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Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts

Costume Design Curriculum and Opportunities

A plan of study will be tailored to meet your individual needs with the guidance of your MFA committee consisting of three members of the faculty. We believe in tailoring that plan to your specific needs during your training as a Costume Designer.

That plan of study will include six hours of Company Core, (491 and 492). Company Core, the cornerstone of the collaborative approach that is fostered in the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film, is a two-semester course that is team taught by members of the design and directing faculty. You will explore methods and techniques to work cooperatively to create exciting and provocative theatre through open discussion with your MFA colleagues.

Other curricular highlights:

  • You are able to name a secondary design emphasis and complete courses in that specialty.
  • Additional coursework is available in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Wonsook Kim School of Art, and the Arts Technology program.
  • Multiple courses in Rendering, Costume Crafts, Costume Construction and Costume History are available. Courses in other areas of Design and Theatre Studies are also available.

Design Opportunities

A major goal of the program is to develop a strong portfolio of realized designs. You can expect to be assigned a major design each semester of your enrollment. You will also be assigned work as an Assistant Designer during your first semester for a Main Stage production in the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film season. The first semester experience culminates in a design for the Fall Dance Concert.

For subsequent semesters, the faculty consider the pedagogical needs of each of graduate candidate first when assigning designs for each production season. It is also possible to complete assignments as wardrobe supervisor, hair and makeup designer and/or try out other design areas. You will also work with directors whom are members of the faculty or candidates in the MFA Directing program.

Facilities

Our students work in the following Illinois State facilities:

  • Center for the Performing Arts  Theatre, a 500-seat proscenium style theatre (24 feet high by 38 feet wide), 45 line sets, 75-foot grid, multiple stage traps, spiral lift orchestra pit, excellent sightlines and ample wing space.
  • Westhoff Theatre  is a 125-seat thrust style space, features a 24 foot by 32 foot playing area, 21 line sets, and two stage traps center stage.

Additional highlights:

  • Well-equipped Costume Shop featuring two 20-foot long cutting tables, windows, industrial irons, and designated show tables support our mainstage productions.
  • A separate Craft Studio allows space to build, assemble and creatively engineer items.
  • The Dye room features a steam-driven 50-gallon dye vat, powder box for mixing dyes, and a full range of both domestic and professional dyes.
  • Each of your designs will be supported with a full production staff including a costume director, crafts room supervisor, costume technicians and crew members.