Students will be introduced to theatrical concepts by creating time and character appropriate costumes for their original theatrical production. The Elements of Art and Principles of Design will be further explored and reinforced through the prop construction process.
This lesson also supports the TIDES lesson, "Father of Texas: Stephen F. Austin."
Created by Alisa Ripley, 2007
Perception: The student will develop concepts about self, human relationships, and the environment through use of the elements of drama and the conventions of theater. The student is expected to: relate sensory and emotional responses to theater; imitate and synthesize life experiences in dramatic play; and represent environment, characterization, and actions. TEKS §117.16. Theater (4.1)(A)(E)(F)
Creative expression/performance: Using the voice and body, the student will expressively interpret characters and creates dramatizations. The student is expected to: clearly describe characters, their relationships, and their surroundings. TEKS §117.16. Theater (4.2)(B)
Creative expression/performance: The student will apply design, directing, and theater production concepts and skills. The student is expected to: demonstrate the safe use of props, costumes, and visual elements to define character, environment, action, and theme; alter space to create suitable environments for play-making. TEKS §117.16. Theater (4.3)(A)(B)
Historical/cultural heritage: The student will relate theater to history, society, and culture. The student is expected to: explain theater as a reflection of life in particular times, places, and cultures. TEKS §117.16.Theater (4.4)(A)
The student will communicate ideas about self, family, school, and community, using sensory knowledge and life experiences. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.1)(A)
The student will learn and select appropriate vocabulary to discuss the use of art elements such as color, texture, form, line, space, and value, as well as art principles such as emphasis, pattern, rhythm, balance, proportion, and unity. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.1)(B)
The student will express ideas through original artwork, using a variety of media with appropriate skill. The student is expected to: integrate a variety of ideas about self, life events, family, and community in original artworks; design original artworks; and invent ways to produce artworks and to explore photographic imagery, using a variety of art media and materials. TEKS §117.14. Fine Arts (4.2) (A)(B)
Students will design and create costumes for the characters in the original play Father of Texas. Creating these costumes will require tailoring and sewing. A straight stitch will be used on most costumes and an “x” stitch will be used to sew buttons. The teacher will demonstrate these sewing methods to the students.
Students will create Aprons using Patterns and Step-by-step Instructions.Focus Activity Discussion
Students will create Bonnets using Patterns and Step-by-step Instructions.
Students will create Men’s Vests using Patterns and Step-by-step Instructions.
Students will create Men’s Fringed Chaps using Patterns and Step-by-step Instructions.
Upon completion of the costumes, allow the students to view them while the actors are wearing them on stage. Ask the students what they think about all the costumes they have created and whether they like or dislike what they see. Do the costumes meet the needs of the written production, the set, and the actors? Do the costumes assist in making the play appear as if the viewer were in that time period? Do the costumes contribute to the authenticity of the characters? Why or Why not? Ask the students to identify the Elements of Art used in the creation of the costumes. Refresh the students on the Principles of Design. Begin a discussion identifying the principles in the overall set, including the costumes. Have the students participate.
Prop Design Extensions
The Federal Theater Project has compiled numerous photographic examples of Theater Arts. Allow the students to view images of costume design using this site. (Browse the selection by subject, then select “Costume Design” and “Costume Design Drawings”.) http://www.aladin.wrlc.org/gsdl/collect/ftpp/ftpp.shtml
Have the students select their favorite TV show or book. Using pencils and colored pencils, have them draw costume designs for the characters in their selection. The students should create four different costume drawings large enough to show some details, and then create one detailed drawing of a particular area of each costume to show both decoration and the texture of the fabric being used.
Costumes are an important part of the characters in theatrical productions. Costume Designers design and create the costumes worn by the actors. These costumes help the performer become their character while signifying to the audience the time and place of the play.
In this lesson plan, the costume designer will read the script and become familiar with the characters of the production. After consulting with the director, actors, and other theater designers, costume ideas will be sketched out and final versions will be selected. When designing costumes, the individual needs, sizes and shapes of the actors are necessary for a proper fit. Costumes must allow the actors to move freely and comfortably. The costume designer will measure the actors and begin construction. Once costumes are created, they may be adjusted to fit the actor, the director’s expectations, and the overall production. The costume designer will be on-hand during productions for mending, adjustments and overall organization of all costume related needs.
Have the students discuss the characters in the play in detail. Ask the students: What time appropriate clothing would have been worn by the characters? Are the characters outside, inside, traveling, working, or resting? Is it cold or warm? Is the character an important person? Would the character wear this costume for the duration of the play? Have the students respond with ideas. Take notes and work together to develop a list of costumes for each character.
Included in this lesson plan are costume ideas and instructions for construction. These activities were created in support of the play written by the Thomas J. Rusk Elementary 2006/2007 4th grade class. The students wrote their play using the Father of Texas lesson plan on the TIDES website. These lessons may be used as inspiration for future classes as they create their own productions.
