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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 Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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In this course, you’ll create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements you provide in advance of the course. Patterns will be drafted for you in accordance with these measurements. Leave a note with your shoe size at checkout.
In this challenging four-day course, 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 Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm.
-
In this course, you’ll create a pair of basic leather lace-up boots for your own feet based on personal measurements you provide in advance of the course. Patterns will be drafted for you in accordance with these measurements.
In this challenging four-day course, 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 Tuesday-Friday, 9am-5pm
-
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 Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-5pm.
-
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 Saturdays and Sundays, 9am-5pm.