Christopher Arthur, MFA
Assistant Professor of Costume Design
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” This Benjamin Franklin quote always inspires me throughout my teaching career. As I go through the thought of, “what I do and how I do it,” I find myself exploring memories of what inspired me as a student. The quote from above rings true for me. I know that each student is different and have their own learning processes. In the costuming field, a very hands-on approach has been the standard for years. Having taught for over 20 years I have come to the conclusion that not every student learns the same way, and what might have worked for me, may not work for everyone. I like to use a combination of hands-on learning coupled with intellectual philosophies of design and construction. Keeping students engaged by respecting and valuing their options is the key to teaching.
Biography
My undergraduate college education took place during the time of the development of computers for daily use, limited internet, and immerging computer design programs. With that being stated, in today’s learning communities, we have so much access to great teaching tools and technologies. Being able to not just lecture about costume history, but the ability to explore museum websites with the students has been a fantastic learning and sometimes engaging tool.
Costume history is one of the basics of costume design, however it can be a very boring lecture class. I have strong interest in costume history and find it fascinating, but I know, it’s not that interesting for everyone. Through exploring one’s own cultural history, I have found that the students engage themselves more in the projects. Conversations with in the classroom seem to have more impact than just lectures. For example, “ What do you feel about the Hippie Movement and how does it relate to today’s fashions culture?” Allowing the students to explore on their own seems to develop a personal connection with subject. This also allows them to begin to understand a little more about themselves in the process.
With teaching costume design, it comes with multiple challenges. Each student’s thought processes are different; each eye is different. Students, as well as all people, typically see things through their own experiences and interpretations. I find that acknowledging each student's interpretation is important. Knowing this, instructing them to collaborate with others and to share individual visions of a show becomes very important. The best way to do is, from my experience, is to ask “the why”. Is it because he just road on a bus from Chicago in 1960 or did he drive his own car? Why did he wear a winter coat?
Traditional artistic ability varies per student. To allow each student’s voice to be heard, one must never compare one students work to another and to allow each student to express their personal designs in a way that best allows them to learn proper technique and explore alternative design avenues. Allowing my students to follow a guided exploration of creativity works well for them and keeps them engaged.
Teaching costume construction is fun and challenging. I have always been one who tries to figure out how thing work and how they are made. I find that taking complicated costume techniques and breaking them down step by step is the best way to communicate how to do something. There are many different ways to do projects. I teach what I have found to be a tested method of construction, however one the best things of being a teacher is being a student yourself and learning things from your students. Having your mind open to accept another perspective has always been another guiding force for my teaching style.
Chris Arthur has a B. S. in Technical Theatre from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and received his M.F.A, from Tulane University in Costume Design. He is originally from Indiana and has spent the last several years working and living in New Orleans. His professional design credits include, Edyvean Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis Civic Theatre, Le Petit Theatre, TexArts, Riverside Theatre, Tulane University Theatre Department, Tulane Shakespeare Festival, Rivertown, NOLA Project, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, Tulane Summer Lyric, and the WWE. Besides Costume and Hair Design, Chris is also accomplished performer and director.
Education
- Ball State University, B.S., Technical Theatre
- Tulane University, M.F.A, Costume Design
Interests
I enjoy collecting Antiques and renovations on my house.
Awards
- Sheila Richardson Lee Memorial Award for Excellence in Production Design 2019, Department of Theatre and Dance, Tulane University
- Big Easy Award Winner, Best Costume Design 2015, Alice in Wonderland, NOLA Project, New Orleans, LA
- Encore Award Winner, Best Costume Design Musical 2001, Lizzie Borden, Buck Creek Players, Indianapolis, IN