Search Results

Catalog Description Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity) Description: Study and implementation of costume construction techniques, from pattern drafting and fabric selection to sewing, serging, fitting, draping, and distressing. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Demonstrate basic sewing and construction skills. CSLO #2: Participate in the preparation for a production. CSLO #3: Identify the body measurements needed to construct a costume. Effective Term Fall 2026 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 90 Outside of Class Hours 72 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Identify the body measurements needed to construct a costume and measure a person's body; 2. choose appropriate materials, tools, and techniques to construct costumes for the needs of a specific production; 3. identify fabric content, its basic properties, its various uses, and its advantages and disadvantages; 4. identify proper laundering techniques for specific fabrics. Activity Objectives: 1. Record body measurements accurately; 2. draft and sew a sloper from scratch using the measurements taken; 3. execute basic sewing and construction skills including various types of seams, hems, zippers, lacings, ruffling, buttons and buttonholes, snaps and hooks and eyes, grommets, facings, gussets, and bindings; 4. build or alter costumes for a specific production; and 5. implement proper distressing techniques. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval) Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval) IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval) Articulation Information Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Example: Students will produce a sewing sampler using basic hand stitches and machine sewing which demonstrate multiple types of hemming techniques, buttons, button holes, gathering, and hooks and eyes. Students will be evaluated on how samples are identified, level of neatness, level of execution and completion. Problem Solving Examinations Example: Fit your partner's sloper and make any alterations necessary. Students are evaluated by identifying ill-fitting areas and determining appropriate solution to correct the fit. Projects Example: Correctly measure a partner from the class and record all of the measurements on a measurement form card. Draft a sloper for your partner from the measurements you have taken and recorded on their measurement card. Students are assessed on the accuracy of the measurements and the usage of the correct formulas to draft the sloper. Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will use a commercial pattern to create a garment. They will need to demonstrate cutting techniques, appropriate fabric choice, sewing skills, and appropriate finishing techniques to complete the garment. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Activity Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Activity: The instructor will guide the students while they take and record someone's measurements. The instructor will provide sample swatches demonstrating the techniques to identify fabric content, its basic properties, its various uses, and its advantages and disadvantages. Students will fill out a work sheet during this process, recording their hypothesis on what type of fiber the fabric contains, how the fabric reacts to flame, what scent it has when burnt, the qualities of the ash, and finally, what their new conclusion is as to the fiber content of the fabric. Lecture: Lecture/Discussion: The instructor will lecture on different fibers and techniques used in the making of fabric. The instructor will demonstrate how fiber content can be determined by its reaction to fire. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion and activity. Distance Learning Instructor will provide a lecture and supplemental videos on ways to distress fabric. Students will then distress a piece of scrap fabric using tools and techniques easily found at home. Students will share their process through an online group discussion, share their findings, and offer each other suggestions. On ground demonstrations and practical use of sewing and construction equipment will also demonstrate and support written study. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Read assigned chapter from the textbook and be able to identify and discuss sewing notions, their uses, and applications. 2. Read literature found on sewing pattern envelope and be able to locate and compute information regarding size, amount of fabric to be purchased and notions needed. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Writing: Attend two plays and write formal critiques focused on costuming. 2. Problem Solving: Draft slopers for costume and pattern development. 3. Performance: Build a complete garment using a pattern and raw materials. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials The Costume Technician’s Handbook Author: Rosemary Ingham, Liz Covey Publisher: Waveland Press, Inc. Publication Date: 2024 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Historic Costumes and How to Make Them Author: Mary Fernald Publisher: Dover Publications Publication Date: 2006 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design Author: Rebecca Cunningham Publisher: Waveland Press Publication Date: 2011 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns Author: Kristina Harris Publisher: Dover Publications Publication Date: 2012 Text Edition: Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Sewing kits with basic sewing tools, a pair of fabric shears, and a professional commercial pattern.

The Theatre Arts Department offers training, both theoretical and practical, in theatrical production, including performance, technical and business management aspects, as well as the serious study of the development of those aspects from the early Greeks up to the bright lights of Broadway. We believe that the creativity, the personal interaction and the excitement of participating in a performance are highly valuable experiences for any individual. The heightened awareness of beauty and truth are carried on into the later life of the student to perhaps enable him or her to appreciate more fully what is available.