Semester 1

• Introduction to Sewing
• Costumes I
• Introduction to Breakdown & Dying
• Industry Focus I

Semester 2

• Introduction to failing - Costumes​ 
• Introduction to Patterning
• Costume Breakdown Dying
• Industry Focus II
• Theatre History

Semester 3

• Digital Patterning Basics
• Costumes II - Tailoring
• Textiles
• Film Studies

Semester 4

• Digital Patterning in Practice
• Alterations - Practical 
• Costumes III - Costume on stage
• Specialized Costuming
• Open Studio Dying
• Industry Focus III

Class Descriptions

SEMESTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO SEWING

This introductory course provides both Costume and Props majors the basic skills required for sewing in the workroom. They will  learn maintain and operate industrial sewing equipment. Students will produce a book of samples covering hand stitches, seams finishes, hem finishes, and basic construction. 

​COSTUMES I
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How are costumes produced for film and stage? This course offers an overview of how designers collaborate with directors, and the different roles and responsibilities in the costume department. Fitting room ettiquette, measuring and costume paperwork are also covered.

INTRO TO BREAKDOWN & DYING

This course covers an introduction to breakdown for costumes and props, where the students will explore different physical breakdown techniques, different products for permanent and non permanent breakdown, an introduction to dying different fabrics, the role of a breakdown artist in film and theatre, as well as doing breakdown on the go.

INDUSTRY FOCUS I

​This industry focus course provides both Costume and Props students basic information and skills required for working in the entertainment industry. They will learn about safety, emotional intelligence, and organizational structures and roles.
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SEMESTER 2

INTRODUCTION TO FAILING
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In this course students learn through failure, trial and error. We recognize that valuable knowledge is gained through experimentation and provide the space and guidance for students to explore costume builidng beyond the scope of their abilities. Students will be graded on the documentation of their creative process rather than the resulting quality of the costume they produce.

INTRODUCTION TO PATTERNING
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Students will learn to draft a custom bespoke block from scratch from measurements. They will explore the different methods of patterning, from draping, to flat patterning, to copying existing garments.
Students will leave the course understanding how to cut a pattern, how to assess fabric choices, and manipulate the grain of fabric.

COSTUMES BREAKDOWN AND DYING

This course covers advance techniques specific to costume breakdown, where the students will learn to understand their role in the costume department and how to read scripts and follow schedules. They will learn the importance of progression breakdown and multiples, and dive into specific costume items like hat and shoe breakdown and repair. They will advance their dyeing skills with precision and colour matching.

THEATRE HISTORY
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In Theatre History both Costumes and Props students will learn about the origins and styles of theatre through the ages. Starting will Greek, Roman and Medieval through to current practices.

INDUSTRY FOCUS II
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This second level industry focus course teaches both Costumes and Props students how to analyze scripts for their unique purposes, research practices, portfolio building and career preparation.

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SEMESTER 3

SPECIALIZED COSTUMING
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This class is focused on specialized costuming skills. Students will explore working with  knits/stretch fabric, Leather, Latex, corset building, Applique and decor/trim creation and more.

DIGITAL PATTERNING BASICS

This introductory course will provide students with the ability to do basic pattern drafting in the Clo3D software.
Students will learn avatar manipulation, best practices for saving and oranizing files and an understanding of the limitations of Clo3D

COSTUMES II TAILORING
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Pre-requisite: Introductory pattern drafting.
Advanced cutting and tailoring is explored in this class. We discuss historical cutting and drafting. In addition to advanced patterning skills students will learn the basics of tailoring (pressing/moulding, hand sewing, and structure).

TEXTILES

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This course covers Textile art specific to costume crafts, where the students will learn to Block print, Screen print, stencil, and various types of dyeing techniques that will help create a designers vision. 

FILM STUDIES
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This course covers the history of film and how its made. Students will learn how their role in costumes and props ties into the film making process. We will explore ground breaking movies and TV shows and how they influenced the film industry. We will explore Film now in the digital era, and about what kind of films you will find shooting in Alberta. 

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SEMESTER 4

DIGITAL PATTERNING IN PRACTICE

Clo3d in practice. In this class students will learn how to support traditional cutters and designers with Clo3d. They will learn where and when this software fits into the production process and how it potentially fits into their individual process.
Students will be trained to upload patterns, test the fit of a garment, and prepare avatars and garments for presentations.

PRACTICAL ALTERATIONS
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Students will 'revive' old costumes from local rental stock. This experience will provide students with a real work scenario, and provide them with connections in the local costume community. This class will require students to take apart and repair old costumes. They will see how other costumes have been built, and learn to problem solve.

COSTUMES III - COSTUMES ON STAGE

Students will go through the process of cutting and sewing a costume for a real show. This will be in collaboration with an emerging arts theatre, local community theatre, or independant film.

OPEN STUDIO DYING
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Students will have guided access to the dye room. This course is designed to be a support for students in practicum and final semester projects.

INDUSTRY FOCUS III
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This course will tie into students practicum work.