Introduction to Play Production Stagecraft Creative Expression in the Theatre Theatre Make-Up Theatre Costuming Topics in Stage Production I Topics in Stage Production II Topics in Stage Production III Western Theatre   Shows and Designs Go to Main CSM Web Site Call 301-934-7827 or click here to e-mail Emmitt
THE1050 Theatre Costuming
Fall Semester
Monday 7-9:45PM		  
   
Course Objective This course is designed to introduce the student to costuming and costume design for the theatre.
Class Texts Required: The Costumer's Handbook, Rosemary Ingham and Elizabeth Covey. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc., 1980.
Required: Costumes for the Stage, Sheila Jackson. New York: E.P. Dutton, 1972
Required: The Magic Garment, Rebecca Cunningham. New York: Longman, 1989.
Attendence Policy Attendance in the course is mandatory; roll will be taken. Class meetings will begin and end on time. Repeated absences and tardiness will result in the drop of one letter grade, but before that drop of the letter grade, the instructor will try to have a conference with the student.
   
Explanation of Projects Projects will be graded on the use of line, color, style of costume, and appropriateness for the character and not artistic ability.
   
Project #1 Draw a costume sketch for any character from a play.
Project #2 Draw a costume sketch for any two related characters from a play.
Project #3 Select appropriate fabric for Project 2, and give swatches of the fabric you
plan to use.
Project #4 Draw costume sketches for 10 characters from a play, including swatches and
costume plot. Project costume/construction presentation.
Final  
   
Grading Policy A cumulative point system is used to determine grades as opposed to the traditional percentage point system. That is, your grade is determined by adding up points that you have collected throughout the semester. There are 1000 possible points you can receive through the normal course of the semester. The breakdown is as follows:
Classwork (attendance and work) 100 (5pts per class, 5pts per quiz)
Exam 100 (100 points each)
Lab work and crew work 300 (6 pts./lab hour)
Projects 300 (4 @ 75 pts. each)
Final Project  
Costumes 100
Drawings 100
   
Total Points 1000
   
  At least 2/3 of the 1,000 points must come from the assigned areas.
   
A 900 - 1000 pts.
B 800 - 899 pts.
C 700 - 799 pts.
D 600 - 699 pts.
F Under 599 pts.
   
Extra Credit Extra Credit may be earned in the following ways:
   
5 points each Costume name reports and bibliography
2 points each Short report on costume related articles
5 points each Review of costumes for a show
5 points each Report and journal of costuming (outside project)
   
  All reports for extra credit must be in the MLA format with a proper works cited page, at least one page in length, typed, and provide photocopies of the articles used. Ticket stubs and programs are required for the Show Reviews. Work on outside productions MUST be PRE-APPROVED BEFORE the work is started. If pre-approval is not given, no points will be allowed. Work on outside productions CANNOT interfere with CSM productions. Shows in production on the CSM La Plata campus take priority over those on other campuses (Calvert, St. Mary’s, etc.) You must also write a (minimum) 3 page report on the work that you did with an additional signature page included. This signature page is to be signed by a person in authority who can verify the work that you described in your report. A telephone number of this person must also be included. NOTE: VERY MINIMAL POINTS ARE GIVEN TO OUTSIDE PRODUCTION WORK. YOU ARE TAKING THE THEATRE CLASS ON THIS CAMPUS, THEREFORE, YOU MUST MEET ALL REQUIRED LAB HOURS HERE BEFORE YOU CAN START WORKING ELSEWHERE FOR EXTRA CREDIT POINTS.
All extra credit work is due two weeks before the end of the semester.
Objectives  
   
I. The Designer and the Staff A. Identify the Designer and the Staff.
B. Describe the duties of each.
C. Describe their relationships and interactions.
II. The Costume Shop and Sewing A. Identify the different equipment in the costume shop.
B. Identify various methods of sewing.
C. Describe and demonstrate the sewing process.
III. The Costume Sketch A. Identify the materials used in a costume sketch.
B. Describe the design process in the costume sketch.
IV. Color and the Design Element A. Identify the use of color in the costume design.
B. Identify the design elements used in a costume design.
C. Identify the interaction of the color and design elements.
V. Character A. Identify the design process to interpret characters for a play as related to the costume design process.
B. Identify the process used in developing a costume plot.
VI. Fabrics A. Identify various fabrics available for theatrical costuming.
B. Describe the various characteristics of fabrics.
VII. Period Costumes and Patterns A. Identify the various elements that are found in period costumes.
B. Identify the various cultural elements and their influence on period costumes.
C. Describe the process of drafting patterns for period costumes.
D. Describe how to work with patterns.
VIII. History of Clothing A. Describe the various major periods of costume history.
B. Identify and describe the various elements of each period.
C. Illustrate each major costume period.
IX. Props and Accesories A. Identify properties and accessories as used with theatrical costuming.
B. Describe the process of constructing or obtaining props and accessories.
X. Costuming the Show A. Identify and describe how to mount the show.
B. Identify and describe how to run the show.
C. Identify and describe how to strike the show.
Lab Hours The student is expected to spend a minimum of 45 hours of lab time over the course of the semester. Lab hours are accumulated through pre-approved participation in any area of production. The area of participation will be chosen in consultation with the instructor. The technical area will be split between pre-production and running crews. The student may participate in either or both.
Lab participation is graded on attendance, preparedness, and performance. Just showing up to hang out and occasionally swing a hammer is not acceptable. All work done that day must be approved by the instructor before lab hours can be recorded.
If you are on a running crew, it is essential that you be present for all rehearsals and performances. There are no exceptions.
To ensure the timely accumulation of your lab hours, you should average a minimum of 3 hours per week.