While studying at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I worked extensively within their Costume Production MFA program, one of the most advanced, thorough, and detail-oriented programs of its kind in the United States. What began as Friday afternoons as a volunteer stitcher eventually led to taking on increased responsibilities, being promoted to undergraduate assistant. I took extensive coursework within the MFA program, one of few undergraduate students to be allowed by the professor to do so. This included coursework in patternmaking, draping, couture sewing techniques, and digital technology for costume design.

At Playmakers I was trained under Professor Triffin Morris, becoming a highly proficient seamstress and building upon my earlier education in tailoring at Instituto di Moda Burgo (Milan). I also developed skills in fabric pattern design, machine embroidery, laser and vinyl cutting and their uses within costuming, and 3d printing.

After graduating from UNC in May of 2024, I took on a job as first hand at New York’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College. Here, I used all I had learned to assist the costume shop supervisor and draper in building costumes for Giacomo Meyerbeer’s “Le prophète.” The first full production of the five-hour grand opera since 1984, I carried out both costume alterations and full constructions for members of the cast, working under designer Mattie Ullrich.

From pattern to tracing, to cutting, to sewing, fittings, adjustments, and finally the production, this role helped me further understand the behind-the-scenes operations at a large, professional operatic production, as well as hone in on my fine sewing skills and gain further experience executing a costume designer’s vision. Some photography from the final production (via NY Times) can be seen below.