THDA 285, The Art of Costume Design: From Classical Theater and Dance performance, to CosPlay and Re-enactment, clothing as costume is one of the main ways we visually build character and present it to the viewer. This class will present an overview of fashion and costume history as the basis for the design process. We will examine design techniques and media, both traditional and digital, and design the clothing for characters based on scripted, devised, or choreographer work. We will then look at the systems for translating these two-dimensional designs to fit the human form via drafting and crafting methods.
Prerequisite(s): THDA 232 or THDA 235 recommended, but not required. Students with a background in studio art or design are welcome to enroll.
Course Objectives
- To gather a general knowledge of western clothing history.
- To then incorporate that cultural information into the design processes for scripted plays, and for devised and choreographed work.
- To then see how these two dimensional designs are translated into three dimensional garments using drafting and crafting methods.
Methodology
The class will have four major assignments. The first three are design projects involving analysis of the work, visual research and and the rendering of the finished designs. We will look at a variety of ways this is achieved.
The final project is the design, patterning and building of a costume for another member of the class. To this end, we will study and acquire skills needed to build this costume.
Evaluation
- First three projects: 60% (20% each)
- Students will be evaluated on their research, analysis and design.
- Final project: 20%
- Students will be evaluated on design and wearability.
- Class attendance and participation: 20%