Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make costumes for dance or performances that involve a high level of physical activity.
Individuals who apply these skills work autonomously in a team environment as they take responsibility for ensuring the quality of costumes for dance and physical theatre. They may be responsible for supervising others.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Conduct dance and movement costume research | 1.1 Research historical, cultural and other factors that might influence designs, construction techniques and costume development in relation to dance and movement-wear 1.2 Analyse designs for dance and movement-wear, and identify the relationship between costumes and character portrayal and development 1.3 Gather a range of research materials to develop knowledge of dance and movement-wear options 1.4 Use research materials to interpret and adapt clothing styles for performance |
2. Interpret brief for dance and movement costume design | 2.1 Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm dance and movement-wear requirements and gain approval where required 2.2 Review costume production schedules, specifications and lists 2.3 Interpret designs into practical plans for making dance and movement-wear according to production requirements |
3. Prepare to make dance and movement costumes | 3.1 Select materials and methods of costume construction according to production requirements and nature of the physical performance activity 3.2 Factor into the pattern-cutting process the need for stretch fabrications as required 3.3 Take and record accurate measurements of performers to ensure correct fitting of costumes 3.4 Integrate health and safety considerations into costume planning 3.5 Identify style and fabric characteristics which influence construction of dance and movement-wear and clarify queries with relevant personnel 3.6 Select appropriate pattern cutting method |
4. Make and grade patterns for dance and movement costumes | 4.1 Produce or adjust pattern to required specifications, ensuring that it complies with gender and figure proportions and performance requirements 4.2 Grade pattern manually or by computer, adjusting design, maintaining accuracy and shape, notches, design proportion and other design requirements 4.3 Check pattern for accuracy and make adjustments as required 4.4 Store patterns according to workplace procedures |
5. Lay up and cut work for dance and movement costumes | 5.1 Establish the required meterage of fabric and other materials to minimise waste 5.2 Check materials for quality, faults, width, selvedges, dye, lot and marking requirements 5.3 Identify and assemble appropriate base and outer fabrics 5.4 Lay up base and self-fabrics and check that alignment conforms to specifications 5.5 Cut materials to meet pattern requirements 5.6 Prepare fabric base and mount fabrics, as necessary, to achieve required stiffening or support effect |
6. Sew and fit dance and movement costumes | 6.1 Pin or sew fabric pieces and linings and where appropriate, hang in readiness for assembly 6.2 Conduct fittings with performers and identify, record and action required adjustments and alterations 6.3 Sew costume pieces together to form the whole costume and attach required trimmings, fasteners and decorations using appropriate techniques 6.4 Finish costumes according to requirements 6.5 Identify modifications to dance and movement costumes in consultation with relevant personnel and complete as required 6.6 Correctly label and code dance and movement costumes for identification during productions |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
create costumes for at least one dance or physical theatre production using techniques and materials specific to this type of costume
follow safety procedures when using costume-making equipment and materials
work collaboratively.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided for each of the above points at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements the individual must:
provide examples of sources of information on dance and movement-wear
describe the range and features of different types of dance and movement-wear
describe the use and properties of different fabrics, materials and patterns used regularly to make dance and movement-wear
describe one-way and two-way stretch techniques for working with stretch fabrics
describe techniques for adapting standard clothing items for dance or physical activity.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to costume specifications, materials and production schedules.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.3 | Interprets designs and written material to inform the process of making dance and movement costumes Interprets production documentation in relation to own duties |
Writing | 3.3, 6.2, 6.6 | Completes workplace documentation |
Oral communication | 2.1, 3.5, 6.2, 6.5 | Obtains information by listening and questioning |
Numeracy | 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1 | Estimates quantities of fabric and other materials Uses appropriate tools to calculate and check measurements |
Navigate the world of work | 3.4, 4.4, 6.4, 6.5 | Takes account of health and safety considerations in the design of costumes Meets work deadlines |
Interact with others | 2.1, 3.5, 6.2, 6.5 | Works collaboratively with a range of personnel to make dance and movement costumes |
Get the work done | 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 | Adopts a methodical and logical approach to selecting materials and costume construction methods Follows a logical process when researching dance and movement costume requirements and creating costumes Identifies ways to sequence the costume manufacture process for greater efficiency Takes responsibility for ensuring minimal waste of materials Uses computer software to assist with the design of dance costumes |
Sectors
Visual communication – costume