Program Overview

Introduction to the Theatre (Costume Studies) Program

The Theatre (Costume Studies) program at Dalhousie University is a unique and comprehensive undergraduate degree that focuses on the history and creation of costumes. This program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded education in costume studies, emphasizing both theoretical and practical skills.

Program Overview

The program is offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, specifically through the Fountain School of Performing Arts. It is available as a four-year Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theatre (Costume Studies) or as a two-year Diploma in Costume Studies. The program starts in September, and students have the opportunity to explore various aspects of costume studies, including historical costume creation, costume history, and the application of costume in performance.

Program Options

• Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Theatre (Costume Studies)
• Diploma in Costume Studies

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, applicants must meet the minimum academic criteria:

• Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
• Achievement of the minimum average for the program of choice
• Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course)

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

• Minimum overall average: 70%
• Academic English 12
• Four additional academic subjects
• Applications for Honours in Theatre are considered by the Fountain School of Performing Arts until the winter term of the student's third year.

What You Will Learn

The program is designed to teach students how to create clothing from historical periods using bespoke, one-of-a-kind couturier methods. Students will also learn about the contribution of clothing to the formation of personal, community, and cultural identities. The curriculum includes a strong proficiency in costume history, exploring why people clothed themselves as they did, paying attention to social and cultural influences, along with class and gender differentiation.

Sample Courses

• Year 1: Writing About Performance, Writing About Stage and Screen, Introduction to Costume Studies
• Year 2: Aesthetics of Contemporary Dress, Pattern Drafting, Castle to Café - Dress from 1450 to 1700, Language of Design
• Year 3: Costume in Performance, Bustles to Boardroom - Modern Fashion from 1900, Body-Shaping Through Historical Tailoring
• Year 4: The Sculpture of Dress, Draping, Aesthetics of Historical Dress, Gender and Theatre

Careers

The program prepares students for successful careers in the varied career paths related to costume, including:

• Costume Designer
• Arts Administration in Theatre and Film Industries
• Costume Buyer
• Costume Cutter
• Museum and archival fields Graduates of the program also leave with the academic study and research skills necessary to continue to graduate-level studies in historical research, museum/curatorial and conservation, as well as costume design.

Financial Information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Dalhousie University offers competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help students explore financial options and develop a plan that works for them.