CUFIND403B
Work effectively in a costume studio

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work productively with colleagues in a costume studio.All team members need to demonstrate a capacity for self-discipline, punctuality, commitment to work schedules, and self-awareness. They need a basic understanding of stages in the production process, as well as the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in the production chain. They also need to understand the culture of the organisation for which they are working, whether their job is permanent or on a contract basis for the duration of a production.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application

Application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit underpins effective work in a costume studio environment.

Even though people at the level described in this unit work under supervision, they are expected to demonstrate a range of well-developed skills, to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems, and to analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources.



Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Communicate effectively with others

1. Discuss and agree on own tasks and responsibilities in ways that promote good working relationships

2. Negotiate changes to duties in a constructive manner that takes into account the importance of collaboration to the effectiveness and productivity of a costume studio

3. Share information about the results of own work with others who require the information

4. Treat others courteously and in ways that acknowledge their contribution to costume studio processes

5. Take into account particular production issues that colleagues or clients may have and protocols to use in resolving them

6. Participate in negotiations to find workable solutions for conflicts that have the potential to reduce personal and team productivity

7. Complete workplace documentation as required

Take responsibility for own personal development

8. Complete enterprise-specific or other training as required

9. Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and take appropriate action in consultation with relevant personnel

10. Maintain currency of own industry knowledge through a variety of sources and apply information in day-to-day work activities to enhance quality of work performance

11. Respond positively to constructive feedback on own performance and take action to make improvements as required

Perform own job role effectively

12. Apply values of the costume studio to job role

13. Follow work procedures, protocols and other guidelines as they apply to costume studios and productions

14. Carry out tasks to meet schedules and standards as specified by supervisors

15. Comply with privacy, confidentiality, legal and ethical requirements of the costume studio

16. Undertake all work with due regard to OHS requirements and procedures

Participate in quality improvement activities

17. Contribute ideas about improving work practices and productivity in appropriate forums

18. Participate in and provide feedback on initiatives aimed at improving work practices

Required Skills

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

interpret production documentation, costume construction specifications and instructions

work collaboratively as a member of a costume studio team

use information networks to keep abreast of industry developments relevant to own job role

put forward ideas clearly and constructively when discussing or seeking changes to work arrangements

maintain good relationships, even when disagreeing with others

complete workplace documentation

initiative and enterprise in the context of:

adapting to the workplace culture

being flexible in response to unexpected changes in work schedules

making last minute adjustments to costumes

problem-solving skills sufficient to:

distinguish between issues that can be resolved within the parameters of delegated work role authority, and those that must be passed on to higher level officers

contribute to finding solutions to problems that occur with processes or costumes as a result of trials at dress parades or the requests of costume supervisor or designers

planning and organising skills sufficient to construct costumes in a logical sequence in line with costume studio procedures

self-management skills sufficient to:

prioritise work tasks

balance the need for personal efficiency with the needs of others and with production requirements

work within deadlines

make decisions within level of own responsibility

follow manufacturer specifications and organisational policies and procedures

seek expert assistance when problems arise

technical skills sufficient to:

use sewing machines to make costumes

use computer applications in the context of producing or adjusting patterns

numeracy skills sufficient to measure materials and fit costumes

Required knowledge

well-developed understanding of the significance of production schedules and milestones relevant to a costume studio

principles and techniques of costume construction and fitting

techniques for making alterations and modifications to costumes following dress parades

industry knowledge, including:

personnel structure within a costume studio or production company

roles and responsibilities of personnel in a costume studio workplace

broad understanding of artistic and technical elements of productions

importance of complying with privacy, confidentiality, legal and ethical requirements of workplaces

Sustainable work practices for individuals and organisations in screen and media

OHS procedures as they relate to the safe use of equipment and materials when working in a costume studio

Evidence Required

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

ability to:

perform work tasks as directed

follow costume studio procedures

comply with privacy, confidentiality, legal and ethical requirements of a costume studio

source and apply information about industry issues and developments

meet deadlines

collaborative approach to work

effective communication skills in a team environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to a costume studio for a period of time

work tasks that can be completed within a given timeframe

access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required

use of culturally appropriate processes and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of learners and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of work diary and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance

evaluation of directed costume making tasks undertaken by the candidate to determine whether workplace supervisor's requirements have been met and correct procedures followed

observation of the candidate during work placement to assess communication, interaction and problem-solving skills

written or oral questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CUECOS302A Dress performers

CUECOS303A Modify, repair and maintain costumes.


Range Statement

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.

Costume studio processes may include:

accessories and millinery

art finishing

constructing underpinnings

costume breakdown

costume construction

costume finishing

fitting and alterations

identifying performers' requirements, including:

comfort

fit

ease of movement

durability

requirement for extreme physical movement

safety

laying and cutting fabrics

pattern cutting

sourcing materials and components

taking and calculating measurements

trials, e.g.:

toiles to test proportion and design

toiles to test fit

testing of costumes for durability

testing of fabrics under lighting

dress parades.

Production issues may include:

availability of personnel

availability of resources

available budget

production schedule

production values

timelines.

Protocols may include:

enterprise procedures for complying with privacy regulations

observing protocols of companies or organisations appearing in productions

those associated with fitting performers for costumes.

Documentation may include:

booking sheets and confirmations

call sheets

contact lists.

copyright clearances

costume breakdown lists

costume patterns

costume plots

descriptive costume checklists

diary entries

file notes

general in-house correspondence, including:

memos

notes

email

manufacture schedules

manufacturer specifications and instructions

measurement charts

memos of instruction

operational and project plans

production schedules

records of meetings

running sheets

schedules

scripts

timesheets.

Training may include:

on-the-job, e.g.:

features of and procedures for using specified equipment and facilities

administrative procedures and protocols

workplace health, safety and security procedures

equipment maintenance procedures

staffing structure and chain of reporting

regulations that apply to specific enterprises

off-the-job, e.g.:

short courses

skill sets

national vocational education and training (VET) qualifications

state-accredited qualifications.

Relevant personnel may include:

costume designers

costume makers

instructors

mentors

production managers

supervisors.

Industry knowledge may include:

impact of new technologies on the costume design and construction process

role of costume studios servicing the screen, media and entertainment industries

technical standards.

Sources may include:

discussions with current industry practitioners, colleagues and community groups

electronic and print media (news, reviews and articles)

employee and industry association representatives

events (industry functions, conferences, trade fairs, community activities, expositions, exhibitions, festivals and social events)

government bodies and associated publications

induction kits

internet

libraries

peak copyright organisations

personal observations and experience

policy and procedures manuals

reference books, industry information sheets, magazines and journals

retail and wholesale suppliers of products and services

technical publications

training programs, seminars, conferences, symposiums, workshops, master classes and other professional development opportunities

unions and union publications (newsletters, magazines, bulletins and letters) and other sources of industrial relations information.

Values may include:

explicit values described in organisational documents

implicit, undocumented organisational cultural values.

Work procedures may include:

confirming and clarifying instructions

documentation procedures

environmental requirements

OHS

procedures associated with the use of equipment

protocols

receiving instructions

reporting absences or delays in attendance

reporting problems

storage facilities

working hours.

Productions may include:

ballet

commercials

film

physical theatre

stage productions:

opera

pantomime

drama

musicals

recitals

concerts

street parades

television productions.

Forums may include:

enterprise-specific surveys and questionnaires

online discussion forums

performance appraisal processes

planning days

production briefing and debriefing sessions

staff meetings.


Sectors

Unit sector


Competency Field

Industry capability - industry context


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.