I deeply appreciate the behind-the-scenes organization and large-scale cooperation necessary to create on-stage performances. I believe that the purpose of theater is to entertain, edify, or persuade and that the best of theater tends to do all three.
Education
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) BFA in Theater, Costume Design (1996)
Azusa Pacific University MA in Modern Art History, Criticism, and Theory (2021)
California State University, Northridge California State Teaching Credential (2008)
Employment
(Dec 2021 - Present) Intiman Theatre: Costume Shop Manager In charge of supervising a union-staff costume shop and ensuring a smooth transition for the theater company's new partnership with Seattle Central College. My role as shop manager also includes interviewing and hiring shop's staff, making purchases, maintaining budgets and payroll, conferencing with designers and department heads, maintaining COVID and IATSE contract regulations, and creating a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment.
(November 2021) Chicago Opera Theater: Cutter, Costume Shop Assistant Pleased to serve as draper for the lead female's first look, creating the pattern and mock-up, assisting in the fittings, making adjustments, and, finally, cutting and sewing the final garment. Also helped to set up the pop-up shop, took notes during other fittings, and directed the work flow in the absence of the costume shop manager.
(Aug-Oct 2021) The Western Stage: Costume Shop Manager (maternity leave fill-in), Costume Designer Oversaw a costume shop staff that included professional adults and student interns. Conducted fittings and alterations, liaised with wardrobe staff, and directed the flow of shop work to successfully mount four shows in less than three months. Also, created and carried out a witty costume design for their production of Native Gardens.
(Summer 2021) Jacob's Pillow: Production Assistant Wardrobe Maintained itemized costume lists, assisted with load-in, fittings, alterations, garment care and backstage quick changes. Also gave a general helping hand with any festival needs: loading-in Marley flooring, moving sound equipment, painting, and driving dancers to and from the festival.
(Summer 2019) The Western Stage: Assistant Costume Designer, Cutter, Stitcher, Wardrobe/Wigs As a general hand in the shop, I enthusiastically carried out alterations, patterned, and draped. As a wardrobe crew member, assisted in microphone and wig placement, backstage quick changes, and emergency repairs. I was also put in charge of combing-out and re-styling wigs after each performance.
(2005- May 2020) The American School in Japan: Director, Costume Designer, Set Designer Coordinated the efforts of over 100 students, parents, and adult supervisors to produce plays and musicals. Explored blocking and character choices with actors, created set and costume designs, communicated with production heads, and discussed artistic decisions with vocal and instrumental directors.
Skills
Well-versed in costume patterning, draping, and construction
Extremely proficient in the use of sewing machines: industrial, domestic, overlock/serger
Familiar with wig maintenance and ventilation
Creative with crafts and millinery
Able to read sheet music
Can safely operate scene shop equipment
Advanced skills in Excel and Google Sheets
Native English-speaker with Japanese language proficiency and some Spanish
Valid California driver’s license
Highly organized with great planning and communication skills
Reliable team member with an easy-going, friendly personality
Strong, compassionate leadership
Likes working with a variety of people and very comfortable teaching new skills
Have gone through DEIJ/DEIA training
Background interests include art history, philosophy, and the social sciences
Published Work
“Art and Institutions of Power: Fernando Sanchez Castillo’s Arquitectura para el Caballo” Visual Inquiry: Learning & Teaching Art, issue 4.2 June 2015
