Leah Pelz, a third-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) candidate in costume production, was the winner of the Barbara Matera Award at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) national convention. The award goes to an individual who has demonstrated excellence as a costume maker for the performing arts and/or entertainment industries. Barbara Matera Ltd. is one of the foremost costume houses in New York City.
Colleen F. Dobson, a second-year MFA candidate in costume production, was the winner of the Marian A. Smith Costume Award at the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC). The award is given to a student pursuing a graduate degree in costume design and/or technology at a regionally accredited college or university. The award is named for Marian A. Smith, who served as executive director of SETC for 26 years.
UNC’s Master of Fine Arts program in Costume Production develops the skills and attitudes needed for a professional or educational career in the costume arts. The program is dedicated to the training of the theatre artist who is responsible for the realization of the designer’s vision. The MFA in Costume Production is a three-year degree encompassing a broad range of costume courses, but the emphasis of the program is on the knowledge and skills necessary to produce costumes for the stage.
