Costume Design
- The format of this class allows students to develop skills in two main areas: costume design and costume construction. While costuming four plays per year for MHHS Encore Co., students learn the role of the costume designer from the initial design stage through dress rehearsals and post production. They learn to apply design elements to theatrical costumes and are versed in a basic history of costumes in the theatre. In addition, students organize and manage costumes during the course of Encore Co. productions.
•No after school commitments are required for this class; however, students are invited to compete at the district and state levels for costume design in November and December.
**Admission to Encore Co. productions is free for Costume Design students.
Competition Opportunity
Design costumes, makeup, set, or props for any published play or musical and showcase your design work at the District IV Drama Competition in November. You could qualify to compete at the state level in December. Be sure to check the event rules under the competition tab of this website. Competition is not a requirement for this class, but if you choose to compete, you will gain valuable experience, and see what other schools are producing.
Classroom Instruction Includes:
- Elements of Design
- Designing Theatrical Costumes
- Time Period Silhouettes
- Developing Costume Renderings
- Animal Personification Costume Project
- Script Analysis & Costuming
- Conceptual Research
- Identifying Types of Fabric
- Using the Sewing Machines
- Designer Research Project—Mini Costume Replica
- Victorian Bodice Project—Hack n Sew
- Animal Gloves/Character Shoes
- Character Makeup Lab
- Costume Design & Acquisition for Productions
Grading Criteria
- Daily participation and work ethic is key to a successful grade in this class, and being in class to participate is an important part of the educational experience. After four absences (per quarter), zeros will be given for participation regardless of the reason for the absence, excused or unexcused. Outside assignments will not be offered to increase your grade.
- Costume design and construction/ acquisition is the main objective of our class, so the bulk of your grade will be generated by designing and constructing costumes for productions.
- Design projects are offered when production acquisition is complete.
- Semester finals are given at the end of each semester. First semester is a multiple choice exam. Second semester is a designer project including your costume portfolio and presentation.
- Each semester grade is the average of the two quarter grades.
- Late work is not acceptable.
- If you are absent, find out what you missed and make up the work. If you are absent when a project is due, you are expected to submit it upon return.