New extreme costume challenge at Ice House

Now in its second successful year, the Morgan Arts Council’s (MAC) Extreme Costume Challenge announces it for Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1. Class is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days with Sunday afternoon devoted to the 2 p.m. open-to-the-public Runway Show featuring the created costumes.

In a new twist, the Runway Show is shared with performance art staged by the recently completed improvisational acting class.

Costumer and teacher, Marti Sikes announced that the theme for the spring class is fantasy. “We’ll be exploring the outlandish, futuristic and exaggerated,” she said. “Think Tim Burton, Starwars or Cats.”

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 spend time working with sewing machines as well as glue guns and tape. No experience with sewing is required. "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 can bring additional items from home as well as having access to MAC's costume room with racks of clothing that can be altered and redesigned." Students must be 10 or older to attend alone. Younger students must have a parent remain with them.

Both the class and free Runway Show are held at the Ice House located at Independence and Mercer in downtown Berkeley Springs. Call 304-258-2300 to register.