MFA IN COSTUME AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY:

If you are interested in learning more about the MFA in Costume Design or the MFA in Costume Technology at Indiana University in Bloomington please visit our website at theatre.indiana.edu and feel free to contact me at my email address on this website with any questions.  We are a proud member of URTA and encourage you to visit their website as well at urta.com.  To learn about my teaching philosophy please continue reading below. 

“You know, young actors say all the time, ‘Should I use my own life experience?’ And my response is, ‘What choice do you have?’ -David Mamet, Playwright

“…they who merely study the masters and not the works of nature are the grand-children, and not the children, of nature…” -Leonardo da Vinci, Thoughts on Art and Life

MY THOUGHTS ON UNDERSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN FOR PERFORMANCE: 

All students of design must see theatre, musical theatre, opera, ballet and performance art in order to stay informed.  After all, the theatre is the “seeing place,” and designers must comprehend drama as a visual art form. However, in order to truly understand the human condition and express it visually, they must  experience it. On the first day of many of my classes I allude to the above quotation from da Vinci, which reminds us that the nature of a character, the world in which he or she lives, and the journey that he or she will travel in the course of a story is most aptly expressed by one who has inhabited, observed and experienced the world.  You can find a chapter I authored on collaboration in the textbook titled The Art & Practice of Costume Design.

SOME NOTES ABOUT TEACHING FROM STUDENTS & GUEST DIRECTORS:

“This program was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had. To immerse myself in the culture where theatre has thrived for so long was an absolute dream come true.”

"I just wanted to drop you a note of appreciation - your talent and skill in teaching your students is amazing."

"Thank you again for your wonderful guidance and support. I always look forward to our chitchats in your office and your humor and suggestions are always hugely appreciated!"