We CU Performing at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts: Costume Design
Develop technical and artistic skills in costume construction, design theory, and production collaboration for theatre and entertainment industries.
If you believe what you see in a theatrical production, thank a costume designer. Centenary University’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, Costume Design concentration, is a pre-professional program that will prepare you with all the skills necessary to work as a costume designer in the professional theatre. The Costume Design concentration runs parallel to Centenary’s Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising (BFA) programs, with the majority of students working toward a double major in both subjects.
Professional skills
In our Costume Design program, you will have the opportunity to:
- Assist professional designers with the Centenary Stage Company, a professional theatre group based on campus.Design costumes for productions including our touring Young Audience Series, University student productions and Centenary Stage Company main stage productions.
- Network with working professionals to gain insight into their craft of costume design.
- As a result, our graduates are in high demand because they are creative thinkers and problem solvers, prepared to tackle a number of careers in both the theatre and fashion industries.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MFA/MA in Theatre, arts administration, stage management, design/production certificate, teaching certification, or nonprofit management credential.
Career Pathways:
Costume Designer, Wardrobe Supervisor, Film/TV Costume Stylist
Industry Outlook:
Steady demand for costume designers in live performance and media, though competition is high.
Regional employers include
NJPAC; Paper Mill Playhouse; McCarter Theatre Center; George Street Playhouse; Two River Theater; State Theatre New Jersey; Count Basie Center; New Jersey Ballet; regional production companies; school districts.
Salary Outlook:
$40,000 – $65,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Theatre Arts: Costume Design, a reasonable starting range is approximately $35,000–$52,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $60,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data