listen to bless my soul by the blushin roulettes

Can't link directly

[link]

but it is down at the bottom of the page

I have to teach my first costume lab on Saturday-

Actually, although I have been doing this for years, I am not a teacher. Most of the time I teach hands on stuff, and it works out well-- I can give a lot of one on one attention, because I have at most 4 students.

The first session, though, I like to tell them about costumes, what they mean to theatre and just the process in general so they can have some referance points. I have a fairly decent lecture, but I would really like to get the students to participate a little-- for example in the "what can a costume tell us about a character" discussion. But with jsut 4 people I feel a little bit like I am hanging them out to dry when I ask them that question. Any tips from teachery types-- usually I show a picture of someone and ask what we can see, but no one answers....

Sophia - can you model an answer or two if you get crickets?

Wants to be in Sophia's class!!!

(I don't know if this will help)I use several physical examples with my students. Pulling an assortment of clothing I ask them what time frame they think the article is from, describe the person wearing the clothing, is there another time frame the costume could be adapted to be used during, etc. Several times I've thrown a 'twist' into the mix and had all the clothing come from my wardrobe.

usually I show a picture of someone and ask what we can see, but no one answers....

If they don't answer, draw them out. If you feel comfortable enough, ask one of them what they think.

Thank you so much- Sometimes I think I get so excited about all the things that costumes tell us, I get afraid that I am jumping all over them answering myself. I have been known to do charades to give them an answer... but I am always a little afaid I come off like Ben Stein on the Wonder Years, only about costumes.

like the idea of having a piece to look at, as well as a completed costume. My students aren't usually people who will go on and do theatre, and there is a limited amount of sewing skill you can teach in the short amount of time we have, so my goal is for them to be able to see and appreciate costumes when they go to the theatre and watch movies.

If my students don't participate I kill them.

With a bat.

Vampire or cricket?

I'm hoping fruit.

Aluminum baseball.

They sound the best.

Aluminum baseball.

Yeah, but the reverb's hell. Thirty-six oz. Louisville Slugger has a nice heft to it.