MFA Plan of Study: Costume Design and Technology
The plan of study in Costume Design emphasizes aesthetic experimentation and collaboration, as well as the establishment of strong research and communication practices. We believe an effective designer is one who brings nuanced, well-supported ideas to every table and communicates well with design, technical, and performance colleagues.
CLASSES
Design Courses
Design classes focus on how textual and cultural analysis combine with compelling research to guide aesthetic choices, and how thoughtful discussion can further develop those ideas. You will practice verbal, written, and visual communication skills in every course while completing research and preparing a variety of presentations. You will learn how to effectively critique your own and others' work with an eye for revision and growth, and learn how to incorporate a broad range of global perspectives and voices in your processes.
Classes
Technology Courses
Courses in patterning, crafting, and wig and makeup design offer opportunities for you to hone professional technical skills that will inform your design decisions. Through them, you will build a design and technical vocabulary that will strengthen your professional communication with colleagues across a variety of fields.
Facilities
Costume Shop and Support Facilities
At Purdue, you will have access to a fully equipped costume and craft shop, furnished with both domestic and industrial sergers and sewing machines, an industrial dye vat, multi-point ventilation, a dedicated craft area and storage, and multiple washers and dryers. Four dressing rooms and on-site costume storage with access to a freight elevator and loading dock support your design work; most technology courses are held in the costume shop, while design courses are typically held in the design studio.
TERMINAL PROJECT
Production Work and Terminal Projects
During your time at Purdue, you will design costumes for multiple mainstage productions with the full support of the costume shop; you will also have opportunities to participate in student- and faculty-led workshops. Designing a mainstage production with extensive research, preparation, and paperwork will be the culmination of your time at Purdue and serve as the basis for your Terminal Project.
ASSISTANTSHIPS
Assistantships and Funding
If you are awarded one, part of your graduate assistantship will include employment as a stitcher, craftsperson, first hand and/or patternmaker in the costume shop; the remainder of your employment will be focused on teaching either an introductory-level costume course or introductory-level makeup design course. With consistent guidance from your faculty mentor, you will create you own syllabi and assignments and lead class sessions. If your career goals eventually include college-level teaching, this is an opportunity to gain teaching experience and engage in reflection and revision of course content.
Assistantships provide a modest annual salary and cover full tuition costs. MFA applicants are automatically considered for an assistantship but are not guaranteed one.
