Description
Dates: Jan 15th – February 19th 2025
Times: Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Grades: 3-5
Location: 731 Worcester Loop, Stowe, VT
Pre req: None
Design It, Wear It, Be It!
Costume Design + Acting Class
Class Description
In this skill-building class students will learn how costumes shape character and bring stories to life. They will explore the creative process from initial sketch to final performance as you design, construct, and wear costumes that transform them into their chosen character.
Students will learn fundamental costume design principles including character analysis, color theory, and fabric selection. Basic construction techniques will cover measuring, hand-sewing, when, how and why to use a pattern, and embellishment. These design skills will be integrated with acting exercises that explore how clothing influences movement, posture, voice, and emotional choices. Discover how professional actors and designers collaborate to create authentic, believable characters.
What You’ll Learn:
- Character analysis through costume research
- Sketching costume designs
- Fabric selection and color symbolism
- Basic sewing and construction techniques
- How clothing affects movement and physicality
- Character development through wardrobe choices
- Monologue work in costume
- Collaboration between actors, designers, and directors
Perfect for students who:
- Love fashion, art, and creative design
- Want to explore the “why” behind what characters wear
- Are interested in both performing and technical theatre
- Enjoy hands-on building and crafting
- Want to understand storytelling through visual design
Each class session combines design workshops with performance exploration, culminating in a final showcase where students perform monologues while wearing costumes they’ve designed and created. Students will leave with a design portfolio, a finished costume piece, and a deeper understanding of how costumes tell stories.
No prior experience in sewing, design, or acting required. All materials and tools provided. This class welcomes creative minds at all skill levels in a supportive, collaborative environment where mistakes are celebrated as part of the design process!
