The Costume Making Course

Course Overview

The full time course is designed to fit as many skills into 3 different projects. Each project will give a different method for developing a pattern, add to your sewing skills, material knowledge, construction techniques and most importantly how a running workroom operates.

Module 1. Contemporary project ‘The Little Black Dress’ (Weeks 1-2)

• Starting with a timeless and simple classic, students will make a replica of Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress from Breakfast at Tffany’s,

• Core skills covered in this module include: Taking measurements - drafting a block - developing a pattern from the block - toile making - fabric marking up - fabric cutting - neck and arm hole taping - inserting a zip and hand finishing.

Module 2. Tailoring Project ‘The suit’ (Weeks 3-6)

• Students will complete a suit jacket and trousers.

• Core skills covered in this module include: learning how to construct a pre cut garment, use of different canvases, tapes and fusible’s - pad stitching - jet pockets - welt pockets - button holes - button fly - waistband, speed tailoring.

Module 3. Period Dress ‘The Sackback Dress’ (Weeks 7 -12)

• Students will complete a 1700s sack back dress, complete with Embelishments of their choice. Students will make the panniers, petticoat, corset, overdress and stomacher of one of history's most significant styles. This project will push students to keep to a tight deadline and work quickly.

• Core skills covered in this module include: Drafting a pattern using the scaling up method - Knowledge of corset materials - use of plastic whale boning and metal eyelets in corsets - steel boning in panniers - mounting fabrics - pleating details on the petticoat - petersham waistbands and fastenings.

Course Overview

• The part time course is for students who cannot commit to the full time 12 week course. To give students maximum opportunities within a shorter learning period this course can be tailored to specific learning.

• If you are an intermediate or advanced maker and want to add to your skills in specific areas, the course can be tailored to this.

• Students will complete 2-3 projects

• Please note the number of projects is not fixed. Any students who finish the course content earlier then the set finish date can complete further projects.

Project 1: Choose from the following

• Students can choose from Dress making - Corset making - Crinoline/Bustle Making - Tailoring - Bodice making -

• Student and teacher can discuss the different styles and choose a project that is going to best add to the students skills set.

Project 2 + 3: Your choice

• Student and teacher can discuss the next project together and decide what would be best to make next to further and add to their skills. Projects will need to be achievable within the time of the course.

• If you have made a dress in the first project, maybe choosing tailoring would be a good next step?

Core skills covered across possible chosen projects

• Researching the specific costume/garment to inform the making process.

• Understanding historical patterns and construction techniques if necessary.

• Gaining further knowledge on tools and equipment needed to complete the projects.

• Understanding different types of design fabrics and their suitability for costumes.

• Understanding different types of construction fabrics and suitability for costumes.

• Taking accurate measurements.

• Creating blocks and adapting patterns from the block.

• Techniques for cutting, and fitting garments.

• Hand sewing techniques for tailoring

• Using boning and eyelets for corsets

• Using steel Boning for crinoline’s and undergarments.

• Furthering Knowledge of sewing skills that will inform your making including hand stitching and machine stitching.

• Finishing touches of fastenings and embellishments.

Full time course duration

• 12 weeks

• 4 full days teaching time

• 10:00 - 17:00

Part time course duration

• 12 weeks

• 2 full days teaching time.

• 10:00 -17:00

Course Timetable

• The course is split into two terms, 7 weeks and 5 weeks.

• There is a 2 week term break over the Christmas period. This will be a welcome break as the course is very busy.

• The Photoshoot will take place the week after the end of the course. This will allow students additional time to finish anything before the shoot, in their own time.

More Details

• Maximum 8 places available on the course. 2 spaces are reserved for part time students.

• Industry contacts and help getting internships and employment.

• Certificate on completion of course

• Students who complete the set projects earlier then the course length can use the time available to complete additional projects.

• Assistance in building a portfolio.

• At the end of the course your work will be professionally photographed. There will be a hair and makeup artist to support your projects. These images can then be used in your portfolio.

Materials

• Full time course: All materials are provided, (excluding personal projects).

