Costume Design

Costume Design program at the University of Texas at Austin offers students a comprehensive and immersive education in the art of creating costumes for theater, film, television, and live performances. This program focuses on developing students' creative skills, technical expertise, and understanding of historical and cultural contexts to produce compelling and authentic costumes. Students will learn the foundational principles of costume design, including research, sketching, fabric selection, pattern making, construction techniques, and fitting. The curriculum emphasizes collaboration with directors, designers, and production teams to bring creative visions to life on stage and screen.

Throughout the program, students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including costume shops and design studios, which provide hands-on experience with the tools and materials used in professional costume production. They also have opportunities to participate in university theater productions, gaining practical experience in designing, constructing, and managing costume departments. The program encourages exploration of diverse styles and eras, ensuring graduates are versatile and adaptable designers.

In addition to technical skills, students strengthen their understanding of design theory, visual storytelling, and the importance of authenticity in costume creation. The program emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices in costume production, preparing students for responsible careers in the creative industries. Graduates of the Costume Design program are well-equipped to pursue careers as costume designers, wardrobe supervisors, costume shop managers, or pursue advanced studies in costume design and related fields.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and scholars committed to mentorship and fostering creativity. Students benefit from a rigorous curriculum combined with collaborative projects, internships, and networking opportunities within the vibrant arts community of Austin. Upon completion, graduates emerge prepared to contribute innovative and culturally aware costume designs that enhance storytelling and enrich theatrical and cinematic productions.

Studio Courses (6 Semesters)

• Design Studio I (Year 1, 2 semesters) (including Drawing Lab) The first year is spent in Studio I with all new designers and actors. Topics covered in Design Studio I may include: devising performance, designing new work, collaboration and critical thinking.
• Studio II/Costume Design (4 semesters) (includes Drawing Lab). This is a discipline-specific costume design studio with all graduate costume designers focusing on the art and practice of costume design. The goal of these studios is depth of thinking and exploration.

Skill-Building Courses (6 Semesters)

The student may select from choices in many alternative areas. The student, with the advice and guidance of the design faculty and the student's primary design mentor, choose the skill-building courses. Specific course examples:

• Costume Design Skills (drawing, painting, fabric),
• Color in Design,
• Fabric Dyeing and Painting,
• Figure and Fabric Rendering,
• Digital Rendering,
• Script 2 Screen (Radio-Television-Film),
• Tailoring,
• Draping,
• Millinery,
• Mask-Making,
• ScenePainting,
• Lighting Design Skills,
• Scenic Design Skills,
• Armor-Making

Production Laboratory (6 Semesters)

The student conceives, plans and realizes costume designs for the Department of Theatre and Dance, the Butler School of Music and, upon arrangement, Department of RadioTelevision-Film productions. Students design costumes for at least three productions with additional opportunities. Students can accomplish realized designs for theatre, dance, opera and experimental performance as a part of their curriculum. Opportunities in film production design exist within collaborative arrangements with the Department of Radio-Television-Film

Critical Thinking/Writing (1 Semester)

Courses may include Theatre History, Design Theory, Reading the Canon and Research Methods.

Electives (3 Semesters)

In addition to courses offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance, students may also select courses from other departments of the university, including, though not limited to, the College of Fine Arts and the Department of Radio-Television-Film.

Thesis (2 Semesters)

The graduate Costume Design thesis serves as the capstone of the candidate's graduate work at the University of Texas at Austin. It is the final opportunity for the M.F.A. candidate to demonstrate his or her aesthetic, artistic, intellectual and technical acumen relative to the standards of the professional model.  The thesis will be reviewed per the standards of the performing arts industries and the university's standards of research. The thesis will consist of three parts: 

• A demonstration of artistry and skill in costume design.
• A demonstration of artistry and skill in costume design.
• A demonstration of artistry and skill in costume design.

Requirements

To apply, go to ApplyTexas.org, create an account and fill out the form. Note: Online requests for recommendations will be activated only after you have completed and paid for your application.

• Official Transcripts: Applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Online instructions for uploading transcripts (PDF format only).
• GRE Score: The GRE is not required for admission to the M.F.A. in Design and Technology program.
• Three letters of recommendation: These letters should be written by those who can speak most authoritatively about your background, training, professional experience and potential for a career in your chosen area of specialization in theatre. Each reference will receive instructions on how to submit his/her letter online to the Graduate School's secured web site. Only one letter is required from each reference.
• Professional Résumé of your practical theatre work.
• Design or Technical Résumé​
• Statement of Purpose: This two-page statement purpose should outline educational and professional goals, philosophy and/or personal theatre aesthetic.
• Design or Technical Portfolio: Portfolios should include examples of drawing, painting, drafting or any other manual skills applicable to your discipline including photos of realized productions or record of realized artwork. All portfolios must be submitted in the form of a website link or DVD (PowerPoint or QuickTime image file) before an interview can be scheduled. Images uploaded as portfolio materials (including the website link) must be in PDF format. For DVD submission information, see below. Applicants should bring an original portfolio to their on-campus interview, should one be scheduled. Résumés, statement of purpose, portfolios and other materials should be submitted online at the Document Upload System. DVD portfolios and/or materials that cannot be upload in PDF format should be mailed directly to the address below. DVD portfolios will not be returned.

Scholarships

For students who need additional financial support beyond fellowships and assistantships, financial aid is available. Graduate students may apply for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs administered by the Office of Student Financial Services.

The Costume Design program at the University of Texas at Austin offers students a comprehensive education in the art and craft of costume creation for theater, film, television, and other performance arts. The program emphasizes both the technical skills and the creative processes involved in designing costumes that enhance storytelling and character development. Students gain hands-on experience in designing, constructing, and rendering costumes, as well as understanding historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts that influence costume choices.

The curriculum includes courses in drawing and design, costume history, textiles and fabric analysis, pattern making, sewing techniques, draping, and costume construction. Practical studio work enables students to develop a portfolio that showcases their versatility and technical proficiency. The program also encourages collaboration with other departments, such as Theatre and Dance, to simulate real-world production environments and foster teamwork skills.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including sewing labs, costume construction workshops, and design studios. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and scholars in costume design, offering mentorship and industry insights. Internships and both faculty- and industry-led projects are integral components, providing valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as costume designers, wardrobe supervisors, textile specialists, and costume craftsmen in various entertainment sectors.

The university’s location in Austin, Texas, offers additional opportunities for engagement with local theater companies, film productions, and arts communities, providing students with experiential learning outside the classroom. The program aims to cultivate creative innovation while grounding students in technical mastery, ensuring they are well-equipped for the dynamic and evolving fields of costume design and production.