Summer Jack
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre
- Office
- Mahaney Arts Center 329
- sljack@middlebury.edu
- Office Hours
- Spring '25: On medical leave
Summer Lee Jack has been designing costumes for over 20 years and has worked on over 125 productions from operas and new plays to musicals, TV series, motion pictures and short films in the New York City area. She is interested in telling stories that advocate for women, diversity, and underrepresented voices. She has a masters degree in design from the Yale School of Drama and is a proud member of the United Scenic Artists Union Local 829, and a member of Wingspace Theatrical Design Collective.
Courses Taught
ARDV 0116
The Creative Process
Course Description
The Creative Process
In this course, students will have the opportunity to dig deeply into their own creativity and explore the processes by which ideas emerge and are given shape in the arts. The experiential nature of this course integrates cognition and action, mind and body. Students will engage in a range of modes of discovering, knowing, and communicating, which are designed to push them beyond their present state of awareness and level of confidence in their creative power. Practical work will be closely accompanied by readings and journaling, culminating with the creation and performance of a short project. (First- and second-year students only; Not open to students who have taken FYSE 1364) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
HARC 1033
Historic Clothing Practicum
Course Description
Middlebury’s Historic Clothing Collection: Conservation, Documentation, and Interpretation Practicum
Middlebury College is the proud owner of an historic teaching collection of over 400 pieces of antique clothing and accessories. However, the collection is poorly curated and remains largely hidden, stored away in the lower level of Wright Theatre. In this practicum/seminar, students will inventory and document the collection with the expertise of a textile historian and a costume designer; further conserve and physically stabilize the collection by improving its storage; and update and expand the online database, making the entire collection digitally available to on- and off- campus audiences alike.
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0119
Upcoming
Fall Production Studio: Design
Course Description
In preparing a fully produced theatrical production for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of theatrical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, painting, constructing, and running and striking of shows. More advanced students may speak to the professors about taking on special projects, but those with little or no experience backstage are very much encouraged to participate. 8 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0120
Theatre Production and Design
Course Description
Theatre Production and Design Techniques (Half credit)
In this course students who are collaborating on thesis 500/700 productions in the role of designers, technicians, or stage managers will be mentored by the theatre faculty and staff on a variety of topics as needed by their productions. Students will learn to manage resources of time, budget, and labor in collaboration with the artistic and technical team. Round table style discussions, journaling and experiential work will be tailored to specific production needs ultimately culminating in a realized thesis production. We will talk about the next steps beyond what it taught in a design class and talk about the technical needs of producing a theatrical design in real life. (Half-credit course)
Terms Taught
THEA 0125
Upcoming
History of Western Dress
Course Description
History of Western Dress: 1300-Present
This course will address the changing ways in which societies have clothed the human body since the phenomenon of fashion in Western dress began during the late Middle Ages. Slides, readings, and video clips will be used to examine the ways in which evolving styles of dress reflect the social and political values of a society. 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0129
Spring Production Studio: Des
Course Description
Spring Production Studio: Design
In preparing two fully produced theatrical productions for the stage, students will participate in and be exposed to professional production practices in all areas of theatrical design, including sets, costumes, props, lights, and sound. Students will be involved in planning, building, painting, constructing, and running and striking of shows. More advanced students may speak to the professors about taking on special projects, but those with little or no experience backstage are very much encouraged to participate. 8 hrs. lab
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0205
Costume Design I: Beginning
Course Description
Costume Design I: Beginning
This introductory course will explore the art and practice of costume design for the theatre. Topics will include the psychology of dress, play-script and character analysis, concept development, historical period research, figure drawing, and fabric considerations. Evaluation will be conducted through critique, class discussions and design presentations to the class. In this course we will not be discussing fashion design or project runway and we will not be discussing sewing techniques.
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0325
Current
Costume Design II: Advanced
Course Description
Costume Design II: Advanced
In this course we will continue exploration of costume design and figure illustration. Design projects will focus on the further development of students' graphic and conceptual abilities. A range of work will be encountered, including modern dress, period realism, and fantasy. (THEA 0205 or by approval) 3 hrs. lect.
Terms Taught
Requirements
THEA 0500
Current
Upcoming
Intermediate Indep Project
Course Description
Intermediate Independent Project
In consultation with their advisors, theatre majors in design may propose a THEA 0500 Intermediate Independent Project. Preliminary proposal forms approved by the student's advisor will be submitted to the program by March 1st of the preceding academic year for those wanting credit in the fall or winter terms and by October 1st for those wanting credit in the spring term. Projects will conform to the guidelines that are available in the theatre office. Students are required to attend a weekly THEA 0500/0700 seminar.
Terms Taught
THEA 0505
Current
Upcoming
Intermediate Ind. Project
Course Description
Intermediate Independent Project
(Approval Required)
Terms Taught
THEA 0700
Current
Upcoming
Senior Project
Course Description
Senior Independent Project
Senior work is required. In consultation with their advisors, theatre majors may propose a THEA 0700 Independent Project. Preliminary proposal forms approved by the student's advisor will be submitted to the program by March 1st of the preceding academic year for those wanting credit in the fall or winter terms and by October 1st for those wanting credit in the spring term. Projects will conform to the guidelines that are available in the theatre office. Students are required to attend a weekly THEA 0500/0700 seminar.
Terms Taught
THEA 1033
Historic Clothing Practicum
Course Description
Middlebury’s Historic Clothing Collection: Conservation, Documentation, and Interpretation Practicum
Middlebury College is the proud owner of an historic teaching collection of over 400 pieces of antique clothing and accessories. However, the collection is poorly curated and remains largely hidden, stored away in the lower level of Wright Theatre. In this practicum/seminar, students will inventory and document the collection with the expertise of a textile historian and a costume designer; further conserve and physically stabilize the collection by improving its storage; and update and expand the online database, making the entire collection digitally available to on- and off- campus audiences alike.
Terms Taught
Requirements