Make-up and Wig Design

Student applies ghostly make-up to a performer before Blood Wedding

CCM offers a rare and unique MFA in Make-Up and Wig Construction and Design.

Graduate students will commit to 2-3 years, during which time they will expand their art skills in areas including painting, drawing and sculpture. Other classes that are important to a make-up graduate student are history, art history, theatre history and costuming to just name a few. A graduate student in make-up and wigs focuses heavily on design, wig making and styling and make-up and its application. In some instances, a graduate student may be given the opportunity to teach an intro level make-up class.

Students will design make-up and wigs for studio productions, and in some cases a main stage production will be assigned.

CCM graduate make-up majors have found employment in many different areas, including film, television, theatre, opera and photography. Places that have employed our former students include, but are not limited to, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Utah Shakespearean Festival, the St. Louis Reparatory Theatre, the Old Globe Theatre, the Denver Theatre Center, the Santa Fe Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Chicago Lyric Opera, National touring shows, popular television programs and independent and commercial film companies.

The make-up and wig program at CCM is a very selective program only for the highly motivated individual. We expect a great deal from our students, the pay off being a unique experience like no other. Few programs or institutions can offer the opportunities, experiences and exposures we are able to give our students.

Learn More About the MFA Program

Faculty

Headshot of Kelly A. Yurko

Kelly A. Yurko, 

Associate Professor of Make-Up

513-556-2271

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Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration Division Head and Staff

Headshot of Rebecca Bromels

Rebecca Bromels, 

Division Head of Theatre Arts, Production and Arts Administration (TAPAA); Chair and Associate Professor of Arts Administration

513-556-5803

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Headshot of Jen Lampson

Jen Lampson, 

TAPAA Production Manager

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Headshot of Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn

Deborah Neiheisel-DeZarn, 

TAPAA Program Manager

513-556-5803

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CCM's graduate admissions process begins on September 1 for entrance in the following year's fall semester. All application materials must be submitted on or before December 1 to be considered for specific scholarship awards. Visit the CCM Admissions website for additional application instructions.

Theatre Design and Production - MFA

Pre-screening

Applicants must submit a graduate application by March 1 and the required pre-screening materials via getacceptd.com/ccm on or before March 3 in order to request an interview with the faculty and be considered for admissions.

If you’ve participated in U/RTA you must submit the required materials (listed below) to Acceptd to be considered for admissions into CCM. 

Pre-screening Requirements
  • Current resume
  • 500-word applicant statement
    • Use the 500-word statement to express: how you came to your area of theater design and production, what you expect to gain out of the CCM experience, and what direction you intend to go upon graduation. What are your personal and professional goals and how does CCM get you closer to those goals?
  • Portfolio (include theatre, artistic, and/or craft work)

Interview

Interview Requirements
  • MFA Interviews should be coordinated and scheduled directly through the appropriate faculty. Visit the Theatre Design and Production website for the faculty directory and contact information.
  • Application materials, along with experiences, achievements and long-range goals will be discussed at the applicant’s interview. All applicants will interview with faculty from the Theatre Design and Production department.

News and Events

1

'HAIR' '60s rock musical on stage at CCM April 24-27

Event: April 24, 2025 8:00 PM

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites audiences to experience a bold and joyful revival of "HAIR," the groundbreaking rock musical that defined a generation. Directed by Vincent DeGeorge with musical direction by Steve Goers, CCM's production of "HAIR" brings the revolutionary spirit of the 1960s to life for a new generation.

2

CCM Dance Series presents whimsical 'Coppélia' ballet

April 3, 2025

The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) invites audiences to experience the timeless charm and comedic mischief of "Coppélia," a family-friendly ballet filled with magic, mistaken identity and joyful romance.

3

CCM Opera presents Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Event: March 6, 2025 12:00 AM

Step into a world of enchantment as the UC College-Conservatory of Music's Opera Series presents "A Midsummer Night's Dream." This opera fuses William Shakespeare's beloved romantic comedy with Benjamin Britten's stunning musical score. This captivating production, directed by CCM Opera Professor Robin Guarino, offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale, exploring themes of love, transformation, and the power of the natural world.

4

CCM presents In The Spotlight: A Celebration of Rising Talent

Event: March 13, 2025 6:00 PM

UC College-Conservatory of Music is proud to introduce “In The Spotlight,” a new event showcasing the talents of graduating students from Musical Theatre, Acting and Theatre Design and Production (TDP)! Hosted by CCMpower, a dedicated group of friends and alumni fueling the future of the arts, this inaugural showcase extravaganza offers audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience the work of CCM’s next generation of performing and creative artists.

6

CCM hosts Moveable Feast gala fundraiser on Jan. 24, 2025

Event: January 24, 2025 12:00 AM

UC College-Conservatory of Music hosts its Moveable Feast fundraising gala live and in-person on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. Presented by CCMpower, a dedicated volunteer group of friends, advocates and alumni, Moveable Feast 2025: A Tempo generates essential support for the next generation of performing and media artists at CCM. Learn more about the event's "artistic menu" in our digital program!

7

CCM winter apparel available for purchase online

November 27, 2024

Show your school spirit this spring with official CCM apparel! New UC College-Conservatory of Music apparel is available for purchase online. CCM's latest quarter zip and crewneck sweatshirt designs can be ordered online now through Dec. 8, 2024. You can preview both items below.

8

Giving Tuesday: Support CCM health and wellness

November 26, 2024

For the UC College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) community, Giving Tuesday offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by supporting Student Health and Wellness. As our students dedicate themselves to the arts – pursuing rigorous schedules filled with practice, performance, and academic study – their mental and physical well-being is crucial.

9

CCM presents Bernstein musical 'Wonderful Town' Nov. 21-23

Event: November 21, 2024 8:00 PM

UC College-Conservatory of Music presents "Wonderful Town" on Nov. 21-23 in Corbett Auditorium. Directed by CCM Musical Theatre Professor Diane Lala, the musical features a Book by Joseph Fields and Jerome Chodorov, Music by Leonard Bernstein, and Lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

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