Theatre Costume Making
2023

Next course:
Jan – April 2024


15 weeks – Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm

This is an intensive, highly practical course aimed at people with prior experience and a passion for costume.  The class size is limited to 8 students.

The course is a structured, work based training programme designed to develop students existing knowledge of costume making. All tutors on the course are experienced professional costumiers, highly regarded by the profession and with a wealth of knowledge to pass on. The course will provide students with the necessary skills to become wardrobe assistants.

Materials and equipment is included in the fee.

Work on the course is project based. All projects incorporate drafting or draping a pattern and construction of a full costume.

Project 1: Period Menswear

Caption: Project 2: Period Women Wear

Project 3: 20th Century

The period differs each year and has included 16th century doublet and hose, 17th Century Cavalier, 18th Century Georgian and 19th Century ‘Gangs of New York’ style suits. All the tailoring techniques are incorporated.

Incorporating corsetry, foundation garments and period decoration. Students previously have created costumes from past eras including Tudor, 18th Century, Edwardian bustle gown and Victorian periods which has enabled students to learn many different techniques and cutting styles.

This project enables the student to learn how to work with difficult fabrics and involves lots of hand finishing. Both the 30’s bias cut and 40’s draping/tucks/pleats offer a variety of challenges.
Photos: Mark Terry