Arkansas State University professor of theater and costume shop manager Claire Abernathy is bringing what she learned during her fall sabbatical spent in London back to the classroom this year at A-State.

Abernathy spent five weeks taking courses focused on costume technology through the University of Arts London at the Central Saint Martin campus, developing skills A-State students can learn in a costume shop theater lab or advanced costume course, she said.

“The courses included: Vintage Millinery, Sustainable Pattern Cutting and Draping, and Draping Womenswear Design,” said Abernathy. “In addition, I took a private three-day workshop with a professional corset maker to create a pair of 18th century stays, as well as private one-day workshops in leather bag making and Indian block printing.”

After returning to Jonesboro, Abernathy prepared for the spring semester by integrating the knowledge she gained in London into her syllabi and teachings.

“I plan to work with one to three students to create a hat, or hats possibly, for our upcoming production, 'Cinderella,’” said Abernathy. “This is not something we have ever attempted before because it wasn't something I felt comfortable with, but I'm excited to give my students the opportunity to try out this new skill and increase the quality of our production with these special accessories. We are also going to be upcycling some garments – a key aspect of the sustainability course, and looking at how much waste is created in a production in order to create awareness and hopefully work towards more sustainable practices.”

Abernathy said students will also take part in hands-on learning in the block-printing technique, allowing them to create their own fabric and mimic historical prints and details.

In addition to learning in the classroom, Abernathy was able to explore and see multiple theater performances and take part in other excursions in her field of interest.

“I toured Angel’s Costumes, the largest costume house in Europe, attended a dressing demonstration at Shakespeare’s Globe, visited the Fashion and Textile Museum’s Biba exhibit, and saw a special exhibit called ‘Red’ presented by the School of Historical Dress,” said Abernathy.

The professor and costume shop manager reflects on her five-week sabbatical abroad and encourages other faculty to take advantage of the opportunity.

“This was an amazing experience, and I had the absolute best time learning new things, seeing professional theater and experiencing the way other people teach, manage studio spaces and organize costume storage,” said Abernathy. “I’m proud of what I accomplished and excited to share it with my students in the spring and moving forward.”