Program Overview

Introduction to the Dramatic Arts Program

The Dramatic Arts program at the University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive education in the field of drama, with a focus on developing skills in acting, design, and technical theatre. The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, preparing them for careers in the entertainment industry.

Degrees and Programs

The Dramatic Arts program offers a range of degrees and programs, including:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Design and Technical Theatre
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Puppet Arts
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies
• Minor in Puppet Arts
• Minor in Dramatic Arts

Graduate Programs

The program also offers graduate degrees, including:

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Acting
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Costume Design
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Lighting Design
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Scenic Design
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Technical Direction
• Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Puppet Arts

MFA Costume Design Program

The MFA Costume Design program is a highly tailorable program that allows students to follow a path that is unique to their interests and passions. The program focuses on developing skills in text analysis, research, creativity, communication, collaboration, and the ability to translate one's ideas into visual form with speed, consistency, and clear intention.

Course of Study

The MFA Costume Design program requires a minimum of three years of full-term resident graduate study and a minimum of 60 graduate credits. The program includes both design and assistant design assignments at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre (CRT) as well as on-the-job training with professional technicians.

Technological Requirements

All Design/Tech MFA students must have a laptop that meets the department's minimum requirements.

Costume Specific Courses

The program offers a range of costume-specific courses, including:

• Introduction to Graduate Stage Design
• Survey of 20th Century Stage Design
• Costume Design: Comic Exaggeration
• Costume Design: Tragedy and Post Modernism
• Costume Design: Poetic Realism
• Costume Design: Film and TV
• Costume Design: Fantasy and Opera
• Costume Design: Dance and Musicals
• Wearable Electronics
• Costume History
• Period Rendering
• Color Theory/Light & Fabric
• Advanced Make-up: Prosthetics & Wigs
• Flat Pattern Drafting
• Draping
• Tailoring or Advanced Costume Construction
• Practicum: Assistant Costume Design
• Practicum: Costume Design
• Practicum: Wardrobe/Shop Management
• Practicum: Directed Study in Costume Construction
• MFA Plan B Project
• Internship Milestone

Program Highlights

The MFA Costume Design program offers a range of highlights, including:

• The opportunity to work with professional directors and designers at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre
• Fully supported show designs, with access to the costume shop and professional technicians
• Access to NYC and Boston, with opportunities to see shows and art exhibits
• Graduate half-assistantships and FASFA Work-Study funding opportunities
• A highly flexible and individually tailored program, with a high professor-to-student ratio and one-on-one mentorship
• Professionally active professors with experience in NYC, regional, and international venues
• Opportunities to learn puppetry and collaborate with puppeteers
• Devised theatre opportunities, both through classwork and realized productions
• Wearable electronics cross-disciplinary courses, co-taught by Drama and Digital Media and Design
• Stop motion animation courses and independent study available through the Art Department
• Illustration courses available through the Art Department
• Grant writing courses, to learn about self-producing work
• Internship opportunities with regional theatres
• Professional teaching opportunities, with the chance to teach undergraduate courses in beginning sewing and basic stage make-up.