Course Outline of Record

Item	Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date	10/01/2024
Top Code	100600 - Technical Theater
Units	2 Total Units
Hours	72 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 18; Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours	0
Course Credit Status	Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee	No
Basic Skills	Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable	No
Open Entry/Open Exit	No
Grading Policy	Standard Letter (S),  Pass/No Pass (B)

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of basic costume construction, sewing, use of fabrics, and development of simple patterns in a theatrical context. The course will also emphasize basic theatrical wardrobe production practices including preparing, changing, and maintaining wardrobe, and wardrobe cleaning and storing techniques. Transfer Credit: CSU.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

1. Course Outcomes
2. Employ skills required to work backstage preparing, changing, and maintaining theatrical wardrobe before, during, and after a live theatrical performance.
3. Use appropriate fabrics (considering factors such as durability, stretch, texture, and historical accuracy), simple patterns, and basic costume hand and machine sewing techniques to complete a costume for a live theatrical production.
4. Operate all tools and equipment employing industry standard guidelines of use and care.

Course Objectives

• 1. Use industry standard methods for inventory, cleaning, and storing costumes for a live theatrical production.
• 2. Execute a costume quick-change for a cast member in a live theatrical production.
• 3. Collaborate with costume designers, actors, and other production team members in support of the overall costume vision, including fitting sessions and costume continuity to maintain the wardrobe throughout rehearsals and performances.

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Lecture Content

Introduction to the evolution of a costume from script to stage Historical styles Theatrical costume history Principles of sewing and costume construction Measurements Yardage calculation Introduction to patterning methods Flat pattern technique Wardrobe crew procedures Wardrobe crew duties Wardrobe inventory practices Wardrobe cleaning and storage practices

Lab Content

Hand sewing tools and techniques Sewing machine tools and techniques Costume sketch interpretation Fabric qualities Fabric construction Patterns Costume shop operations Costume shop equipment Safety requirements Machines and materials

Method(s) of Instruction

• Lecture (02)
• Lab (04)

Reading Assignments

Play scripts Instructor handouts

Writing Assignments

Written assessments observed during live theatrical performances including historical periods of fashion, character evaluations, and director/designer wardrobe concepts.

Out-of-class Assignments

Efficiently organize, maintain, and manage a theatrical wardrobe, including cataloging costumes, conducting repairs, and ensuring garments are stage-ready throughout the production of a live theatrical performance.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Making choices in materials, sewing and construction techniques, and procedures that develop during the costume construction process for a specific live theatrical production.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

The student's ability to comprehend the various construction techniques presented in class and then synthesize them into a working methodology to effectively diagnose and solve wardrobe problems will contribute to a development of an understanding of the working procedures in costuming and wardrobe for live theatrical productions.

Eligible Disciplines

Drama/theater Arts: Master's degree or Master of Fine Arts in drama/theater arts/performance OR bachelor's degree or Bachelor of Fine Arts in drama/theater/performance AND master's degree in comparative literature, English, communication studies, speech, literature, or humanities OR the equivalent. Master's degree required. Fashion and related technologies (merchandising, design, production): Any bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience. Stagecraft: Any bachelor's degree and two years of professional experience, or any associate degree and six years of professional experience, Theater arts: See drama/theater arts Master's degree required.

Textbooks Resources

1. Required Cunningham, R. Basic Sewing for Costume Construction (Classic), 2nd ed. Waveland Press, 2012 Rationale: Classic text. No newer edition available. 2. Required Covey, E. Ingham, R. The Costume Technician's Handbook, 3rd ed. Waveland Press, 2024 Rationale: Classic text. No newer editions available.

Other Resources

1. Play scripts