Fabric as Inspiration

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Submitted by: Christianne Myers, University of Michigan

Abstract

As designers, when something is being built for the show, the very fabric can serve as a source of inspiration for the overall design of a garment. When a fabric has a bold pattern, it is the designer’s responsibility to determine with the draper how that pattern will “collaborate” with the style lines of the costume. How can the repositioning of the motifs change the mood and character of the look? What other trims or fabrics can join the “conversation” of the look? Let’s use this exercise to get the creative juices flowing and understand how the same source/inspiration can inform different end results. Using the provided fabric and the assigned mid-20th century dress, design two different looks.

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Art on the Stage: Using Charles Mee’s Artist Plays to Practice the Design Process

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Submitted by: Mary Elizabeth Valesano, University of Detroit Mercy

Abstract

Students are asked to design 3 costumes and 1 set for one of the following plays: “Van Gogh’s Sunflowers,” “Matisse’s Self Portrait,” or “Picasso’s Masterpiece,” all by Charles Mee. As all three plays are based on the life and work of a famous artist, students are asked to thoroughly research the paintings of their chosen artist and use the artist’s style to influence their costume and scenic designs. This introduces students to the research and design process and to the practice of using research to inform a design approach. Because the artists’ paintings provide a clear direction for research and a firm foundation for them to build on, this project is particularly suitable for introductory level theatre courses and students with minimal design experience.

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Pet Pinafore Project

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Submitted by Ananda Keator, Idaho State University

Abstract

To teach students to take measurements, create simple pattern pieces from those measurements, sew a hem stitch, sew a gathering stitch, and sew a fold-over waistband (beginner only).

Intermediate stitchers can learn a two-part waistband, bagged out bib and “shoulder straps.”

Intermediate and Beginner Directions are listed separately.

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Creating Costume Magic

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Submitted by Caitlin Quinn, The University of Minnesota Duluth

Abstract

Productions sometimes call for a “costume magic” moment – a costume requirement that calls for special planning during the design process. This could be an onstage super-fast quick change, a “rigged” costume which changes from one look to another, or a costume designed to drastically change the actor’s body shape (like stilts). Students are assigned “magic” moments within productions and figure out the design and function of the costume.

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Theoretical Millinery Research Project

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Submitted by Christianne Myers, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Abstract

This research project introduces students to using digital museum collections, project management and budgeting. Using a museum artifact, students propose a step-by-step build process for adapting the artifact for stage purposes, provide working drawings, and source the materials with an estimated budget.

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Pen & Wet Brush Rendering: Exploration of Light & Shadow

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Submitted by Inseung Park, Theatre & Dance, University of New Mexico

Abstract

This project is designed for our rendering course THEA 292 – one of the required courses for BFA design students. It helps students get comfortable with wet media and acts as an introduction to watercolor without fear. Students will create three thumbnails (about 8″ x 4″ in size), rendering a simple interior box set in perspective with a water based blue pen. After students finish a contour drawing with a blue pen, they add hatching for minimal shading. Then, the wet brush is employed to create impressive moods. During the process of this project, it would be a great idea for students to explore samples of artists’ paintings in varied art media to research how moods are expressed, and apply their discoveries into the rendering. Eventually, students will create three different lighting situations in three thumbnails.

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In-Class Character Design

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Abstract

This is a quick one-class assignment that has the students create and define a character with 2 given prompts, and access to limited costume stock.

I pair them off randomly, then they pull a number to decide an order of choosing prompts. Each pair takes a word and an image, and must create a character from them. After a quick demonstration on dressing a mannequin, highlighting how fit and garment usage can also define personality, they then costume a dress form from a selection of garments, accessories and fabric.

The pairs identify a speaker and end by presenting their character, specifying their impressions from the prompts, the choices made, and the relationship between them.

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Design-A-Toy Project

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Abstract

For an introductory sewing and design course, the students build their own plush toys. Using a simple given pattern, they must design their own toy and alter the pattern or create new pieces to accomplish this. They must utilize the sewing techniques taught in class and decide what types of hand or machine stitch will be best as they plan their project. The successful student creates a sewing plan to organize themselves, but allows room for creative experimentation as they go.

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