Preparing students for the challenge of the ever-changing world of theatre design and leading them toward a life of true artistry is the basic philosophical approach of this program. The graduate program in costume design is designed to stimulate and arouse the creative spirit. It challenges students to explore, experiment and innovate. In a three year program combining design, crafts, aesthetics, and hands-on production, students are given a wide variety of experiences to prepare them to meet the challenges of the costume profession. The graduate program in design is kept small, with only a select few students chosen each year.
Students get individual attention and the opportunity to specialize in their studies.
They collaborate with professional directors, designers and actors in the California Repertory Company and are exposed to professional guests in the classroom. The faculty in the graduate program are all practicing designers, artists and teachers. Nancy Jo Smith , head of the costume area, has designed for theatre, dance, theme parks, television and video. She is also a nationally recognized fiber artist with work in galleries throughout the United States. Students are invited to accompany her on professional design engagements and participate in distinguished workshops and seminars.