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Suitable for
Beginners as well as those wishing to strengthen their portfolio and understanding of the costume design process.
Age 18+
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Times & Dates
Tuesday 29th September – Tuesday 8th December
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Times
18:00 – 20:00
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Location
This is a in person course, located at Downside Road, Bristol
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Term Fee
£270.00
Overview
Incoming new course for 2026
This ten-week introductory programme offers a practical and creative introduction to the process of costume design for theatre and screen. Working from a set play provided in week one, learners will explore how text, character, and historical context shape visual design choices.
You will develop skills in research, drawing, fabric selection, and visual communication, learning how a costume designer collaborates with directors, performers, and makers. Through guided exercises, live model sessions, and supported studio time, participants will build confidence in translating ideas into clear and imaginative costume designs.
Sessions run from 18:00 to 20:00.
This course is taught in our writers studios at Downside Road.
Course Highlights
➔ How to analyse a play and translate character into costume ideas
➔ Historical research methods for costume design
➔ Drawing and painting techniques for representing fabric and form
➔ Understanding of era, status, location, gender, age, and occupation in design choices
➔ How fabric, colour, and texture influence storytelling
➔ Ways to communicate design ideas to makers and creative teams
➔ Confidence presenting your work in a professional context
Course Overview
Week 1 – Introduction & Historical Context
➔ Play text provided as the central stimulus
➔ Practice drawing fabrics using different media
➔ Introduction to the historical world of the play
➔ Exploring clothing across all levels of society in the period
Week 2 – Text & Visual Research
➔ Focused analysis of the script
➔ Learning how to carry out visual research for a character
➔ Working from books and digital sources
➔ Creating personal reference image boards
Week 3 – Costume in the Studio
➔ Live model session
➔ Demonstration of how a costume is constructed
➔ Drawing from a real costume example
➔ Considering communication with costume makers
➔ Beginning individual design ideas
Week 4 – Developing Your Designs
➔ Continued work on personal designs
➔ Exploration of colour palettes and fabric swatches
➔ One-to-one support from the course leader
Week 5 – Sharing & Practice
➔ Informal group sharing of ideas
➔ Second live model session
➔ Refining drawing and observation skills
Week 6 – Re-imagining the Play
➔ Designing for the same play set in a different era
➔ Further practice drawing fabrics and experimenting with media
➔ Research into new historical context
Week 7 – Design Communication
➔ Live model session
➔ Drawing and analysing costume construction
➔ Developing ways to brief makers and supervisors
➔ Progressing the second set of designs
Week 8 – Refinement
➔ Continued development of designs
➔ Deeper exploration of materials and colour
➔ Tutor feedback on individual projects
Week 9 – Professional Considerations
➔ Reviewing how design choices affect makers and budgets
➔ Revising the two final designs for presentation
Week 10 – Final Sharing
➔ Presentation of two completed designs
➔ Practice speaking as if to a Director, Producer, and Costume Supervisor
➔ Friends and family are welcome to attend
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Who Can Apply
➔ Beginners with an interest in costume and storytelling
➔ Learners curious about historical dress up to the 2000s
➔ Those considering further study in design
➔ Anyone interested in how costume connects with other theatre departments
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Why Learn Historical Costume Design Drawing
Learning to draw and design historically informed costumes bridges research, storytelling, and craft. Led by industry professionals, this course will help you translate history into powerful visual design and understand how clothing reflects culture, status, and character.
By studying silhouettes, fabrics, and period details, you will train your designer’s eye to capture authenticity while developing sketches that bring research to life. This foundation will strengthen your portfolio and support progression into theatre, film, heritage, or further design training.
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I've Never Done Design Before, Is This Course For Me?
Yes. This programme is designed as a supportive introduction. No previous experience is required—only curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to explore new skills.
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Short Course Cancellation Policy
We will make all reasonable efforts to deliver a short course as outlined on our site and in any brochure or published material. However, we reserve the right to cancel a short course in case of events outside our control or if the course fails to meet a minimum number of participants. In the event that we cancel a course, we will inform participants who have booked a place via email at least 7 days prior to the start date. We will also provide a full refund of the course fee paid. Bristol Old Vic Theatre School cannot be held responsible for any expenses you incur due to such a cancellation.
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Short Courses Refund Policy
If you wish to cancel your place on the course, you will receive a full refund if you notify the school at least 7 days prior to the start of the course. For cancellations, contact [email protected]
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