CUACOS501
Make period costumes


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to interpret costume specifications and production schedules in order to produce period costumes for productions in the screen, media, entertainment and events industries.

Individuals who apply these skills are expected to display a high level of initiative and judgement as they take responsibility for ensuring the quality of period costumes required for productions. 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 research for period costumes

1.1 Undertake research to identify historical, cultural and other factors that might influence period costume styles, construction techniques and costume development

1.2 Analyse designs and text for period costume requirements, and identify the relationship between costumes and character portrayal and development

1.3 Gather a range of research materials to develop knowledge of historical clothing in a performance context

1.4 Use research materials to interpret and adapt clothing styles for performance

2. Interpret brief for period costume design

2.1 Liaise with relevant personnel to confirm period costume production requirements and gain approval where required

2.2 Review costume production schedules, specifications and lists

2.3 Interpret designs into practical plans for making period costumes according to production requirements

3. Prepare for period costume construction

3.1 Select materials and methods of costume construction according to production requirements and factors affecting garments from particular periods

3.2 Take and record accurate measurements of performers to ensure correct fitting of costumes

3.3 Integrate work health and safety considerations into costume planning

3.4 Identify style and fabric characteristics that influence period costume construction and clarify queries with relevant colleagues

3.5 Select appropriate pattern cutting method

4. Make and grade patterns for period costumes

4.1 Produce or adjust pattern to required specifications, ensuring that patterns comply with character and period costume and undergarment requirements, 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 pattern according to workplace procedures

5. Lay up and cut work for period costume

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 for period costumes

5.4 Lay up base and self-fabrics and check 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 period 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 period costumes according to requirements

6.5 Identify modifications to period costumes in consultation with relevant personnel and complete as required

6.6 Correctly label and code all period costumes for identification during production

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

use techniques and materials specific to period costumes to create the following:

corsetry and undergarments

development toiles

female costumes

male costumes

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 period costumes

describe the features of clothing styles from a range of historical periods

describe the use and properties of different fabrics, materials and patterns used regularly to make period costumes

describe techniques for period block construction and modification for men, women and children and for a selection of sizes.


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 period 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

Takes and records measurements of performers

Makes adjustments to patterns during construction

Estimates quantities of fabric and other materials

Navigate the world of work

3.4, 4.4, 6.4, 6.5

Takes account of work 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 period 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, 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 methodical and logical approach to selecting materials and costume construction methods

Follows a logical process when researching period costume requirements and creating costumes

Identifies ways of sequencing the costume manufacture process for greater efficiency

Takes responsibility for ensuring minimal waste of materials

Uses computer software to assist with the design of period costumes


Sectors

Visual communication - costume