Costume Design

The first year curriculum is taken in collaboration with other design/technology majors and is an immersion into the culture of production and design. Students explore common themes and approaches to thinking metaphorically and abstractly with an appreciation of design as an aesthetic distinct from the other arts, and awareness of design considerations as manifested in theatrical productions. Students also begin their four-year drawing progression and take course work in costume technology and stage make-up in the makeup shop. Students will complete three production crew assignments during their first year, usually including one or two assignments in their area of study and one or two in another area of production.

Second year students move into the specific costume design curriculum and focus on the vocabulary and historical precedent of costuming while developing creative responses to plays and characters. Students continue their drawing progression with rendering and explore period style elements through a survey of art, architecture, fashion, and furniture. Costume Technology coursework focuses on the history of clothing construction. Students work on three productions as assistant costume designers to third and fourth year students.

In the third year, students hone their ability to analyze character and express themselves artistically while concentrating on different theatrical art forms – plays, musicals, operas – particularly in the context of modern texts. Students work collaboratively with their peers to propose and justify design concepts and further develop their drawing and rendering ability. Students work closely with the entire production team and Costume Shop to design two shows in our production season.

The fourth year is a transition year, further developing students’ abilities and preparing students to enter the profession. In-class projects will focus on larger period plays and plays with complex situations. Students also explore other areas of design through electives. Production work continues as students typically design one more production in our production season and complete a professional internship of their choosing.

At the end of each year, The Theatre School hosts a Graduate Showcase event to showcase the work of our graduating design students. Under the guidance of the faculty, graduating designers prepare a showcase exhibit of their portfolio–which is presented in Chicago for artistic directors, alumni, and other members of the theatre, film, and television industries.