Category: Month Long Project

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

cmetzger

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.

Read More

Design-A-Toy Project

cmetzger

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.

Read More

Style Tribe Choices in Historical Context Project

cmetzger

Abstract

The style tribe project is the cumulative project in a combined undergraduate/graduate Costume History course. The project asks students to connect modern fashion movements to past styles. A style tribe is a social counter­culture that has a defined style of dress that differs from societal norms. An example of a style tribe would be the Teddy Boys in 1950s Britain. For this project, students are asked to pick a modern style tribe and define the characteristics of the group’s dress. Once the students have a clear understanding of the style they pick three garments associated with the group and connect those garments to earlier style trends throughout costume history. The students then present their findings in a short paper and visual presentation. The learning outcome for this project is to help students draw connections between modern styles and the clothing of the past. Through tying the garments to a specific subculture with a clearly defined style attitude, the students learn how the garments have signified different things to specific cultures throughout history.
Read More