Costume History – USITT Teaching Archive

Creating Costume Magic

March 9, 2021March 9, 2021 cmetzger

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.

Ten Periods Costume History/Design Project

February 17, 2017March 7, 2017 cmetzger

Abstract

Students choose an individual character and provide research for clothing that character would wear in each of ten separate time periods.

Disney History Project or “Period Princess Project”

February 17, 2017March 8, 2017 cmetzger

Abstract

Students attempt to accurately place an animated Disney film within the context of Theatre History using primary research sources.

Describe and Draw

February 17, 2017March 8, 2017 cmetzger

Abstract

Students new to costuming attempt to describe the clothing worn by a person in an image so that the instructor can accurately draw the clothing on a figure. I do this in real time on the white or chalkboard on the first day of class.

Style Tribe Choices in Historical Context Project

February 3, 2017March 1, 2017 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

Life Size Costume Timeline

January 27, 2017March 7, 2017 cmetzger

Abstract

As an overview of costume history, students spend a week in class recreating historic silhouettes out of tissue paper and other inexpensive materials to create a life size timeline. Students trace each other to create the initial body shapes.