Costume 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, millinery and mask making
• 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 design process
• Work as costumiers 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:

• Assume the role of costume supervisor for Toi Whakaari productions, working alongside student designers
• Learn to interpret costume drawings to realise design concepts
• Continue advanced work in pattern cutting, costume construction and other specialist skills
• Prepare a portfolio and exhibit their work at the annual Costume Showcase in September

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.