During the first year, the course work and production assignments are designed to give the student a basic core of information and techniques. The graduate student might stitch or be an assistant designer on the first production and be a crafts assistant or first hand on the second and so on through the six show season.

By the end of the first year, students begin to concentrate their study in a specific area of costume production: draping, management or costume crafts. In the second and third year, students work in responsible positions in their area of expertise. Students are given opportunity to produce work that will enhance their portfolios.

First Year of Training

The first two semesters include core courses that lay the foundation for all future work.

First Semester – 12 Hours

  • Beginning Flat Pattern
  • Survey of Western Costume History
  • Couture Methods
  • Seminars in Professional Practice
  • Costume Laboratory I

Second Semester – 12 Hours

  • Beginning Draping
  • Costume Design for the Technician
  • Choice in Program Emphasis (1)
  • Seminars in Professional Practice
  • Costume Laboratory II

Second Year of Training

Students will choose courses that focus their training. By choosing from the many options, students are able to design a program that fulfills their individual needs.

First Semester – 10 Hours

  • Choices in Program Emphasis (2)
  • Seminars in Professional Practice
  • Costume Laboratory III

Second Semester – 10 Hours

  • Choices in Program Emphasis (3)
  • Seminars in Professional Practice
  • Costume Laboratory IV

Third Year of Training

The opportunity for specialization continues in the third year. The smaller course load allows the student more time to work exclusively on production projects for the professional company.

First Semester – 8 Hours

  • Choices in Program Emphasis (2)
  • Costume Laboratory V

Second Semester – 8 Hours

  • Choices in Program Emphasis (2)
  • Costume Laboratory VI

Choices in the Program Emphasis

The student may develop a program of study beyond the core courses by choosing from various areas of study:

Patternmaking Series: After basic flat pattern and draping in the first year, the student may choose Advanced Flat Pattern, Advanced Draping, Creative Draping and Patternmaking with the Computer.

Period Patternmaking Series: A series of four courses analyze and offer a practical approach to the shapes of the 15th-18th Centuries, 19th Century Women’s Wear, 20th Century Women’s Wear, and 19th-21st Century Menswear. In addition to the required Western Costume Survey, Non-Western Costume is recommended.

Construction Series: Couture Methods is a core course that addresses the basic techniques of costume construction. Advanced Couture is a study of bodice construction, and Tailoring teaches “old world” methods as well as modern options.

Costume Craft Series: The Seminars in Professional Practice touch on many costume crafts and related topics. Additional guided study may be offered in Millinery, Fabric Modification, Shoe Topics, and Masks.

Management Series: The Department offers courses in Stage Management and Theatre Management. In addition, the costume program offers courses in Resources, Budget and Planning, Human Resources, and Costume Shop Management.

Seminars in Professional Practice

The seminars are taught on a two year rotation. Guest lecturers lend their expertise to the program in these areas. The hands-on projects from these seminars will generate high quality portfolio material.

Semester I

  • Dyeing
  • Distressing
  • Fabric Printing/Painting

Semester II

  • Millinery
  • Wigs
  • Crowns and Tiaras

Semester III

  • Masks
  • Life-casting
  • Armor

Semester IV

  • Jewelry
  • Accessories
  • Padding Techniques
  • Macro-puppet Construction

Portfolio and Resumé Development

Students will develop a professional resumé and portfolio as an ongoing process throughout the three-year program. Presentation of portfolios and projects is required as part of graduate evaluations held each semester. Students are expected to apply for summer work to expand their experience and are encouraged to participate in outside organizations and conventions in order to meet prospective employers and other theatre artists.