• Part time course: Some basic materials such as muslin, thread, and basic sewing haberdashery will be provided. Students are responsible for providing their own project-specific materials, including fabrics, trims, and specialty items.

• Students keep the completed projects.

Attendance

• Students are expected to attend the studio on time and complete there full or part time commitments. Classes start at 10:00 and finish at 17:00 with an hours lunch at 13:00.

• Mid term break: Due to the high intensity of the course, a break mid term will be a welcome holiday.

Course language

• Taught in English.

Expertise Meets Affordability

• High quality training at a fraction of the cost, making it a cost-effective alternative to expensive university courses.

Small Class Size Advantage

• Benefit from small class sizes where personal attention and mentorship are guaranteed. With Maximum 5 students. You'll have much more contact time than your average university student. University classes vary from 12-30 students.

Enhanced Contact Time per week

• 4 days/28 hours a week of contact time. Compared to, 2 days/14 hours or sometimes 3 days/21 hours typically found in traditional university courses.

Practical Focus

• The course is 100% practical, there is no written work or exams. We specialise in costume making, offering a focused, specialised curriculum that prepares you for a career in costume making from day one.

Industry contacts

• Gain exclusive access to industry connections, setting you on the path to a successful career in costume making. Students won't need to find their own contacts like university students.

Portfolio Development

• Our course provides personalised guidance for building a professional portfolio, an essential asset for career advancement. Students will get industry insider knowledge of what employers are looking for.

Global Opportunities

• Our course is open to international students at the same cost as national students.

Disney - Netflix - Lucas Film - Marvel Film - Warner Brothers - The BBC - ITV - MTV - Celebrity Cruise liners - The Joy Awards - BAFTA - Eurovision - The National Theatre - West End shows like Cabaret and The Book of Mormon - SIX the Musical - Manchester Royal exchange - Broadway - Kylie Minogue - Beyonce - Madonna - The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - LCF - Salford university

Caroline Townsend:

• Royal Central school of Speech and Drama, BA (Hons) Theatre Practice, Senior lecturer Crafts, Costume Construction Course leader

• Chair of Costume in Theatre Entertainment & Arts, A subcommittee of the Association of Theatre Technicians

I have known Jonathan Burniston since 2013 when he started the BA (Hons) in Theatre Practice, at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, specialising in costume construction. Whilst a student Jonathan made very good use of the course choosing projects that would develop his costume making skills. He networked and took advantage of work experience and placements, to secure his career destination at graduation, Jonathan started his costume making traineeship in film before he graduated.

It is clear from this website that Jonathan’s work is diverse and highly creative, some of the garments are complex requiring in-depth problem-solving skills. He is able to successfully work with a variety of materials and genres. The pattern drafting and making techniques are completed to a very high standard of finish, he is also adept at being a team leader and a team member. As well as working as a costume maker and pattern cutter on high profile film, television and live performances, Jonathan has been a guest lecturer on the Costume Construction course. The students have benefitted from his wide experience plus his considered and generous approach to teaching costume making.

Sophea Bailey:

• Costume Designer and Supervisor

I met Jonathan on the costume construction degree at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Since graduating I have had the privilege of working with him on a number of projects, including the MTV EMAs, Joy Awards and shows for Celebrity Cruises. On these jobs he created and adapted gorgeous costumes, ranging from tailoring to stretch.

In 2019, Jonathan also helped on a very personal project: conceptualising and making my wedding dress, which was everything that I had imagined and more. The broad range of skills in his practice has led him to be the first person I call whenever I need cutting or making done.

I look forward to many years more of creating together.

I would recommend studying under Jonathan as you will gain a wealth of knowledge from his experience

Full time Prospective students must:

• Submit a portfolio (see portfolio submission below)

• Have experience working with patterns (purchased or self made). However no prior pattern drafting experience required

• Be able to follow instructions both verbally and written.

• Work well within a team

• Have intermediate sewing skills: Meaning, you can make a garment or items from start to finish. This can be a simple item like a dress, shirt or accessory . This course is designed to add to the skills you already have, if you cannot thread a needle this isn't the course for you.

