Hands-on costume making sessions for volunteers and makers to learn sewing, fabric selection and theatrical costume construction. Free sessions at Theatrical in Cheltenham—suitable for beginners and experienced makers.
Sunday 6 September 2026
to Sunday 27 September 2026
11:00am - 3:00pm
14 Friendship Square, Cheltenham VIC 3192, Australia
Free
This costume making workshop invites parents and community members to step into the creative heart of local theatre. Whether you love sewing or want to try something new, these sessions focus on practical skills, sustainable materials and collaborative projects that will help bring characters to life on stage and enrich your family's connection to community theatre.
Expect a warm, hands-on environment where friendly facilitators guide you through fabric selection, simple sewing techniques and decorative finishes. The focus is on learning useful skills while having fun, so you can return home with new confidence in mending and making costumes for school plays or family projects.
You will work as part of a small team on pieces that will actually appear in Theatrical's upcoming productions. This means your efforts will support local theatre, giving your children something to be proud of and creating memories that connect families to arts and culture.
Sessions are relaxed but productive, suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike. You will be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and collaborate—perfect for busy parents who want a creative outlet or practical sewing skills.
The workshop runs on Saturdays from 11:00 to 15:00 across several dates in September, offering full-day, project-focused sessions. Each session includes demonstration time, hands-on making and short breaks so participants can stay energized and productive.
Skills covered include basic sewing and alterations, fabric selection and sustainable sourcing, simple pattern adjustments and decorative techniques. Practical takeaways are emphasised so you can apply what you learn at home or in school costume projects.
What to bring and expect:
- Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little crafty
- Any personal sewing tools if you have them (scissors, pins, measuring tape)
- Enthusiasm and willingness to collaborate with other volunteers
The sessions take place at Theatrical, 14 Friendship Square, Cheltenham 3192, a community-friendly space with easy access to local transport. The venue is in the heart of Cheltenham and works well for parents combining school runs or weekend plans.
Consider walking, cycling or using public transport to reduce parking stress; there are local bus options and short walking routes nearby. The address is easy to find on maps and sits within a family-focused precinct with cafes and parks nearby for a relaxed drop-off or wait.
If mobility or specific access needs are a concern, contact Theatrical via their get-involved page for details about accessibility and any support requirements. The team aims to make workshops welcoming for all participants.
These sessions are volunteer-focused and your creations may be used in live productions, so participants should be comfortable contributing work for community theatre performances. The workshops are educational and collaborative, offering valuable experience for anyone interested in stagecraft and costume design.
Supervision: adults are expected to supervise school-aged children if they attend together, and workshops are best suited to adults and older teens who can use basic hand tools safely. Safety guidance on sewing equipment and materials will be provided on site.
Please note that space may be limited and materials are provided on a shared basis; bringing some of your own basic tools helps. If you have allergies or special material needs, alert the organisers before attending.
The Costume Making Workshop is free to attend. Places are limited, so early booking is recommended to secure your spot and help organisers plan materials and staffing for each session.
To book or find more information, visit https://theatrical.com.au/get-involved/ where you can register interest and see session dates. The sessions are volunteer opportunities, so register if you can commit to contributing to production work and teamwork.
If you have questions about bookings or need support with accessibility or joining as a volunteer, reach out via the Theatrical contact page. They will confirm your booking and provide any last-minute details before each workshop.
