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In this theatrical upholstery workshop, discover the joy of giving a second life to a piece of furniture.
Bring in a piece of your choice that is ready to be refreshed and receive project-specific guidance to learn the skills necessary to complete its transformation and express your creativity.
Gain knowledge in foundational upholstery skills such as:
- selecting appropriate fabric,
- estimating yardage requirement,
- creating the proper shape,
- applying fabric,
- adding decorative edge finishes, and
- if required, adding decorative elements such as pleating or buttons.
In addition, discover theatrical upholstery techniques that deviate from traditional methods in order to meet the unique needs of theatrical productions.
*Students will have the opportunity to connect with the instructor prior to the course for consultation on furniture selection, fabric yardage, and any additional project-specific materials that may be required.
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Art Direction workshop with Glen Landry features live instruction with collaborative group assignments and presentations, mentoring and special guest designers from film and theatre.
Students should have access to a laptop or tablet for visual research purposes.
Successful completion of this course will enable the student to:
- Analyze script content and break down a script for a shooting schedule
- Understand the roles of the Art Department and the key collaborative structures
- Explore concept design and create mood boards
- Learn research and presentation skills
- Practice time management, budgeting and planning skills
The Art Direction workshop fee includes a sketchbook, watercolour paint and watercolour paper for use in classroom. Prior to the workshop, students will be emailed a script to read in preparation for the class.
Workshop runs Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm.
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Stratford Festival Cutter, Lela Stairs, teaches the skills of interpreting sketches, drafting patterns, mocking up blocks, and cutting a costume. This introductory pattern drafting workshop is ideal for those working in costume or wardrobe departments and those who build costumes for community theatre.
Lesson Outline
- Saturday – What is cutting? Introduce block development/custom patterns for actors; examine sketches and discuss sketch interpretation; practice taking proper measurements (which measurements and why); look at body types and discover how patterns work. Skills learned: what a cutter is; the importance of measuring properly; the differences in body types; sketch interpretation. Finish up with measurements and pattern drafting all day. Establish size and ease, dart manipulation; examine different sketches and see how they translate to a bodice; begin to establish style lines and period features within your basic block; begin cutting out and mocking up the loose-fitting bodice in muslin. Skills learned: drafting; dart manipulation; style lines that are period specific; translating a sketch to a pattern.
- Sunday – Continue cutting out mockups and completing pattern drafting. Sew mockups and begin fitting them (this is establishing a base for size and shape); discuss fittings and their importance, and learn what to look for in fittings (draglines, placement of seams and darts). Skills learned: drafting, cutting out a mockup and why, discussing fit. Homework during the week (not compulsory): finish sewing mockup if incomplete. Complete drafting to bring to class for the next weekend.
- Saturday – Complete fittings. Continue to sew and fit any bodices that were not complete. Return to patterns for pattern alterations and adjustments; talk about fitting room etique. Skills learned: fitting, fitting etiquette, pattern adjustments. Return to blocks to start looking at how that basic block turns into a period bodice, corset, or blouse. Start interpreting a sketch into the blocks and spend the day looking at different ways to manipulate the mockup for the costume bodice. Skills learned: changing style lines on your patterns to suit a period of design.
- Sunday – Continue drafting and mocking up the costume bodice. Do fittings if time allows; wrap up and conclude; option: introduce draping (if time allows and participants are ready to advance). These will be included with the letter of welcome to participants. Finish the pattern drafting workshop with a certificate from Off the Wall.
Classes run Saturdays & Sundays 9am-4pm.
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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