Theatre Costume Design

Curriculum

The following are the required courses for this major. Students meet with the Education Department to create a personalized academic plan. Transfer credits, placement tests, changes in curriculum, and other factors help determine which courses must be taken prior to graduation.

Click on a course title to expand and read the course description.

Associate of Arts, Advanced Study (A.A.)

DESN 3050

History of Décor & Costume I

Units: 3

The first course in a series which examines the history of fashion, architecture, furnishings, and textiles studied in relation to the social and cultural background of each era from the present through the 19th century.

DESN 3080

Historical Costume Cutting I

Units: 3

A class in the development of the artificial silhouette in history, emphasizing patterning and construction of undergarments and foundations essential to period construction. Character body modification is considered.

DESN 3250

Theatre Analysis

Units: 3

Theatrical history is examined through selected scripts with an emphasis on analysis for costume design. Focus is placed on those historical periods in which dramatic literature and theatre performance were most prolific and influential.

DESN 3280

Costume Design for Theatre

Units: 3

A specialized class in the process of costume design and its rendering. Students design costumes for a variety of historical plays and production styles.

DESN 3350

History of Décor & Costume II

Units: 3

A continuation of History of Décor and Costume I, this course examines the history of fashion, architecture, furnishings, and textiles studied in relation to the social and cultural background of each era from the Italian Renaissance through the 18th century.

DESN 3380

Historical Costume Cutting II

Units: 3

A continuation of Historical Costume Cutting I, this course focuses on the draping and cutting of historical costumes, with an emphasis on the draped costume, the semi-fitted Gothic costume, and the artificial silhouette of the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. Drafting patterns from period sources and current garments are demonstrated. Prerequisite: DESN 3080

DESN 3450

Costume Crafts I

Units: 3

A practical survey of the various fabric modification techniques employed by the theatrical costume designer, including dyeing, painting, aging, distressing, and creating unusual costume materials.

DESN 3530

Drawing & Rendering for the Theatre

Units: 3

A practical course in which realistic figures are drawn in period costumes and rendered in watercolors and prismacolors. Rendering of period fabrics, accessories, and period hair styles is demonstrated and applied.

DESN 3580

Wardrobing for Film & TV

Units: 3

This course investigates script breakdown and research techniques unique to wardrobing for film and television. Guest speakers from the industry introduce pertinent issues and practical techniques. Field trips familiarize students with the intricacies and requirements of successful wardrobe design for film and television.

DESN 3620

Historical Costume Cutting III

Units: 3

A comprehensive course that culminates in the creation of a fully realized, historically accurate, elaborate costume, including patterning and construction of undergarments, entire garments, and selected specialty work.

DESN 3650

History of Décor & Costume III

Units: 3

A continuation of History of Décor and Costume I and II, this course examines the history of fashion, architecture, furnishings, and textiles studied in relation to the social and cultural background of each era from the 19th century through the present.

DESN 3680

Costume Crafts II

Units: 3

Students survey and learn the craft of successful costume accessories and costume prop design. Theatrical millinery techniques, armor, footwear, jewelry, and form construction are studied. Prerequisite: DESN 3450

DESN 3780

Costume Design for Film & TV

Units: 3

An advanced practical seminar in costume design for film, television, video and other specialized disciplines, including spectacle, musical theatre, opera, dance, and circus. Portfolio scale projects are emphasized to prepare for professional submission and consideration.