Year Overview
Your Journey at Toi Whakaari
The Diploma in Costume Construction encourages originality, experimentation, inquiry and a collaborative approach to theatre. It also heightens students' social and cultural perspectives as creative artists working in the context of New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Course work includes:
- Pattern cutting and interpretation of design
- Costume making and alterations - hand and machine sewing
- Fabric dyeing and printing
- Millinery and Costume Accessories
- Corsetry and Foundation garments
- History of costume and text analysis
- Hiring and buying to budget
- All organisational aspects of the work, including small business practice.
Year One
During the first year, the students:
- Attend classes and workshops, produce sample work and projects to demonstrate an understanding and proficiency in pattern-cutting, costume construction and allied subjects
- Broaden their knowledge and range of skills through classes in history of costume, fabric printing, soft prop making and body padding
- Work in the costume workroom using industrial sewing equipment, and work to the standards of a professional company
- Complete costume research modules to provide an in-depth understanding of particular garments and fabrics, and to gain a broader understanding of the designer process
- Work as assistant costume supervisors on Toi Whakaari productions; including fitting, dressing and maintaining costumes
Year Two
During the second year the students utilise and build on skills gained in their first year and:
- Produce costumes for Toi Whakaari productions and related performance projects
- Assume the role of costume supervisor for Toi Whakaari productions, working alongside student designers
- Learn to interpret costume drawings to realise the design concept
- Continue advanced work in pattern cutting, costume construction and other specialist skills
- Prepare a portfolio and exhibit their work at the end of the year
In addition costume students will attend a range of classes that extend their knowledge and understanding of the production process, including production management, business management, organisational structure, and occupational health and safety.
Students will also undertake secondments with professional performing arts organisations in their particular area of interest. This includes film work, commercials, theatre, opera and dance.
