Costume makers apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. They could be working in a range of contexts - from large commercial productions in the entertainment and screen industries to amateur theatre.

This unit has linkages to other costume units and combined assessment and/or training with those units may be appropriate, e.g.:

CUECOS09B Develop and apply knowledge of costume.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Conduct research for period costume

1.1. Undertake appropriate research to identify the 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 various and appropriate 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 the relevant colleagues to confirm the period costume production requirements and gain approvals where required

2.2. Read and correctly interpret the costume production schedule, specifications and lists

2.3. Interpret design into practical plans for making period costumes in accordance with production requirements

3. Prepare for period costume construction

3.1. Select materials and methods of costume construction in accordance with production requirements and the factors affecting garments from particular periods

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

3.3. Identify style and fabric characteristics which influence period costume construction and clarify any queries with relevant colleagues

3.4. Select appropriate grade plan or grade rule table

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 any necessary adjustments

4.4. Store patterns in accordance with workplace procedures

5. Lay up and cut work for period costume

5.1. Establish the required meterage of fabric and other materials to minimise wastage

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 costume

5.4. Lay up base and self fabrics and check alignment as necessary to ensure conformance to specifications

5.5. Cut materials to meet requirements of the pattern

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 hang, as appropriate, 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 all required trimmings, fasteners and decorations using appropriate techniques

6.4. Press finished period costume in accordance with requirements

6.5. Identify modifications to character and period costume in consultation with performer/cast and/or designer, where necessary

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

Required skills

numeracy skills sufficient to allow calculation of measurements, including ratios and percentages

effective communication and interaction with performers and others during the preparation and making of costumes

Required knowledge

sources of information on period costume

the features of clothing styles from a selection of periods

use and properties (such as weight, pile, grain, and pattern shapes) of the different fabrics, materials and patterns which are regularly used in making period costumes

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

sources and suppliers of materials, fabrics and trims typically used in period costume construction

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The following evidence is critical to the judgement of competence in this unit:

ability to create period costumes, including corsetry and undergarments, male costume, female costume and pre-production toiles using techniques and materials specific to period costume

knowledge of costume styles and features from a range of historical periods (these will vary depending on the job role).

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The assessment context must provide for:

practical demonstration of skills through the production of period costume for a nominated production.

Method of assessment

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

direct observation of the candidate using techniques particular to period costume construction

evaluation of period costumes produced by the candidate in relation to quality of construction

oral questioning/interview to assess knowledge of period costume styles and techniques particular to those styles

evaluation of drawings/sketches or specifications developed by the candidate

third party reports and portfolios of evidence.

Assessment methods should closely reflect workplace demands and the needs of particular groups (e.g. people with disabilities, and people who may have literacy or numeracy difficulties such as speakers of languages other than English, remote communities and those with interrupted schooling).

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment of this unit requires access to:

costume designs or specifications from which the candidate can work

materials and equipment used to produce period costumes.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Research for period costume may include:

research on any aspect of period costume:

construction

design

Period costumes generally refers to costumes from past eras and must include:

male, female and child costumes

pre-production toiles

undergarments and corsetry.

Research materials may include:

coloured design illustrations

digital images

film, video

history books

original clothing from the period

paintings and illustrations of the period

photographs

sample costumes

sketches

technical drawings from other productions

the Internet

writings of the period

Adaptation of clothing styles for performance may require consideration of:

budget and time constraints

components

construction methods

context

lighting

maintenance and storage

material types/constraints

performance demands

suitability to performer's physique

Relevant colleagues may include:

designers

performers

technical and production staff

Performance requirements may relate to:

continuity

lighting

movement

quick changes

special considerations

special effects

use of body doubles/second cast

use of harness on performer during performance

Unit sector

Visual communication - costume

This unit contains employability skills.