Costume and Technical
The Production program prepares students for professional careers in the practical realization of scenery and costumes. In order to establish a common vocabulary and a set of fundamental perceptions about goals and procedures, the first two years of the curriculum closely parallel those of the Design program. As the content of the classes becomes more sophisticated and specific, the Production curriculum begins to diverge from that of the design disciplines, emphasizing its own particular orientations.
Advanced stage mechanics, welding, plastics fabrication, technical drafting, fabric dyeing, flat pattern drafting, draping, tailoring, millinery, mask making, and the many auxiliary craft techniques related to the construction of scenery, costumes, properties, and accessories all assume priority over the study and practice of design. Nevertheless, production students who exhibit the talent and interest often enroll in advanced design classes.
Much of the teaching and learning in this discipline occurs outside of formal classroom situations in master/apprentice relationships with either School of Theatre production staff or the production staff of the Huntington Theatre Company. Many of these working professionals possess special talents and are employed in specific areas of expertise. Students are prepared for increasingly complex crew assignments for productions mounted by the School of Theatre and the School of Music.
There are also many opportunities for hands-on study in our more than 40 productions that the School of Theatre produces annually. We also offer professional opportunities through our Professional Theatre Initiative (PTI), which allows our students access to top theatres throughout the country for internship, summer stock, or production opportunities. Participating theatres include: Williamstown Theatre Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Company, and the Hangar Theatre, just to name a few. We also have two professional theatres in Boston that are PTI affiliates—the Huntington Theatre Company (2013 Outstanding Regional Theatre Recipient), which is in residence at Boston University, and New Repertory Theatre in Watertown, Massachusetts. Students can expect to work in professional or academic standing with both theatres during their tenure.
The Production programs have been in existence since 1954 when the School of Theatre was formed. Our alumni can be seen working in every facet of theatre, film, television, and the entertainment world. A full list of alumni and their accomplishments can be found on the College of Fine Arts website.