One of my best learning experiences was my second year costume design class, which changed the direction I wanted to take my degree. At this point in the year, I was unsure of what I wanted to do, knew I enjoyed the intro costume production class, so decided to enrol in it. The class discussed basic fashion history, figure drawing, some theory of costume design, the paperwork to keep track of what is happening, and the final project involved completing finalized sketches for the play. All in all, it went through the costume designer’s process for a play or musical. It also taught the basic skills that are needed in the career, such as the administrative side and basic drawing skills.
A way that this course was successful was by how hands on it was. We did every step of the designer’s process as well as weekly practice and gained history knowledge. This course was an example of constructivist learning. Our final projects were all our own interpretation of the text and what we personally got out of the play. In theatre design, it is important that one brings in their own experiences. It allows for different ideas to be represented and accurately convey the play being put on. We were offered critique and advise from the professor on our direction and how successfully our vision was represented. Taking critique is and important part in any creative field, which this learning style helps to do. Being open is how artists grow and learn in their technical stills as well as the creative ones. As talked about previously, much of what we learned had real world application as well. By taking us through the process, my professor set her class up for success for managing their own shows. In conclusion, my interest in the topic and the constructivist learning style the class was taught in made for a great learning experience.
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