THE BOB MACKIE
SUMMER COSTUME SYMPOSIUM 2026
Foundations in Intimacy Direction / Coordination
for Costume, Wig, Hair, and Makeup Professionals.
JULY 21 - 24, 2026
The Theatre School at Depaul University
Chicago, IL
This foundation course includes 28 hours of instruction and introduces core principles of consent-based practices for professionals who work in collaborative, close-contact environments. With a focus on costume designers, costume makers, and wardrobe professionals, the course explores how intimacy direction principles intersect with costume fittings, body measurements, quick changes, modesty garments, and performer boundaries.
Participants will learn practical tools for communication, consent, and professional protocols that support safe and respectful costume processes. The course examines how costume teams can collaborate with performers, directors, and intimacy coordinators to create garments and workflows that protect performer autonomy while supporting storytelling.
Students must be 18 years of age or older.
Topics Include:
•Foundations in Consent and Care
•Self-Care and Interpersonal Skills
•Cultural Awareness and Competency
•Collaboration between intimacy professionals and costume departments
•Communication protocols between directors, intimacy coordinators, designers, technicians and wardrobe crews
•Maintaining actor privacy and dignity during fittings
•Costume considerations for scenes involving intimacy (quick changes, modesty garments, closures)