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Stark, Ted

Associate Teaching Professor

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • My research and expertise is based in the world of theatrical Costume Construction. While performers appear to be wearing clothes on stage, costumes are actually quite different than fashion. Beyond the obvious differences where period costumes are concerned, theatrical costumes need to be constructed in durable but lightweight manner to evoke character, while enduring multiple performances and unusual activity present in theatrical production (sword fighting, extreme choreography, flying). Furthermore, creation of character via fabric requires knowledge of physics as it relates to fibers, weaves and the way that fabrics react to gravity and mold over the body. For example, cotton is a very common fiber from which fabric is made, but comes in numerous styles: denims, coutils, jersey knits, corduroys, sateens, etc. Each of these fabrics react very differently to gravity and mold the body in very disparate manners.

keywords

  • arts, performance, costume, design, physics, chemistry, textiles, history, art history, career development, fashion, indigenous people, historical context, traditional artisanry

Teaching

courses taught

  • THTR 1009 - Theatre and Society
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Explores the importance of telling (and listening) to stories from the stages of the world; in theatre we learn what people value in their time and place. Investigates the range of genres of theatre in today's society and how theatrical artwork is devised and presented. Ideal for non-majors.
  • THTR 1050 - Introduction to Stagecraft and Design
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
    Hands on project-based learning introducing the craft, principles, and practices of stagecraft and design. Students execute varied projects in topics including scenic, lighting, sound, and costume design as well as stage management, scenic construction, painting, props, sewing, hair and wigs, dyeing, and makeup. This course is ideal for those interested in theatre, film, dance, fine art, architecture, cosplay, fashion, engineering, and game design.
  • THTR 1115 - Costume Technologies
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
    Introduces technical production elements and procedures including materials, organizations, methods and equipment to realize theatrical costuming and make-up.
  • THTR 2105 - Introduction to Performance Design
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
    Introduces the creative/collaborative process of design for theatre and dance, including scenery, costume, lighting, and sound. Students create design projects and evaluate them with regard to artistic and practical concerns. Much of the course work is hands-on, experiential, and team-oriented.
  • THTR 4025 - Costume Patterning and Construction
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2024
    Learn to pattern and make your own clothing and costumes. The course focuses on basic hand and machine sewing skills, flat patterning and draping techniques, all culminating in the production of a final project. This course is ideal for those interested in theatre, film, dance, fine art, architecture, cosplay, fashion, engineering, and game design. May be repeated up to 6 total credit hours. Same as THTR 5025. Recommended prerequisite: THTR 1050.
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Background

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