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In this workshop, you’ll create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements you provide in advance. Patterns will be drafted for you in accordance with these measurements.
In this challenging four-day workshop, students will learn the foundation for most theatrical or street styles of shoes and expand on the following skills:
- Discover the anatomy of a boot and learn how all the parts fit together
- Cut pieces of leather for the upper of the boots, and sew them together
- Attach insoles to the lasts and pull the leather uppers over the lasts
- Add soles and heels to the boots
The end product will be a pair of boots students can proudly wear home.
Note: Students will be required to use machinery such as industrial sewing machines and power tools. Physical dexterity is required.
Classes run 9am-5pm.
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Under the expert guidance of one of the best Stratford Festival wig makers, increase your skills and learn some amazing techniques in this age-old craft. (Course fee includes materials.)
In this course, students will learn and expand on the following skills:
- Practice knotting by creating facial hair pieces
- Learn how to properly ventilate, fit and customize a wig for stage and film
- Explore techniques to create a natural-looking hairline
- Discover methods to dress wigs into finished looks
- Discuss sources for materials, tools and resources
- Select and dress historical period wig styles
- Learn effective methods for wig preparation and wig application
All materials, including a wig hook, holder and wig, are supplied. Participants may take the wig home with them.
KEY INFORMATION
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each course ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
Classes run 9am-5pm
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Discover the excitement and satisfaction of crafting in metal in this intensive, four-day course. Explore how to manipulate steel by bending, welding and texturing it to give life to your creative expression.
Learn and expand on these skills:
- Train in the safe and effective use of power tools and equipment;
- Explore the metal-working basics: welding, cutting, grinding, shaping and fitting;
- Practice and get creative with MIG welding;
- Discover Oxy-Acetylene gas brazing techniques; and
- Learn how to shape and hammer metal, including using jigs and applying heat.
This is not a ticketed course. It is an artistic welding course meant to challenge students in the fascinating world of metalworking. All sessions of Artistic Welding cover the above techniques, enabling participants to heighten their skill levels with imaginative projects.
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each course ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
Classes run Saturday & Sunday, 9am-4pm.
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In this Theatrical Jewelry Workshop you’ll discover how to create well-balanced, innovative and fun pieces that will last a production run.
Progress from concept to final product, practicing a variety of techniques essential to creating earrings, necklaces and accessories for theatrical or personal enjoyment. Take home your unique creations.
Ages 14+ welcome. All materials are supplied.
In this class, participants will:
- Discover how to create an effective jewelry design;
- Practice techniques used in working with wire, chain, gems, jewels and more;
- Learn theatrical techniques to embolden your designs;
- Take old jewelry and repurpose it; and
- Learn chain link and observe building techniques and applications.
KEY INFORMATION
The low student-to-teacher ratio in each course ensures instruction is geared to the participant’s skill level and experience. Please indicate your related experience when you register.
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Led by seasoned costume cutter and pattern-drafting expert Lela Stairs, students explore ways to take apart previously worn costumes and remodel them for a new production.
Participants will explore:
- Costume Deconstruction – safely take apart costumes and identify reusable materials;
- Fabric Identification & Assessment – evaluate fabric quality and suitability for reuse, and learn how different fabrics behave when altered;
- Creative Design Thinking – explore how to reimagine existing pieces, develop new concepts and sketch your ideas;
- Sewing & Alteration Techniques – learn how to take accurate measurements and resize garments; hem, patch and reshape pieces by hand or machine;
- Embellishment – add or reuse trims, buttons, zippers and other details; discover decorative techniques like appliqué, painting, dyeing or distressing; and
- Sustainable Costume Practices – discuss principles of upcycling, waste reduction, ethical sourcing and reuse of costume materials.
Join Lela in Off the Wall’s studio and learn how to transform wardrobe challenges into artistic opportunities.
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This course is ideal for those who want to learn how to build costumes for community theatre, cosplay, or everyday clothing.
In this two-day intro to Theatrical Sewing class students will learn basic sewing skills and expand on:
- bodice with piping
- hand hemming
- hand-sewn snaps and closures
- darts and princess seams
- bias binding
- and quick changing shirts.
Note:
Students are to bring some supplies of their own: Basic sewing kit- scissors, thimbles, straight pins, shears, snips, rulers, and measuring tape. You may bring your own sewing machine if preferred, OTW has a few in the studio.