Costume Production for Theatre and Film In this course we will learn more about the world of costumes for theater and film. We will discuss character, how designers and costume shops work and all the jobs that fall under costume in the real world of production. We will talk about how costumes work backstage, wardrobe duties, and we will learn basic sewing in a series of handmade projects to develop skills needed for costuming. We will focus less on drawing and more on practical and hands on projects that will give you a new appreciation of the art of Theatre and Film.

Costume Design I: Beginning This introductory course will explore the art and practice of costume design for the theatre. Topics will include the psychology of dress, play-script and character analysis, concept development, historical period research, figure drawing, and fabric considerations. Evaluation will be conducted through critique, class discussions and design presentations to the class. In this course we will not be discussing fashion design or project runway and we will not be discussing sewing techniques.

Theatre Production and Design Techniques (Half credit) In this course students who are collaborating on thesis 500/700 productions in the role of designers, technicians, or stage managers will be mentored by the theatre faculty and staff on a variety of topics as needed by their productions. Students will learn to manage resources of time, budget, and labor in collaboration with the artistic and technical team.  Round table style discussions, journaling and experiential work will be tailored to specific production needs ultimately culminating in a realized thesis production. We will talk about the next steps beyond what it taught in a design class and talk about the technical needs of producing a theatrical design in real life.

Costume Design II: Advanced In this course we will continue exploration of costume design and figure illustration. Design projects will focus on the further development of students' graphic and conceptual abilities. A range of work will be encountered, including modern dress, period realism, and fantasy.

The Creative Process In this course, students will have the opportunity to dig deeply into their own creativity and explore the processes by which ideas emerge and are given shape in the arts. The experiential nature of this course integrates cognition and action, mind and body.  Students will engage in a range of modes of discovering, knowing, and communicating, which are designed to push them beyond their present state of awareness and level of confidence in their creative power.  Practical work will be closely accompanied by readings and journaling, culminating with the creation and performance of a short project.

History of Western Dress: 1300-Present This course will address the changing ways in which societies have clothed the human body since the phenomenon of fashion in Western dress began during the late Middle Ages. Slides, readings, and video clips will be used to examine the ways in which evolving styles of dress reflect the social and political values of a society.

Spring Production Studio: Design In preparing two fully produced theatrical productions for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of theatrical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, painting, constructing, and running and striking of shows. More advanced students may speak to the professors about taking on special projects, but those with little or no experience backstage are very much encouraged to participate. 8 hrs. lab

Middlebury’s Historic Clothing Collection: Conservation, Documentation, and Interpretation Practicum Middlebury College is the proud owner of an historic teaching collection of over 400 pieces of antique clothing and accessories. However, the collection is poorly curated and remains largely hidden, stored away in the lower level of Wright Theatre. In this practicum/seminar, students will inventory and document the collection with the expertise of a textile historian and a costume designer; further conserve and physically stabilize the collection by improving its storage; and update and expand the online database, making the entire collection digitally available to on- and off- campus audiences alike.

Fall Production Studio: Design In preparing a fully produced theatrical production for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of theatrical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, painting, constructing, and running and striking of shows. More advanced students may speak to the professors about taking on special projects, but those with little or no experience backstage are very much encouraged to participate. 8 hrs. lab

Summer Jack

Reviews and ratings for Summer Jack at Middlebury College.Summer Jack teaches Costume Production for Theatre, Costume Design I: Beginning, Theatre Production and Design and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Summer Jack good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really enjoyed the course's hands-on style, and found the workload manageable. It was a great afternoon class to unwind from my other courses. Professor Summer Jack was also very helpful and understanding when we worked on our sewing  projects. 

I found the class to be extremely introductory to the reflective creative process. No substantial creative approaches were learned in the entire semester. While this class allows for a lot of freedom and very low commitment It is defenetly not exciting or thought provoking

this is the easiest class ever, but it honestly requires a surprising amount of work outside of class. The content is not applicable, and it's very loose and has a lot of breadth. I would recommend it if you need an easy class.