We had 178 kids sign up for our new class offering in Technical Theatre: Design & Production for Costuming, Makeup, and Hair. Since we could only offer it 3 periods, 108 kids are getting the opportunity to take the class.
Can I teach this class without teaching them to machine sew? Sure. But if I do that, not only will they miss out on learning a life skill that is both practical and creative, they won't get to move costumes out of the theoretical and into reality. I want them to both design and create costumes, and then to have the thrill of seeing an actor wear it on a stage. I know they feel this thrill because I've had kids be overjoyed when a simple prop they made was used on stage (like, literally, a rolled up piece of paper tied with a ribbon).
I know that sewing and costuming can open up both college and career opportunities for a lot of my students. There are jobs out there, but for these kids to discover them, they need some basic skills, some inspiration, and the courage in themselves that a tech class can give them.
Secondarily, 108 sewers can make a major difference in my personal quality of life. I'm a one-person theatre department, meaning I am the director, costumer, set-designer, builder, lighting and sound designer, and teenager-wrangler. Sometimes I personally sew over 20 costumes for a show (on top of my teaching and rehearsal duties). I would love the opportunity to have students help with costuming shows. It takes a huge personal burden off of me, and it gives them the opportunity for learning, collaboration, and true STEAM education.
About my class
We had 178 kids sign up for our new class offering in Technical Theatre: Design & Production for Costuming, Makeup, and Hair. Since we could only offer it 3 periods, 108 kids are getting the opportunity to take the class.
Can I teach this class without teaching them to machine sew? Sure. But if I do that, not only will they miss out on learning a life skill that is both practical and creative, they won't get to move costumes out of the theoretical and into reality. I want them to both design and create costumes, and then to have the thrill of seeing an actor wear it on a stage. I know they feel this thrill because I've had kids be overjoyed when a simple prop they made was used on stage (like, literally, a rolled up piece of paper tied with a ribbon).
I know that sewing and costuming can open up both college and career opportunities for a lot of my students. There are jobs out there, but for these kids to discover them, they need some basic skills, some inspiration, and the courage in themselves that a tech class can give them.
Secondarily, 108 sewers can make a major difference in my personal quality of life. I'm a one-person theatre department, meaning I am the director, costumer, set-designer, builder, lighting and sound designer, and teenager-wrangler. Sometimes I personally sew over 20 costumes for a show (on top of my teaching and rehearsal duties). I would love the opportunity to have students help with costuming shows. It takes a huge personal burden off of me, and it gives them the opportunity for learning, collaboration, and true STEAM education.
Read more