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Earn Your BFA Degree in Costume Construction From the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

If you have the skills to whip up an amazing costume for a school production, Halloween or other events, and you are interested in costume design, the BFA in Costume Construction is for you. As the theatre industry has a strong need for Costume Construction majors, and most graduates have no problem getting work in this area.

Our BFA degree in Costume Construction is offered by the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, a leader in innovative solutions to technical challenges, utilizing highly skilled professionals and up-to-date equipment.

Our program supplies students with the necessary skills in a classroom setting, then allows them to execute those skills by building costumes in professional production settings. Students gain real-world experience that prepares them for a professional career in costuming.

A student working with fabric for costume construction.

All of our classes are hands-on and focus on building costumes. The program includes:

  • Building one to five three-dimensional garments and/or accessories in each class.
  • A study abroad program open to all Costume Construction students.
  • Internships with a professional theatre company, building costumes for community and regional theatre.
  • Work opportunities with one of our professional partners in paid positions as design assistants, stitchers or dressers.

The Webster Costume Construction BFA Degree Program

In addition to focusing on building costumes for professional theatre productions, our BFA degree students receive a well-rounded theatre education. Here is what to expect:

The first year of the program parallels our Costume Design program. Classes range from Introduction to Drawing to 2D and 3D design. These classes ensure all design/tech students finish the first year with the same professional vocabulary and expectations. The first-year production experiences include work as a crew member, design assistant and wardrobe manager.

The second year includes literature, design and skill-driven classes from Theatre History to Draping and Pattern Drafting. Second-year production experiences include work as a draper, design assistant and crafts head.

The third year includes both skill-driven classes and the opportunity to study design, study abroad or explore an internship. Design classes will range from Costume Design and Scene Design to Millinery and Corset Construction. Third-year production experiences include work as a milliner, design assistant and head draper.

The fourth year also offers the opportunity to study abroad or explore an internship. Fourth-year classes range from Costume Design II to Fabric Painting and Dyeing. Fourth-year production experiences include work as a painter dyer, tailor, design assistant and head draper.

Why Choose Webster for Your BFA Degree in Costume Construction?

Gain Professional Training in Building Costumes

Our BFA degree students execute all facets of costume design, and students are the focus. Our faculty members act as advisers and mentors, allowing students to be in charge of each production.

Our costume shop is fully stocked with industrial machines, a blind hemmer, industrial serger and baby locks. Our craft shop is equipped for millinery, jewelry making, shoe rubbering and painting work; our paint and dye room for fabric dyeing and modification.

Faculty Are Here to Advise You While Maintaining Their Professional Careers

Our Costume Construction classes have no more than 10 students, so you will receive extensive personal attention from dedicated faculty members. All of our faculty work in the industry and are members of USITT, The Association for Performing Arts & Entertainment Professionals. Many of our faculty members also pursue research interests. Some faculty offer students the opportunity to work with them on professional theatre projects with other theatre organizations.

Become Part of St. Louis’ Vibrant Theatre Scene

The St. Louis area features a thriving professional theatre community. Beyond working with our professional theatre partners, our students enjoy access to additional theatres and professional directors. You can also access a respected history museum, an internationally renowned opera company and orchestra, a vibrant music scene and a number of well-curated art museums.

Browning Theatre

Access Generous Scholarships

Webster offers a number of endowed scholarships that are available to our BFA students. Some are designated specifically for Costume Construction students, including the Mosbacher Webster Society Annual Scholarship. Others are offered to all BFA students, such as:

  • Maritta Woodruff Scholarship
  • Mueller-Russell Family Endowed Scholarship
  • Marilyn R. Fox Endowed Scholarship
  • David Huffman Memorial Endowed Scholarship
  • Marcus and Barbara Trice Scholarship
  • Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Fund

Begin Your Professional Costume Construction Career

Because our BFA degree students accept professional assignments building costumes and begin their careers while in school, you will gain professional theatre experience that will set you apart. Whether the next step along your career path is to further your professional career or enter a graduate program, you will be prepared for success.

Webster’s BFA degree programs have produced graduates who now work on Broadway, in television, on national tours and in regional theatres across the country.

Dee Graham
David Huffman Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund Recipient

“My time here at Webster has broadened my viewpoints and my ability to empathize with others. In the world of entertainment, more and more diverse voices are being heard.”

Dee Graham
Dee Graham

BFA in Costume Construction, ‘22

Join Us in the Theatre

At Webster's Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, we'll help you achieve academic excellence and prepare you for career success. The first step is to fill out our application.

STEP 1: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

STEP 2: SCHEDULE YOUR INTERVIEW/REVIEW

 

For more information, contact John Wylie, Head of Design/Technical Direction

Two actresses in fancy dresses and wigs.

Get Started on Your BFA Degree in Costume Construction

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Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.