Design Innovation: Costume
Bring stories to life through design
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. The two-week version (Session B) focuses exclusively on costume design. 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.
Campus housing has returned for Summer 2026!
Housing is available to students who will be 14 years of age or older by June 22, 2026.
Schedule
Program Costs
2026 fees will be announced this winter and include on-campus housing costs.
2025 (Commuter only) fees were:
Program Fee: $3790
University Fees: $111
Registration Fee: $350
Total Fee: $4251
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