, III, IV) 3. Describe and discuss theatre spaces: proscenium, arena, thrust, black box, and site-specific spaces and how they affect costume design. (I, III) 4. Describe and discuss the contribution and collaboration to the costume designer of specific theatre artists: playwright, director, designers (set, lighting), actors, and the theatre audience. (II, IV) 5. Describe and discuss the costume designer`s responsibilities and tools. (III, VII) 6. Read, analyze and discuss various plays and the process a theatrical costume designer goes through in order to bring the costumes to the stage. (I, III, IV, V) 7. Define and explain costume terminology. (III) 8. Identify, select, and use sewing tools and supplies appropriately. (VII) 9. Select fabric and structural components for costume construction. (VII, IX) 10. Measure figures accurately using measurement charts and correct techniques. (VIII) 11. Select, alter, and fit costumes to individual figures. (III, VI, VIII) 12. Appraise and use costume construction techniques. (X, XII) 13. Complete costume using closure and lining techniques and final press garment. (XI) 14. Evaluate costume construction using criteria on evaluation check sheet. (III, XIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Play Analysis A. Genres B. Styles C. Theatre spaces D. Environment E. Concept II. Collaborators A. Playwright B. Director C. Set designer D. Lighting designer E. Makeup and hair designer F. Actors G. Theatre audience III. Responsibilities A. Budget B. Help establish location and time C. Help establish characterization D. Help establish relationship E. Meet performer`s needs F. Ensure consistency with the whole show IV. Character Analysis A. Character psychology B. Occupation C. Status D. Gender V. Purchasing Costuming A. Shopping tips B. Budget VI. Altering Existing Costumes VII. Materials and Equipment A. Tools 1. Cutting 2. Measuring 3. Marking 4. Other B. Sewing supplies 1. Threads 2. Hand sewing needles 3. Notions 4. Fabric 5. Other C. Structural components 1. Shoulder pads 2. Sleeve heads 3. Other VIII. Working With Actors A. Measuring 1. Charts 2. Techniques B. Character needs IX. Patterns A. Commercial patterns 1. Selecting 2. Altering 3. Fitting B. Original pattern drafting 1. Flat pattern 2. Draping 3. Measurements technique X. Construction Techniques A. Muslin shell 1. Constructing 2. Fitting B. Interfacing C. Underlining D. Hand stitches E. Seams and seam finishes F. Attaching garment front to garment back 1. Should seams 2. Side seams G. Preparing neckline for collar 1. Staystitching 2. Trimming 3. Clipping H. Collar construction XI. Garment Completion A. Closures 1. Hook and bar closures 2. Laced closures 3. Buttons and buttonholes B. Lining 1. Construction 2. Garment lining insertion 3. Sleeve lining insertion 4. Garment and sleeve hem C. Final pressing XII. Costume Upkeep and Repair XIII. Evaluation

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: June 16, 2015

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.