Theatre Artisan Certificate in Costume Crafts

Our Artisan Certificate programs are designed for students who have completed a BA or BFA and are proficient in their craft but seek to enhance their artistic and technical experience in order to gain employment in leadership roles in the profession. The emphasis on training is geared to those who do not wish to pursue an MFA but find that they are in need of additional refinement of skill, experience, and collaboration in a professional conservatory setting.

Our program seeks to:

  • Enhance artistic expression, communication, and production skills through hands-on, mentored production experience within a wide range of production opportunities and classroom instruction.
  • Explore creative collaborations with directors, actors, designers, and playwrights.
  • Develop a thorough understanding of professional working methods and standards.

Curriculum Highlights

  • In-depth classroom instruction in artistic, practical, and skills applications of production for the art of theatre.
  • Production opportunities in multiple venues and multiple genres including the opportunity to work on productions with companies through our Professional Theatre Initiative (PTI).
  • The option of internships with leading regional theatres, shops, and Professional Theatre Initiative (PTI) affiliates.

Learning Outcomes

Students in the Costume Crafts program will:

  • Demonstrate a high level of technical and interpretive Costume Technology skills sufficient to obtain professional positions in the performing arts.
  • Demonstrate spoken and written critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
  • Demonstrate an ability to enrich creative storytelling and take artistic risks.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and ability to engage with diverse communities as a theatre artist.

Program of Study

(minimum of 28 credits)

First Year 1st 2nd
CFA TH 099 Matinee 0 0
CFA TH 553 & 554 Colloquium 1 1
CFA TH 697 & CFA TH 698 Production 1 1
CFA TH 781 & CFA TH 782 Fabric Dyeing 1 & 2^ 1 1
Production elective(s)* 4 4
Total credits 7 7
Second Year
CFA TH 099 Matinee 0 0
CFA TH 553 & 554 Colloquium 1 1
CFA TH 797 Production or
CFA TH 591 D&P Internship
1
CFA TH 798 Production or
CFA TH 592 D&P Internship
1
CFA TH 881 & CFA TH 882 Millinery 1 & 2^ 1 1
Production elective(s)* 4 4
Total credits 7 7

*Students select Production electives in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. Courses from which a student may select include but are not limited to:

  • CFA TH 182 Methods of Construction—Costumes
  • CFA TH 655 History of Costumes 1
  • CFA TH 656 History of Costumes 2
  • CFA TH 665 Scene Painting 1
  • CFA TH 666 Scene Painting 2
  • CFA TH 671 Theatrical Welding 1
  • CFA TH 672 Theatrical Welding 2
  • CFA TH 679 Costume Production 1
  • CFA TH 680 Costume Production 2
  • CFA TH 682 Introduction to Textiles
  • CFA TH 755 History of Period Styles 1
  • CFA TH 756 History of Period Styles 2
  • CFA TH 757 Costume Production Studio 7: Historical Tailoring
  • CFA TH 758 Costume Production Studio 8: Ladies’ Tailoring
  • CFA TH 765 Scene Painting 3
  • CFA TH 766 Scene Painting 4
  • CFA TH 779 Costume Production Studio 3: Modern Tailoring 1
  • CFA TH 780 Costume Production Studio 4: Modern Tailoring 2
  • CFA TH 855 History of Period Styles 3
  • CFA TH 856 History of Period Styles 4
  • CFA TH 879 Costume Production Studio 5: Advanced Draping—19th Century
  • CFA TH 880 Costume Production Studio 6: Advanced Draping—20th Century

Students electing to take courses to fulfill their Production electives that are not listed above require the approval of their faculty advisor.

^CFA TH 781 & 782 Fabric Dyeing 1 & 2 is offered in alternating years with CFA TH 881 & 882 Millinery 1 & 2. Fabric Dyeing is offered in even academic years (i.e., AY 24, 26) and Millinery is offered in odd academic years (i.e., AY 23, 25).