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Diploma in Costume Construction for Theatre, Film & Allied Industries
Course Objectives Giving graduates the necessary professional skills to work within established costume departments in film, TV, opera, ballet, dance and drama companies, or to work on a freelance basis in New Zealand or overseas.
Want to…
Make wearable art?
Construct corsets? Help create devised theatre?
Make costumes for Hollywood feature films?
Run your own costume hire business? Construct garments for avant garde fashion shows?
Alter and tailor costumes for stage & screen? Costume opera singers, dancers & actors?
And much, much more?
Why Costume Construction? “The professional costume maker is a crucial link in the creative chain from design to performance. Combining the specialist skills of the artisan with the inventive problem solving of the engineer, they enjoy a vital place in the collaborative process. This course allows costume students to extend their experience within an exciting and diverse community while developing unique skills and understandings.” Kaarin Macaulay Head of Costume Construction (ex Opera Australia)
Bekky Campbell “I knew I needed training, it’s something I have to do in order to make my way in the industry, gain the skills and get the right contacts. Being able to sew, with costume themes is really exciting and much harder than fashion.” Bekky Campbell Costume Construction Student
First Year • Understanding and proficiency in pattern-making, pattern-cutting & costume construction • Classes in history of costume, fabric printing, mask, fantasy costume, millinery, corsetry, soft prop making, jewellery, and body padding • Understanding of particular garments, fabrics, and the design process • Fitting, dressing & maintaining costumes
Gemma Crouch-Gatehouse “I wasn’t very experienced when I started but Kaarin Macaulay has taught me so much. It’s amazing because she’s worked with some of the big guns in costume and can give us really useful, practical advice about what it’s like out there while also helping us create something amazing.” Gemma Crouch-Gatehouse Costume Construction Student
Second Year • Produce costumes for Toi Whakaari productions & 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 pattern cutting, costume construction and other specialist skills • Prepare a portfolio and exhibit their work at the end of the year
Anna Mahy “I wanted a proper qualification and wanted to learn about making costumes properly. This is a really good environment to learn about theatre and film as a whole as well as specialising in costume, which is my passion.” Anna Mahy Costume Construction Student
Important Facts • Don’t need any qualifications • You must have a demonstrated passion for costume, textiles or sewing • You must turn 18 by 1 February • Applications due before 29 September • Fees approx $5,700 per year • Eligible for Student Loans & Allowance • CHECK OUT www.toiwhakaari.ac.nz
What Employers Say… •
"There is a high level of expertise required in the construction and finishing of costumes for theatre and screen and the skills for this cannot currently be found in the local industry. The dedicated course now offered by Toi Whakaari is a crucial step in rebuilding this necessary and valuable tradition." John Senczuk, Event Designer, Sydney New Year's Eve Celebrations 2005
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“I fully support the training of a new generation of Costume Practitioners at Toi Whakaari, and look forward to welcoming graduates with fresh ideas, enthusiasm & a good grounding in costuming to our industry.” Jane Holland, Costume Designer, Xena, Cleopatra 2525, Hercules, Sione’s Wedding
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“The construction of costumes, undergarments and accessories is a fascinating area of study and requires a high level of specialised practical skills. To learn these skills within the vibrant environment of Toi Whakaari (while mixing with actors, dancers, designers, directors and technicians), is a particularly empowering way to start a successful career.” Penny Fitt, Head of Performance Design (ex Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Designer Penumbra)
