Costume Design/Production AND double major?

mfarrellsavage
Mon, 01 Feb 2016 22:30:19 +0000

I’m shooting for costume design so I may be some help! (I’m a senior in HS now. I applied to six schools- have already been accepted to two academically).

Just letting you know, it will be very hard to find an excellent in-depth costuming program that allows for a double major. Generally, with the exception of NYU Tisch, BFA programs will not allow you to. It’s not a matter of the school not allowing you to, but your own schedule not allowing it. There are too many overlaps. I know for a fact that it’s impossible to do at Rutgers (I just attended an info session there a couple months ago and this is what I was told). That said, Rutgers has one of the best programs out there so I wouldn’t cross it off your list.

On the subject of NYU Tisch which I mentioned, you would be a Theatre Major and not technically a Design major BUT you would be working in the design/production studio so it’s nearly the same thing. Since you’d be looking to double major anyway, the fact that there is more focus on academics (it’s more 50/50 academics:training compared to a school like CMU or Rutgers which would be more like 80/20) than other BFA schools probably won’t concern you. That said, NYU Tisch is one of THE most expensive programs and has a terrible terrible reputation for financial aid. Not to sound like I’m knocking the school, (it’s actually my first choice- I applied EDII) just something to consider.

I second the above poster’s recommendation to look at MMC! I applied there (got accepted) and if I choose to go there, I would most likely pick up a minor.

Basically, my advice is if you are set on double majoring, look at programs where the BFA program is more like a BA program (as far as academics:training) and at BA programs. Actually, straight up emailing the schools you’re looking at and asking will make things a lot easier. But also consider sacrificing the double major idea in favor of the best training and opportunities. Oh, and go to as many theatre related info sessions as possible. People recommended programs to me that seemed excellent on their website and based on reputation, but I visited and was not only not impressed but extremely turned off for various reasons.

Best of luck! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.