Technical Production: Costumes

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Demonstrate intermediate-level hand and machine sewing techniques that are practical for stage use.

• Apply design research to develop a costume construction plan.

• Execute intermediate garment construction methods, including pattern drafting and finishing techniques.

• Integrate sewing construction skills into basic costume projects.

• Create a completed garment using intermediate-level sewing and construction methods.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Attendance/Participation	15%
Semi/Midterm/Final Project	35%
Self Reflection	30%
Sewing assignments	20%
Extra Credit	10%

Grading Scale

Percentage	Letter Grade
+100 - 96.0%	A
95 - 91%	A-
90 - 87%	B+
86 - 83%	B
82 - 80%	B-
79 - 77%	C+
76 - 73%	C
72 - 70%	C-
69 - 67%	D+
66 - 63%	D
62 - 60%	D-
59% - Below	F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance and participation are essential in this hands-on course. Because the class meets only once per week, each class session covers a significant amount of material and includes activities that are difficult to replicate outside of class. You may have one (1) absence, excused or unexcused, without penalty. Two or more absences may result in a reduction of your final course grade. Some in-class projects and lab activities can only be completed during class time. If you must miss class, please communicate with the instructor promptly so arrangements can be made for makeup work when possible.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

This course requires you to have your own sewing tools.

• One pair 7 ½”- 8 ½” dressmaking scissors/shears FOR FABRIC (Please note: if you are left-handed, purchase proper left hand shears!)

• A basic sewing kit that includes: a seam ripper, hand-sewing needles, and a measuring tape. Please make certain you have quality tools.

• One set of rulers that might include a sewing straight edge ruler, a french curved ruler or a curved ruler set, and a square corner edge ruler. Or a kit that includes all of these (plus optional extras). This will be useful when you are sketching out ideas or projects.

• 1-2” binder or notebook for you to store notes and Sewing Samples

• OPTIONAL: Thread for hand sewing practice

• Hip pack or fanny pack or tool belt (for carrying tools while you work)

• Needle threaders (if desired)

• 3 ring binder for samples, ball point pens, pencils, and 1-2 black sharpies plus a notebook for taking notes

• Ingham, Rosemary and Liz Covey. The Costume Technician’s Handbook. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003. 3rd edition.