Costume Technology FAQ

We use the phrase costume technology to refer to the fabrication of costumes based on the costume design’s specifications. This could involve a combination of sewing, patterning, draping, dyeing/painting, costume crafts, tailoring, and other specializations within the craft.

Our courses are taught by the Head of Costume Technology along with our distinguished group of instructors, all of whom are working professionals in their fields.

Most costume technology courses have no more than 10 students, allowing ample one-on-one instruction.

At DePaul, we have a BFA in Costume Design as well as Costume Technology so that students can hyper-focus on one area of the costume creation process. Our costume technology students have the opportunity to take upper-level courses in design beyond the curriculum requirements if desired but their practical production work will focus on costume technology.

There are LOTS of career opportunities within the area of costume technology in many industries in theatre and beyond. Our graduates work in all areas of costume technology including theatre, tv/film, circus, opera, and dance as well as wardrobe professionals in major cities and in touring companies.

Our graduates are well-prepared to begin work immediately as stitchers, first hands, drapers, wardrobe professionals, shop assistants as well as costume craftspeople, milliners, and tailoring assistants.

We offer a variety of courses within the curriculum to provide a well-rounded foundation in many areas of costume technology including flat patterning, draping, millinery, costume crafts, tailoring, hair and makeup design, and period costume construction as well as rotating workshops focusing on a variety of niche topics. Students also develop their "soft skills" such as organization, research, and project and team management.

We believe that students learn best by doing.  Production Practice is our practical production work; as part of their curriculum, students work with our costume shop staff and student costume designers to create costumes for our mainstage productions.

As students progress through the program, they gradually take on more responsibilities until they are usually managing their own projects in their 4^th year. We take into account the interests of each student (i.e., wardrobe, tailoring, costume crafts, draping etc) but also are careful to assign projects that are within the scope of the student's abilities to ensure a successful learning experience.

Absolutely!  Since our students work on mainstage productions starting their very first year, they graduate with 12-20 productions they can list on their resume as well as all their projects completed during classes. We also offer a Portfolio Prep class during the students’ last year where they learn how to put together their portfolio and website as well as a yearly exhibit at TTS where all the Design/Tech students showcase their work. In the Spring of their final year, students bring their portfolio to the Michael Merritt Awards here in Chicago where they have the opportunity to meet industry professionals and make networking connections.

While we currently don’t have an official DePaul internship partnership program, we do have relationships with several theatres and summer stock organizations where our students have had great experiences both during the academic year as well as over the summers. Students also have the chance to study in London during the autumn of their final year as part of our Design/Tech-specific Study Abroad program.

Our facilities are lovely! The theatre building itself was built in 2013 and our 3^rd floor costume shop is bright and airy with lots of large cutting tables, industrial sewing machines and other professional-level equipment.

Yes! We love our students to explore other areas of The Theatre School. Past students have taken courses such as upper-level drawing classes, scenic model building, and scenic painting as well as many classes in other Schools such as History and Art. Many of our students also take on minor degrees and some are even able to earn a double major.