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Design Innovation: Costume

Bring stories to life through design

Attend Our Virtual Info Session

Join us Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30 PM PT for a virtual information session on UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensives offerings for Summer 2026!

Register Here

Program Overview

The Design Innovation Theater Laboratory Intensive-Costume is a program for students interested in costume design for theater, film, and television. This experience provides opportunities to work with our distinguished faculty in classes such as Costume 101, Introduction to Costume Sketching, Silhouette, Sculpture, and Costume Design for Theater, Film, and Television. The combination of these courses will allow students to use the training to bring stories to life through their designs. Participants will learn the technical components of breaking down a script and the art of collaboration with directors while gaining hands-on experience in research, sketching costumes, and creating mood boards and color palettes.


The three-week version of this program (Session A) offers training in both costume design and the world of shoemaking, hair and make-up. Beyond the classroom, students will attend guest workshops with industry leaders that will teach students how to pursue costume design in film and cover portfolio preparation.


The program is designed for artists and students who seek additional discipline and training required for participation in a university theater program or a career in the entertainment industry. Participation in this institute is open to pre-college (14 years and older) students.


Admission to the program is by instructor consent. As part of the application process, each applicant must submit a resume. The resume can be uploaded during the application process.


*Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply and English language comprehension and proficiency is required.
Refer to the FAQ for additional information regarding language proficiency.
Housing

Campus housing for students 14-16 years old is TBD for 2026!

Schedule

June 21 – July 10, 2026

Program Costs

2026 (Commuter only) :
Program Fee: $4985
Application Fee: $350
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $5685

Contact Theater Laboratory Intensives

theatersummerinstitutes@tft.ucla.edu

Requirements

Applications are reviewed and admission to the program is granted on a rolling basis starting December 1st. Applying at your earliest convenience, prior to May 1st, is highly recommended.

Please note that all levels are encouraged to apply.

Applicants are required to provide the following during the online registration process:

In 400 words, how do you describe your passion for costume design?

A resume (if you do not have a resume, submit a brief description of your theatrical and/or artistic experience). The resume can be uploaded as a word or pdf file during the application process.

Note:

The essay will be prompted on the registration form and can be uploaded (.pdf) along with the resume during the applcation process.

All responses will not be accessible to edit in any form after submission of the application.

Program Eligibility
  • 9th-12th grade
  • Ages 15-19
Curriculum

View sample syllabus. UCLA Theater Laboratory Intensive students will receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program. The program does not carry college credit.

Due to the intensive nature of the program, a maximum of one excused program absence is permitted.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid is not available for the Theater Laboratory Intensives. As an alternative, students should explore the American Theater Wing, Andrew Lloyd Weber Training scholarship .

Important Dates and Deadlines

June 1, 2026

Application deadline

June 6, 2026

Enrollment Deadline

Sessions

June 21 – July 10, 2026