Program Goals
The goal of the Costume Design and Technology Certificate of Achievement is for students to gain the diverse and necessary skills to acquire entry-level positions in entertainment costuming.
Study in costume design and technology develops multiple skill sets. Students gain these skills in the lab and lecture courses and apply those skills in practicum courses. The following list describes those skills:
Costume Design: Collaboration, research, costume history, historical fashion terminology, script analysis, presentations, life drawing, rendering (drawing and painting), color theory, design elements, leadership, management, interpersonal relations, portfolio and professional development.
Costume Production: Knowledge in fabric, dye, fabric modification, fabric printing, construction, patternmaking, fittings, alterations, millinery, jewelry making, accessories, specialty crafts, hair, wigs, makeup, safety procedures and common shop processes.
Costume Management: Budgets, procurement, professional relationships with fellow shops, designers and vendors, time management and scheduling, and communication.
The following are occupations in the entertainment industry share the required skills achieved in the Costume Design and Technology Certificate of Achievement:
Costume Designer
Assistant Costume Designer
Costume Buyer
Costume Illustrator or Fine Artist
Costume Shop Manager
Cutter/Draper
Sewing Machine Operator
Sewer, Hand
Tailor, Dressmaker and Custom Sewer
Craftsperson or Crafts Artist
Dye Technician
Wardrobe
Textile Designer
Digital Textile Printing Technician
On-Set Dresser Film, Television, Film and Entertainment
Costume Attendant, Live Entertainment and Theme Park
In the past six years, the Costume Program has developed from one course to eight. The program was created with a philosophy of learning specialty skills in the classroom and applying them to practical live performances. Each of the eight costume courses address the core skill sets needed for employment in the entertainment industry. After curriculum development, the costume program added three Skills Certificates in Costume Design and Application, Costume Construction Skills and Wardrobe Skills. The next step for the costume program is to create the Certificate of Achievement that combines all of the courses and the Skills Certificates.
ELAC’s Technical Theatre Department is different than many theater programs (two and four-year) because of the focus on employment skills and career preparation. ELAC Technical Theatre created the district course TECTHTR 305 Orientation to Technical Careers in Entertainment. This class exemplifies this commitment to career preparation and students create a portfolio, online website, resume, cover letter, and business cards.
Over the course of the past five years, ELAC has been working together with Center Theatre Group (CTG), the largest theatre in the Western states averaging a $50 million annual budget. In January 2018, CTG asked ELAC Theatre Arts Department to be their official education partner. This partnership is creating internships, apprenticeships, and specialty courses for our students. This proposed Certificate of Achievement is supported by CTG as the next step in developing the disciplines within Technical Theater.
ELAC has been working with the film and entertainment industry as well. Local 705 Motion Picture Costumers has created a pilot apprenticeship program and selected ELAC as the education partner for this project. Apprentice’s will serve as a Costume Department PA on a television series for nine to twelve months. They will acquire the necessary hours to apply to Local 705 at the conclusion of the apprenticeship and develop invaluable contacts in a network based industry. These industry connections certify that the Costume Design and Technology Certificate of Achievement prepares students for employment and internship opportunities.
The entertainment industry is based in Los Angeles. Entertainment costuming employment is growing as trends in new media gain popularity and join the already booming film and television industry
The following occupations covered in Local 705 Motion Picture Costumers:
Costume Department Supervisor
Costume Department Foreperson
Costumer Keyperson
Costume Checker
Manufacturing Foreperson (Women’s Garments)
Pattern Maker and Fitter
Hand Beader
Women’s Garment Tailor
Milliner
Table Person
Alteration Fitter
Draper
Figure Maker
Shirt Maker
Dyer
Tailor’s Helper
Special Operator: masks, headpieces, special materials
Millinery Maker
Cleaner
Finisher
Tailor Cutter
Tailor Fitter
Coat, Pant and Vest Maker
Alteration Tailor
Wardrobe Specialty Manufacturer
Special Costume Keyperson
Special Costume Manufacturer
The following occupations are covered in Local 892 Costume Designers Guild:
Costume Designer
Assistant Costume Designer
Costume Illustrator