Costume Design Program

AMUA’s costume design program will provide students with a well-rounded understanding of costume design. From the basics of costume construction to advanced techniques historical context, and the practical skills required to build a successful career in the field. Additionally, the business development component prepares them to turn their passion for costume design into a sustainable business.

Program Overview

Clock Hours: 708

Meets: 3 days per week

Duration: 10 months

Student to Teacher Ratio: 10:1

Course Requirements

Drawing – 60 hours

Costuming I – 80 hours

Costume II – 80 hours

Design I – 60 hours

Design II – 80 hours

Advanced Costume Design – 120 hours

Minding your Business – 28 hours

About the Instructor

Lori Gann-Smith is a highly experienced costume designer and fiber artist. Since 2020, she has been the Resident Costume Designer at the Nashville Repertory Theatre, with over 25 years of hands-on experience in costume design. Lori holds an M.F.A. in Costume Design from the University of Georgia and a B.S. in Speech and Theatre from Middle Tennessee State University.

Her impressive career includes contributions to well-known productions like “9 to 5,” “Violet,” “Elf,” “Mary Poppins,” “Shakespeare in Love,” and more. Lori’s teaching benefits from her extensive knowledge and practical experience in costume design and fiber arts, making her a valuable asset to aspiring designers and theater enthusiasts.