Fashioning Performance Exhibition by Dr. Caroline O’Brien at Assembly Gallery
Fashioning Performance is an In-Studio Exhibition that explores costume making techniques that can be applied across performance genres. Led by Dr. Caroline O’Brien current students in Performance have collaborated in setting up a workshop, building and restoring costume components and exhibiting them as a way of examining a process of making.
Costume design for the stage begins with a set of design drawings to illustrate the finished costume. Costume cutters and makers then work with the designer to select fabrics and trims, create patterns, build garments and decorate them as desired, all while conducting fittings in process to ensure a good fit. The costumes are carefully reinforced to ensure that performers can move easily and not worry about the seams splitting.
Photgraphed by Vivian Tran
Join us on Monday, May 29 at Assembly Gallery (inside the Image Arts building) for an exhibition of costumes, accessories and tools! It’s sure to be a lot of fun, and a can’t miss event for the Performance Community!
Has your summer been boring and a little uneventful? Well you should come to the ‘Fashioning Performance’ workshop to do activities such as learning how to sew a tutu. It’s a fun hands-on process where you can learn all the parts of making a costume and how much hard work goes into them.
Photographed by Vivian Tran
This week at the assembly gallery I found out I’m actually a really good teacher. Some of our team had never even sewn before and after 2 days they had put together a bodice and I helped that happen. Not only did I learn how to make a Romantic Tutu in a week, but I am making it as a reproduction of Gisele’s Skirt for the National Ballet of Canada to go alongside the bodice we are repairing. I never thought a week ago that this would be something I would have the opportunity to do but also be trusted with.
Photographed by Vivian Tran
As an acting student, I find that the 'Fashioning Performance' gallery is a phenomenal opportunity to appreciate the skill and artistry put into the creation of costumes. There's an eye-catching assortment of vintage ballet tutus, newly constructed pieces, come by and take a peek!
I quite liked observing the different stages of the tutu constructions happening simultaneously with people of all skill levels working side by side. Caroline O'Brien has the studio open for anyone and everyone to learn and appreciate the process of creating costumes.
Photographed by Vivian Tran