TH-130 - Fundamentals of Costume Design - Suzanne Wakefield

Introduction

Introduction

Hello! I am Suzanne Wakefield and I'm excited to guide you through Fundamentals of Costume Design!

Fundamentals of Costume Design is an exploration of theatrical costume through watching, talking and reading all about theatre’s various artistic styles in relation to costume and how it affects the storytelling.  We will explore costume history, explore basic sewing (both hand and machine sewing) and look at how costume tells us about character.  You will design and present 3 projects, work on the current production’s costumes, as well as understand the process of design and budget for shows.  Theatre explores the various human experiences, and we will explore the ways costume achieves that. This class offers perspective and discussion for both major and nonmajors alike. My goal is to ensure you have a connection to the information being presented, learn a life skill, and understand costuming and clothing on a different level . My hope is that you will  engage deeply in the course all the while finding connection to the theatrical world.

I have been designing theatre for over 35 years.  I actually started theatre because I had a crush on someone in high school.  Theatre has always felt like home.  I have a M.F.A from California Institute of the Arts, and a B.A. from Colorado State University, Fort Collins.  I have worked all over the US designing costumes, running wardrobe, assisting amazing designers for Television, Film and Theatre, as well as installation work in Las Vegas.  The skills learned in theatre translate to every part of life, and as artists we are taught to think “outside the box” which many employers find as a great value. I have directed, produced, designed makeup and hair for various productions as well.  I have been teaching theatre to students for 15 years at various locations.   There is nothing like empowering students to create their own work and to enjoy their process - it’s the best reward ever.  

When I am not actively teaching theatre or creating it, I enjoy my family, cats, and cooking.  I am an active Girl Scout Leader for my daughter’s troop, which has made me embrace cookie season.  ?  

I am so excited to empower you and to see what you will create!

Course Description

Course Description

In this class, you will gain understanding on costume history, design and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming.  Materials, tools, fabrics, and their various uses will be investigated.

What to Expect in this Course

Course Description

In this class, you will gain understanding on costume history, design and basic construction techniques as an introduction to basic theatrical costuming.  Materials, tools, fabrics, and their various uses will be investigated. 

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Lecture:  Analyze a dramatic script and apply historical research methods and design concept(s) to create a costume design.
2. Lab:  Utilize costume construction methods to execute a costume. 

       **Students and faculty are mutually responsible for a successful educational experience.**  

Course Objectives:  

• Lecture

• Identify costumes from various historical periods. 
• Employ historical research methods in creating a costume design. 
• Create a design from a design concept. 
• Identify equipment used in costume design and construction. 
• Explain the steps involved in costume project management including development of the costume plot and workspace6. Analyze use of fabrics and materials used in costumes. 
• Identify components of costume care. 
• Identify the effective communication skills costume designers need. 
• Utilize standard costume vocabulary. 
• Critique use of costume in production. 
• Analyze a design in terms of budget requirements.

• Lab

• Utilize costume construction methods to execute a costume. 
• Identify and safely operate equipment used in costume construction. 
• Demonstrate basic sewing techniques.

Types of Assessments

Projects and/or Exams

We will have 3 design projects, 1 midterm exam, and quizzes throughout the semester. 

Types of Assessments

Our course will include design work, midterm exam, quizzes, written assignments, video assignments/quizzes, and peer feedback. 

Textbook Information

Required Supplies:

• Drawing pad or computer application for drawing (i.e. sketchbook, photoshop, procreate, etc) 
• Drawing pencils
• Markers, colored pencils, or watercolor for rendering
• 1 yard of 100% cotton print or Muslin fabric (45” wide) 
• Positive Attitude
  • Sewing, drawing and designing can be challenging.  Saying “I can’t” or  “this is hard” doesn’t help, it makes things worse, and it will spread to others.  A positive attitude will be very helpful for all. 

Recommended Texts:

• The Magic Garment: Principles of Costume Design by Rebecca Cunningham.
• The Costume Designer’s Handbook by Rosemary Ingham & Liz Covey.
• Costume Design  by Barbara & Cletus Anderson.
• The Art and Practice of Costume Design Edited by Melissa Merz.
• The Costume Technician’s Handbook by Rosemary Ingham & Liz Covey.
• Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, North American Revised Edition.
• Singer Sewing Step by Step.  ISBN:  0-86579-257-4
• Basic Sewing for Costume Construction by Rebecca Cunningham
  • 2nd edition
  • ISBN-13: 978-1577667551
    ISBN-10: 1577667557

• Web browser software. 
• E-mail sending, receiving, forwarding, saving, printing, attaching files, and retrieving attachments. 
• Web-based communication tools, such as discussion forums, chat, and webinars. These are all accessed through the Canvas website. You will be submitting most assignments on Canvas.
• Word processing software including creating, modifying, saving, and retrieving Word files.  

Other Relevant Course Information

What to Expect in this Course

This course is 100% face-2-face. We will not be meeting on Zoom, unless under extreme circumstances. 

Workload

Most sewing is done in class during the lab.  However, you may choose to work from home on those projects for homework. As for the design and historical work, this will be mostly homework.  We will discuss the details of each project as the semester progresses.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/25/2025 Sub#: 1911