The Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design/Production includes general and advanced courses in costume design, history, construction, and crafts. The program is sufficiently flexible to meet individual needs and interests, and also provides the knowledge and experience to move successfully into professional and/or educational theatre careers.
A total of 60 semester hours is required for the degree. Students participate in an intensive sequence of academic and studio work, and a variety of design and production experiences. University classwork and production assignments provide training in period patterning, tailoring, millinery, craftwork, dyeing, and various other methods of fabric manipulation. Students have opportunities for a variety of practical experiences such as designing for dance and studio or mainstage productions. Other possibilities include being a designer's assistant, make-up designer, hair stylist, crafts-person, cutter/draper, or milliner on a given production.
The Costume Design/Production program follows one of two tracks. The first of these is a three year residency at the Pippin - Fall 2004Tuscaloosa campus. The second track consists of a two year residency at the Tuscaloosa campus, followed by a season in residence at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in Montgomery, Alabama. The internship is not automatic, but is contingent upon the student's progress during the first two years. Students going to ASF will have the opportunity to work with a variety of artisans, craftspeople, and designers as each show will bring an assignment in a different studio area. Assignments will include work with the wigmaster, the milliner, and the costume craftsperson. There will be opportunities to first-hand, to assist either resident or guest designers, to observe and participate in shop management, and most likely, to design the MFA/PAT productions.
Admission to the program and awards of financial aid (assistantships) are based upon a portfolio review and an interview, usually at the U/RTA unified auditions, the Southeastern Theatre Conference convention, or on-campus in Tuscaloosa.
