Albert D. Tucci costume design collection

Albert D. Tucci is an artist, costume designer, and professor with a distinguished 38-year career in theatre. He has designed costumes for productions of the DePaul University Theatre School and headed theatre departments at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, West Virginia University, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Arizona. Born on January 6, 1947 in Westchester County, New York, Tucci received both his BFA and MFA in 1970 from the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago. While still in college, he met the influential artist and designer Erte, best known for his elaborate art deco fashion illustrations. Tucci cites this inspirational meeting as a major factor in his decision to pursue teaching. Following graduation, he was hired as a costume designer and Associate Professor at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, ultimately working his way to Head of Design. Tucci spent the rest of his career in universities across the country, though he also designed costumes and sets for the Great American Children’s Theatre in Milwaukee. Since retiring from his position as Director of the School of Theatre Arts at the University of Arizona in 2009, Tucci has continued to paint. His work still bears the hallmark of the theatre; in his own words, he "continues to look at the human form in a theatrical context, but now outside the team of artists making a theatrical concept and alone as a single artist with a single vision" (www.altucciart.com/wp/al-tucci-bio/; retrieved August 21, 2014). Tucci currently lives in Tucson with his wife, Sharon. His full CV is available in Series 1, Box 2 of this collection.