Theatre - Costume Design and Technology
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a focus on Costume Design and Technology is a four year program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to create visually compelling, functional, and historically accurate costumes for theatre, film, and performance arts. The curriculum emphasizes costume construction, design principles, textile knowledge, and historical research, enabling students to develop expertise in translating artistic vision into wearable, durable designs. Through lectures, studio practice, workshops, and hands-on production experience, students gain practical skills in pattern making, sewing, dyeing, and wardrobe management, preparing them for careers in theatre, film, and performance production.
Students gain extensive experience in costume design, textiles, theatrical history, and technical production, strengthening creative problem solving, technical proficiency, collaboration, and attention to detail. The program combines core courses in design theory, textiles, construction techniques, and theatre history with electives that allow students to specialize in areas such as period costume, contemporary design, or digital costume visualization. By integrating theoretical study with applied production experience, graduates acquire the skills necessary to pursue careers in costume design, wardrobe management, fashion for performance, or continue into graduate studies in costume design, fashion, or theatre production.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Theatre - Costume Design and Technology
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 - Foundations in Costume Design and Technology
- Introduction to Costume Design and Theatre
- Fundamentals of Sewing and Construction Techniques
- Theatre History and Performance Studies
- Academic Writing and Research Skills
Year 2 - Core Studies in Design and Materials
- Textile Science and Fabric Analysis
- Costume Drafting and Pattern Making
- Design Principles and Visual Storytelling
- Elective Courses in Digital Design or Period Costume
Year 3 - Advanced Topics & Applied Production
- Costume Design for Stage and Film
- Advanced Construction and Wardrobe Techniques
- Production Practicum and Collaboration with Theatre Departments
- Elective Courses in Specialized Costume Areas
Year 4 - Capstone & Professional Preparation
- Senior Design Project in Costume Design
- Advanced Seminar in Performance and Costume Integration
- Internship / Professional Placement
- Career Preparation and Professional Skills
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in theatre, film, television, and performance production. They often work as costume designers, wardrobe supervisors, production assistants, fashion for performance specialists, and theatrical consultants, applying knowledge of design, textiles, historical research, and production workflows to bring creative visions to life. Many graduates continue their studies in costume design, fashion design, theatre production, or related graduate programs, leveraging their expertise to innovate in design, manage wardrobe teams, and collaborate with directors and production teams. The combination of creative skills, technical knowledge, and applied production experience ensures graduates are fully equipped to succeed in professional environments that demand both artistic excellence and practical proficiency.
Why Choose This Program
This program is ideal for students seeking a comprehensive education in costume design, theatre production, and visual storytelling that combines creative development with technical expertise. It emphasizes costume construction, design principles, textile mastery, and historical research, preparing students for careers in theatre, film, and performance production. Students participate in studio workshops, live productions, internships, and collaborative projects, gaining hands-on experience alongside academic study. The four year curriculum allows in depth exploration of design, materials, construction, and production processes, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully to creative projects, professional productions, and innovative costume solutions in the performance industry.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the graduate admissions office at:
Phone: 217-333-0035
Email: grad@illinois.edu
Address: The Graduate College, 507 East Green Street, Suite 101, MC-434, Champaign, IL 61820, United States
