Costume – 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.

Clothes Tell a Story: The “J Peterman” Project

August 31, 2020June 22, 2021 cmetzger

Submitted by Christianne Myers, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Abstract

This introductory costume design project invites creativity while disrupting the “fear of the figure” sometimes felt by students. Using an article of clothing, students write a story/situation in the style of the J Peterman Catalog and render the garment realistically.

Theoretical Millinery Research Project

August 27, 2020August 28, 2020 cmetzger

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.