Carnegie Mellon School of Drama - BFA Costume Design

A small dress form with an intricate wire and bead gown next to a photo of the inspiration for the design - a chandelier candelabra.

Imagination Materialized.

Carnegie Mellon School of Drama costume design students cultivate their artistry and skills under the guidance of world-class faculty who are experts in their craft, and professionals in the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and an impressive, staffed and maintained costume stock that includes an historic collection. Our alumni work globally in theater, film, television, and more. The School of Drama’s costume design program is consistently ranked among the best costume programs in the world.

Two students sit at a design table in a costume studio, with a laptop open, leaning in and smiling.

Costume Design Curriculum

The costume design curriculum offers students intensive, mentored instruction in courses that develop their aesthetic sensibilities, understanding of global history, critical analysis, making skills, and practical application in realized productions. Coursework and production experiences span theater, film, television, opera, musicals, dance, and devised work. Advanced students may be assigned to assist or design professionally with one of Pittsburgh’s many theater companies. Annual trips to New York costume studios and the fabric district familiarize students with these important resources, while international festivals such as World Stage Design and the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space provide life-changing, inspirational experiences.

Click the link and navigate through each program’s curriculum using the gray menu on the right hand side of the screen.

curriculum

A World-Class Costume Studio

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

Student Work

Nine colorful costume design sketches for a production of “Godspell” are spread out across a table.

Process to Production

Elinore Tolman’s (Class of 2023) final project was to design the School of Drama’s 2023 revival production of “Godspell,” following in the footsteps of her mentor and professor, Susan Tsu, who designed the very first production as a student in 1970.

Learn more about Godspell’s history with CMU and Elinore’s design process here.

One student wears a costume, looking in a full-length mirror, while another student adjusts a scarf around his neck in a costume fitting.

Production Experience

Emily Marshburn (Class of 2023) was costume designer for the School of Drama’s 2023 production of “You on the Moors Now.” Here, she conducts a costume fitting for acting student Drew Bos (Class of 2023).

A sketch of a maroon gown on the left and a photo of the gown being worn by an actress on the right

A Designer’s Vision

Evan Riley (Class of 2024) was costume designer for the School of Drama’s production of “A Little Night Music.”

“This sumptuous and rich musical was such a dream to work on. This gown was worn by the leading lady, Desirée Armfeldt, when she sang the most famous song in the show, ‘Send in the Clowns.’ The song represents a woman who has finally reached true love, only to find her partner is not in step with her. Seeing her dressed her best, makes the heartbreak of this 11 o’clock number even more impactful. Motifs of flower bouquets symbolize the end of this actress’s performance. Katherine Chung (MFA Costume Production, 2025) expertly interpreted my sketch into the real garment. It was such an amazing experience to see my vision come to life and work in collaboration with such talented students.” – Evan Riley

Two students are backstage in a theater, hanging costumes on a costume rack.

Student-Run Productions

Claire Duncan (Class of 2023), costume designer for the School of Drama’s production of “this old haunt,” organizes the backstage costume rack in the Philip Chosky Theater before dress rehearsal.

An actor wearing an elaborate red Victorian coat and wig holds small black poodle and looks directly at the camera.

Production Designs

Claire Mildred (Class of 2020) designed costumes for the School of Drama’s production of “Or,” in November 2019.

Since graduating, Claire has transitioned into Costume Design for television and film with the help of the Television Academy Foundation, where she had a fellowship in 2020.

A costume dummy dressed in a floral costume, inspired by Billy Porter, on display at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Community Connections

Jem Tepe (Class of 2024) designed this piece for Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ “Flowers Meet Fashion” – a spectacular show that featured brilliant horticultural displays and breathtaking fashion designs inspired by Billy Porter, his local roots, and his iconic array of accomplishments as an award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.

The show featured designs by CMU costume alumni, current students, and professors.

Three actors in costume on stage in a production of “Cabaret”