Skills for Costume Construction for Screen & Stage.
Supported by senior management and the local university the
design of the course was informed by extensive industry
consultation with large and small opera, theatre, ballet and film
and TV companies as well as costume production companies with
wardrobe departments.
The programme emphasis is on the development of specialist
practical skills of measuring, pattern cutting, fitting and
alteration, industrial machining, screen printing, garment
construction, surface embellishment and adaptation underpinned by
knowledge of fabrics, visual awareness and professional and
business skills.
The combination of carefully selected appropriate teaching and
learning methods and environments contribute to students acquiring
confidence and high level skills over an intensive two year period
working alongside experts to deadlines and production
standards.
A student commented: "It is a way of growing up. You are involved
and learn so much about yourself and the industry."
A range of work settings is planned over the two years in
partnership with industry experts for students to experience the
exacting demands of costume construction. Placements offer students
the pportunity to experience all aspects of the costume
industry. This provides real-life opportunities for students to be
challenged to achieve high levels of skills with experts.
The college's collaboration with theatre Mappa Mundi provides an
example of a sustainable partnership with a local theatre company
over three years. In 2009 the collaboration was on She Stoops to
Conquer with a review stating ".....there is no stinting on the
look of it. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones' costume design, created by first
and second year students at Coleg Morgannwg is all lace and
gorgeous crimson and purple satins".
In these productions students carried out fittings with performers
enabling them to understand the needs of and communicate with the
production team. The costumes satisfied the need to withstand
touring and quick changes during performances.
Collectively, staff and students had the responsibility for
budgeting and delivering the entire cast's costumes and accessories
to deadline. This project relied on teamwork; students worked in
pairs within their team in close liaison with the professional
theatre company.
The flexibility for students to work in different environments is
available, for example working on film sets; one such case is the
recently filmed Iron Clad.
Students also work alongside experts in the Welsh National Opera
shadowing professionals in the workroom making costumes on
productions.
A link with the Royal Opera House Stores enables students to gain
insight, practical skills and an understanding of the wardrobe side
of costume care, and the organisation of the collection.
The strong partnerships which exist with employers with a degree
of flexibility built into the curriculum enabling tutors to respond
to opportunities that arise through industry contacts; thus
providing a range of exciting and innovative learning
environments.
For more information about the subject of this case study - contact
Emma
Highgate, Course Leader, T: 01443 663304 or Amanda
Darlington, Curriculum Manager Creative Industries,
T: 01443 663301