• Students starting this course must be able to use a domestic sewing machine, you will use both domestic and industrial - Have knowledge of basic hand sewing skills - Have some knowledge of fabric properties.

• Anyone unsure if this is the right course for them, please get in touch. Prospective students are welcome to pay the studio a visit and ask any questions in person, get in touch and arrange a time.

Part time prospective students must:

• Submit a small portfolio of work 2-3 projects. See example Images/Portfolio document below.

• Explain why they want to take the course, include any images of research or projects they would like to complete on the course. See, Why you want to take the course, example below.

• Which course level they wish to complete.

• See images/portfolio example

• See, Why you want to take the course, example

• Be able to follow instructions both verbally and written.

• Work well within a team

• Anyone unsure if this is the right course for them, please get in touch. Prospective students are welcome to visit the studio and ask any questions in person, get in touch and arrange a time.

Step 1: Portfolio Preparation

• Applicants are required to prepare a portfolio of 2 - 5 projects that showcases their previous sewing skills and any costumes , clothing or items they have made. An example of a project page can be seen here.

Please include the following…

• High quality photographs of previous work, that demonstrate your skills, include a brief description of the project.

• Show evidence of working with patterns. This can be provided by a description of your working knowledge of using a pattern, aided with pictures of your process.

• A personal statement (approximately 300 words) explaining why you want to complete the course. What is your reason for taking the course? What is your goal?

Step 2: Portfolio Submission

• Applicants should submit their portfolio digitally. Formats accepted: PDF document, website, instagram link.

Step 3: Application Review

• Upon receiving the portfolio, you will receive an email as confirmation of receipt of the portfolio. Your portfolio will be assessed if you are suitable for the course.

Step 4: Interview

• Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation for a FaceTime or in person interview. This interview will serve as an opportunity for both the applicant and teacher to ensure that the course is a good fit for the individual. During the interview, the applicant can talk in more detail about their portfolio. Applicants may be asked about their experience, their expectations for the course, and their career goals.

Step 5: Final Selection

• After interviews, final selections will be made, and applicants will be informed of their admission status. Accepted applicants will receive further instructions regarding the course registration and payment.

Please Note:

• The portfolio submission process not only assesses applicants' making skills but also helps in understanding your motivation for joining the course. While this is a small course, this comprehensive approach ensures that candidates with the right skills are selected for the course.

Full time fees

• £6000 tuition (including deposit)

• £1000 Deposit required to secure a place on the course.

• Course fees to be paid in full on day 1 of the course

Part time fees

• £2000 per student. (including deposit)

• £500 Deposit required to secure a place on the course.

• Course fees to be paid in full on day 1 of the course

Deposit non refundable if students withdraw from the course 1 month before the start, and if students withdraw from the course, fees will not be repayable.

If the course does not run your deposite will be repaid to you.

Funding organisations that may be able to support you with this course.

• Heritage Crafts is the national charity for traditional heritage crafts

https://heritagecrafts.org.uk/funding/

• Capitb - Helping fund skills and training in the UK fashion and textile sector

https://capitbgrants.org/

• Arts Council - Are the national development agency for creativity and culture.

https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/

Local councils sometimes have special funds for people from that area who wish to further their studies.

• Applicants should submit their portfolio, supporting documents to the below email.

• Should applicants want to ask any further questions about the course they can do so via this email.

themanchesterschoolofcostume@gmail.com

Nestled in a vibrant corner of Manchester, the schools home is in the charming neighbourhood of Levenshulme. A thriving community and only a short bus or train ride to Manchester city centre. The School is located within the iconic Antiques Market. Surrounded by local cafes, bars and shops, It will provide a welcoming and creative environment while you study.

The Manchester School of Costume

961 Stockport Rd, Manchester M19 3NP

• Course is for ages 18 and above

• Accommodation: There its no accommodation provided, however recommendations and assistance in finding local accommodation can be offered.

• Accessibility: Unfortunately the school is unable to accommodate for wheelchair users or anyone who is unable to climb stairs.