FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- 3/21/11
Morgan Arts Council • Berkeley Springs, WV
www.macicehouse.org

Press contact only: Marti Sikes -- 304-258-6678


NEW EXTREME COSTUME CHALLENGE AT ICE HOUSE

BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV ---- Armed with glue guns, tape, needles and 
thread, students in the Spring 2011 Extreme Costume Challenge weekend 
classon Saturday and Sunday, March 26 and 27 at the Ice House are 
scheduled to create and wear stage costumes for a runway show at 1pm 
on Sunday. Class runs from 9am to 3pm both days. The runway show is 
free and open to the public and there will be cash prizes for best 
costumes. "The class is really about designing and making costumes 
for plays," said teacher, Marti Sikes. "The runway show helps 
students learn about audience reaction."

Students in the class can expect to learn everything from choice of 
fabric and design to proven methods of creating and assembling costume 
elements. They will also spend some time working with sewing 
machines. "We'll provide each student with a packet of items to be 
used in their costumes," said Sikes, "including things like feathers, 
fur and bubble wrap. They'll also have access to MAC's costume room 
with racks of clothing that can be altered and redesigned." Students 
may wear their creations in the runway show or draft someone else to 
be the model. "We'll be taking photos of all the costumes to post on 
the MAC website," said Sikes.

Those completing the class will be encouraged to assist in costuming 
upcoming theater performances at the Ice House. "We've upped the pay 
off for the runway show this time," said Sikes. "We'll see if that 
builds the crowds. If there is an audience, we'll keep having runway 
shows."

The weekend class is part of the Morgan Arts Council's yearlong 
"Building Community Theater" project. It is open to anyone 12 and 
older. No sewing or stage experience is necessary. All materials and 
supplies are provided. Call 304-258-2300 to register.

The Ice House is located at Independence and Mercer in downtown 
Berkeley Springs. This class is funded in part by the WV Commission 
on the Arts and local hotel tax funds.

      

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