Master of Fine Arts in Theatre: Costume Design and Technology

The Graduate Program in Costume Design and Technology at Illinois State University is a three-year program dedicated to the development of artisans, craftspersons, and teachers in the field of theatrical costume design. Graduates of the program work successfully in regional, commercial and university theatres nationwide; as well as in the television and film industries.

Curriculum

The opportunity to study under two full-time faculty costume designers gives graduate students the benefit of two diverse methodologies and aesthetic sensibilities. It also allows the program to offer a broad range of specialized courses. Graduate students take courses in Theatrical Costume Design, History and Styles of Stage Costuming, Seminars in Costume History, Rendering, Costume Construction and Costume Crafts, in addition to other courses designed to enhance research methodologies and theoretical foundations.

Costume students can also benefit by taking courses in draping, flat-patterning, and tailoring through the Family and Consumer Science Department. Study outside the School of Theatre may include art courses in textiles, water color, jewelry making, and figure drawing.

More detailed information on program requirements and course descriptions can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf).

Production Opportunities

Most graduate costume design students are given design assignments in the School of Theatre production program each semester, working in a variety of styles and periods with faculty and graduate student directors. The opportunity to create realized designs and to develop a professional design portfolio is at the heart of the Costume Design Program.

Professional Practice

The opportunity to assist guest professional designers during the summer months is available through the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Students may also spend one semester interning with a regional theatre during their final year of study. Students have recently interned at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre, the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, and the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.

Teaching Opportunities

The Master of Fine Arts is a terminal degree and is a requirement for most university teaching positions. With teaching as a potential career option, M.F.A .students at Illinois State University receive training and gain experience in teaching at the college/university level. M.F.A. students in Costume Design supervise laboratory sessions in the costume shop and may arrange additional teaching experiences for costume survey and makeup courses.

Financial Aid

Graduate students in Costume Design and Technology may be awarded Graduate Assistantships with a full tuition waiver and a monthly stipend to aid them in defraying a portion of their educational expenses. Graduate assistantships usually require a minimum twenty-hour work week commitment to the School, which may include work in the costume shop and teaching assignments. Information about additional financial aid is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Recruitment

The School of Theatre admits a limited number of graduate students to the Costume Design and Technology Program every year. The School of Theatre seeks talented candidates with strong aesthetic sensibilities and a disciplined desire to succeed as artists and teachers.

Admission

Application to Illinois State University may be made on-line through the University Admissions office. Prospective students must meet with members of the costume design faculty in established U/RTA interviews or on the Illinois State University campus.

Further information regarding admission requirements and the application process can be found in the Graduate Catalog (pdf). Specific questions may be directed to , Head of the Graduate Costume Design and Technology Program.

Success for Recent Graduates

Graduates from the costume design program at Illinois State University work in a wide variety of professions throughout the industry. Positions held by recent graduates include wardrobe supervisor at Drury Lane Theatre, cutter/draper at the Long Wharf Theatre, clothing product developer for Kohl's Corporation, and freelance designer.. MFA costume design alumni also teach at institutions of higher learning, such as Ball State University, Frostburg State University, and Michigan State University. For more information about School of Theatre alumni, visit our alumni page.