Costume design

Ever wanted to design costumes for theatre? This introductory course explores the role of the costume designer discovering how to develop characters from a playtext and research, through to creating costume designs for a production.

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Key course information

Dates
23/09/11 - 28/10/11

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
6 weeks

Time
10:30 - 16:30

Fees
Full fee: £191
Senior fee: £124

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
VX107

Availability
This course has finished

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2700

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course explores the skills and processes required when designing costume for performance. These will be covered through demonstrations and two focussed design projects. The course will suit different levels of ability. It will demonstrate that it is as important to unpick and understand the characters and what influences them in their choice of clothes as much as the development of costume design through sketches. It will also show that you do not need highly developed drawing skills do be able to design costume. Costume design is about finding various ways to develop and explain your design ideas clearly to others in the production process.

What topics will we cover?

- The development of costume through the analysis of text and understanding of character.
- Looking at changes to costume through different periods of history
- Fabric sampling as a means to design
- Explore various methods of creating costume sketches dependent upon previous experience and ability to draw, plus styles that best suit the style of production.
- That costume design does not finish with the sketch, but that the process continues right through to the final production.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

Beginner:
- Understand how text analysis informs the costume design process
- Have experimented with fabrics and drawing materials to discover ways that best suit your ability
- Have begun to research costume for one specific period of history
- Have studied two different theatre genres
- Produce three costume designs which communicate appropriately to the director, other designers and makers
- Present your designs to your peers and one professional

Intermediate:
- Demonstrate the development of strategies for text analysis
- Create a costume breakdown from a given script
- Have further developed existing design skills to apply them appropriately to costume design using a variety of mediums
- Have successfully researched costume for one specific period of history
- Have studied two different theatre genres
- Produced a series of finished costume sketches which will include fabric sampling
- Communicate your ideas appropriately to the director, other designers and makers
- Present your designs to your peers and one professional

Advanced:
- Complete text analysis
- Create a costume breakdown and character analysis from a given script
- Have honed existing design skills to apply them appropriately to costume designs for two productions
- Have fully researched costume for one specific period of history
- Have studied two different theatre genres
- Produce a full set of costumes which will include fabric sampling and decisions about the possible cut of the costumes
- Communicate your design ideas appropriately to the director, other designers and makers
- Present your designs to your peers and one professional.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. You tutor will use an initial project to establish your level of ability and experience.

You should be able to read English well as you will be analysing one text in-depth and have to work from both verbal and written briefs and have to verbally present your designs to the rest of the group. There will be handouts and some recommended reading that will accompany the course.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations and personal experimentation that will be led by your tutor in large group and one-to-one contact. You will be given guidance that suits the level of ability that you have. There will be one day when you will be offsite at a Theatrical Hire Company and sourcing for fabric at appropriate suppliers, you will need a zone 1and 2 travel card for this day.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Tools and equipment:
If you have a lap-top with programmes such as Photo-shop, Publisher or Powerpoint, you can bring these and use them as part of your coursework. But do not buy one especially as it is not essential to completing the course and you will not be taught these programmes, only shown how to use them as part of your personal design process and for use in design presentations. You will not be disadvantaged if you do not have one.

Materials:
City Lit provides most of the basic artist materials and some fabrics, but you may need to buy or provide some other materials dependent upon the method of costume design you develop. You will need a personal workbook (A4 or A3 cartridge or water-colour paper) preferably ring bound. During the course you may find that you may want to buy text books and further artist materials dependent upon where you want to take the knowledge gained on the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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