Program Overview

Introduction to the Costume Production, MFA Program

The Costume Production, MFA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in costume production for the theatre. The program is structured to give students a solid foundation in the principles and techniques of costume design and construction.

Program Structure

The program is divided into three years, with each year building on the previous one. The first year focuses on providing students with a basic core of information and techniques, while the second and third years allow students to specialize in their area of concentration.

First Year

• First Semester (12 hours total)
  • Drama 470H: Survey of Western Costume History Honors (3.0 hours)
  • Drama 473: Beginning Flat Pattern (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 587: Seminars in Professional Practice: Millinery and Wigs (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 650: Couture Methods (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 790: Costume Laboratory I (3.0 hours)
• Second Semester (12 hours total)
  • Drama 474: Beginning Draping (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 586: Seminars in Professional Practice: Dyeing (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 752: Tailoring (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 766: Digital Applications (3.0 hours)
  • Drama 791: Costume Laboratory II (3.0 hours)

Second Year

• First Semester (11 hours)
  • Drama 587: Seminars in Professional Practice: Millinery and Wigs (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 760: Advanced Patternmaking, Part 1 (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 774: Period Pattern: 20th Century (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 784: Costume Management (1.0 hour)
  • Drama 792: Costume Laboratory III (3.0 hours)
• Second Semester (10 hours)
  • Drama 585: Seminars in Professional Practice: Dyeing (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 752: Tailoring (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 762: Advanced Patternmaking Part 2 (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 770: Period Pattern: Pre-Victorian (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 793: Costume Laboratory IV (3.0 hours)

Third Year

• First Semester (8 hours)
  • Drama 750: Advanced Couture (3.0 hours)
  • Drama 774: Period Pattern: 20th Century (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 992: Graduate Final Practicum (3.0 hours)
• Second Semester (8 hours)
  • Drama 764: Creative Draping (3.0 hours)
  • Drama 770: Period Pattern: Pre-Victorian (2.0 hours)
  • Drama 992: Graduate Final Practicum (3.0 hours)

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in costume production, including costume design, construction, and management. The program includes a combination of coursework and practical experience, with students working on productions for the PlayMakers Repertory Company and the Department of Dramatic Art. The program is structured to allow students to specialize in their area of concentration, with a focus on providing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field of costume production.