Costume Production

A student with short, dark brown hair, wearing a brown sweater stands at a table in the costume studio, working with her hands on a piece of muslin fabric.

Create Your Future.

CMU’s costume production program allows students to cultivate their artistry and skills with one-on-one mentorship from faculty who are experts in their field, and professionals in the industry. Students are welcomed into a third floor studio space with panoramic views and state-of-the-art equipment including dedicated and fully stocked dye facilities, multi-purpose craft space, 10-thread computer embroidery machine, patcher, complementing a full array of industrial, domestic and overlock sewing machines and irons, and additional access to CAD software, micro-processing equipment, 3D printers and laser cutters.  We have an impressive costume stock that includes a historic collection that is fully staffed and well-maintained. With connections to a strong alumni and professional network, graduates are well-positioned to enter the field.

A student works on finishing the edges of a costume project on a machine in CMU's Costume Studio.

Costume Production Curriculum

Our robust curriculum features intensive costume craft-focused classes and thorough studies in tailoring and period womenswear. Students gain hands-on experience by collaborating with design peers during the school’s dynamic production season, exploring various genres. The program boasts two full-time faculty members dedicated exclusively to Costume Production, and benefits from the support of a large studio staff that engages with both Costume Design and Production Programs. Additionally, professional guest speakers provide students with valuable insights and skills beyond the core curriculum, expanding their professional opportunities.

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A World-Class Costume Studio

Take a special behind-the-scenes look at CMU’s costume studio with NEXTpittsburgh’s Boaz Frankel.

Student Work

A student stands in front of a table covered in screen printing materials, gesturing in conversation with Farnam Jahanian, President of CMU, who wears a suit.

Creative Projects

Clio Gordon (Class of 2024) shows CMU President Farnam Jahanian a screenprinting project in the School of Drama’s costume studio.

Hugh Hanson (faculty) and Danielle Dulchinos (recent grad) stand with a dress form wearing Danielle’s thesis project - a hand-sewn and hand-embroidered re-creation of an 18th century gown and petticoat.

Award-Winning Alumni

Danielle Dulchinos (Class of 2024) received The 2024 Patterns of Fashion Award from The Costume Society of the UK at The Fashion and Textile Museum of London for her monograph project – a hand-sewn and hand-embroidered re-creation of an 18th century gown and petticoat.

A student with long dark hair and glasses sits working at a sewing machine in the costume studio.

World-Class Costume Studio

Kendall Anna Swendsen (Class of 2024) works on a project in the School of Drama’s costume studio.

alumni stories

Photo of Danielle Dulchinos, a white woman with brown hair pulled back, wearing an olive green turtleneck sweater.

Danielle Dulchinos

 Photo of Celia Kasberg, a woman with brown hair and bangs, wearing a flower patterned velvet jacket.

Celia Kasberg

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Featured Faculty

Photo of Hugh Hanson, a white man with a bald head, glasses, and a short gray beard, wearing a light teal button down, collared shirt.

Hugh Hanson

Associate Professor of Costume Production

Hugh teaches Costume Production courses ranging from pattern development, such as draping and drafting to specialized construction, including tailoring, dancewear, stretchwear, and period costume. In the Understanding Textiles course, Hugh leads a journey through the history of cloth production, analysis of its structure and applications of it. In addition Hugh mentors student costume designers on production assignments.

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Photo of Brian Russman, a white man with medium length grey hair and glasses, wearing a navy blue patterned suit jacket and red tie.

Brian Russman

Associate Teaching Professor of Costume Production

Brian teaches costume craft focussed courses including Fabric Dyeing, Fabric Painting, Millinery I & II as well as classes in mask making, footwear, armor, mold making and casting, and jewelry creation.

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Black and white photo of Tiia Lager, a white woman with long hair and glasses.

Tiia Torchia Lager

Costume Studio Manager

Tiia Torchia Lager is the Costume Studio Manager at Carnegie Mellon University. She moved to Pittsburgh after spending 17 years in New York City.

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