I currently work supporting the dancers of the Washington Ballet after spending 18 mos being creative during the covid shutdown. Prior to that I spent 6 mos on the Celebrity Edge, a season at CRT, two at TAM and I worked backstage in various roles and in the Costume Shop for all major Theater productions at the University of Mary Washington 2015-2018. I earned Professional certification through PADI and worked as an Open Water Instructor and Divemaster during 2015 and 2016. Both roles have tremendous responsibility and challenges.
the washington ballet
Wardrobe Assistant Sep 2021 - Current
The small but efficient wardrobe department takes care of the needs of the entire company (professional dancers), studio company (professional training school dancers), ballet school dancers and supernumerary positions on stage for the scheduled season as well as special events, promotional, educational and limited touring.
Each new cast has costume fitting and alterations as well as maintenance and upkeep of existing costume inventory. Special shows and events require additional work and new cast members rarely physically match their predecessors. Most costumes are rented and require alteration pre-show then un-alteration post show. Our department takes care of purchasing dancers costume requirements and all materials necessary to alter, maintain and repair as necessary.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Apr 2020 - Oct 2019
At the beginnig everyone thought it would go away quickly... then the theater industry shut down, for more than a year.
I spent this time learning new sewing techniques, working on embroidery and making costume pieces on commission.
Celebrity Cruises
Wardrobe Supervisor and Entertainment Administrator
Oct 2019 - Apr 2020
The Edge was launched in 2019 and I'm only the second Wardrobe specialist to be employed by Celebrity on their largest ship. The responsibilities for this position include managing all the logistics for Entertainment on the ship including two contemporary stage shows, singers, dancers, musicians and aerialists/acrobats. As the cast members are always changing its a challenge to balance the needs of the program and its participants.
Each new cast has costume fitting and alterations as well as maintenance and upkeep of existing costume inventory. Special shows and events require additional work and new cast members rarely physically match their predecessors. As an officer on the ship I have some shipboard functions and always need to present appropriate decorum. Each contract lasts 6 months with a short break before returning to sea.
Creed Reperatory Theater
Wardrobe Associate May - Aug 2019
I have accepted a Wardrobe position for the Summer at the Creed Theater in Colorado. I'm excited to work the summer season with the diverse selection of shows and make new friends in the beautiful mountians of southwestern CO. From their website: "Founded in 1966, Creede Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company located at 9,000 feet in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. CRT’s award-winning company produces big city quality productions in this spectacular location from May through September. "
Assist with costume repertory; wardrobe maintenance and repair; costume construction, fitting, alterations, and load-in; vigilance of show related wardrobe issues including quick changes and dressing; assisting in safety and emergency management programs; supervision and oversight of wardrobe strike.
Washington DC Theater
Wardrobe Run Crew / Costume Stitcher Jan 2019-Current
After graduating from Mary Washington (UMW) I began to look for full time work in earnest. My journey began with the part-time list at IATSE 772 (Costume and Wardrobe) in Washington DC and attended the 2019 USITT conference in Louisville. I worked several shows in Wardrobe and Fitting/Alteration with both the Washington Ballet and the Kennedy Center before accepting a rotating postion with Celebrity.
Assist with costume repertory; wardrobe maintenance and repair; costume construction, fitting, alterations, and load-in; vigilance of show related wardrobe issues including quick changes and dressing; assisting in safety and emergency management programs; supervision and oversight of wardrobe strike.
Theater at Monmouth
Wardrobe Supervisor and Costume Stitcher Jun-Aug 2018
After a successful internship at the Theater at Monmouth I was asked to return this summer to be Wardrobe supervisor and work in the Costume Shopas time allows. Theater at Monmouth is a year-round repertory company of professional theatre artists from across Maine and the United States.
I am excited to return to TAM and work with new and returning actors working in both wardrobe and the costume shop. Our production workload will be an extensive staging of six plays over a period of twelve weeks.
Assist with costume repertory; wardrobe maintenance and repair; costume construction, fitting, alterations, and load-in; vigilance of show related wardrobe issues including quick changes and dressing; assisting in safety and emergency management programs; supervision and oversight of wardrobe strike.
Theater at Monmouth
Costume Shop and Wardrobe Intern Jun-Aug 2017
I was fortunate to be selected for the only internship granted at the Theater at Monmouth for Costume and Wardrobe. Theater at Monmouth is a year-round repertory company of professional theatre artists from across Maine and the United States.
I learned a great deal about professional versus collegiate theater, full time schedules, deadlines and working with both young and old career actors as well as Equity Members. Our production workload was extensive staging six plays over a period of twelve weeks.
Costume/Wardrobe interns assist in costume shop management and construction. Intern will assist the costume shop manager with stitching, cutting/draping, and fittings for all productions.
Assist with costume repertory; wardrobe maintenance and repair; costume construction, fitting, alterations, and load-in; vigilance of show related wardrobe issues including quick changes and dressing; assisting in safety and emergency management programs; supervision and oversight of wardrobe strike.
UMW Costume Shop
Assistant Feb 2015-May 2018
I was introduced to the costume shop my first year and became a stitcher. Having adding Theater to my career goal I took costume construction and became an assistant to the Theatre Costumer.
I have learned many facets of costume construction including interpreting patterns through completion of finished pieces. Our production workload has required learning hand work, machine work, detail/fine work, hemming, alterations and repairs.
I assisted in the instruction of new stitchers: technique, skills, work breakdown structure, mentoring; and often has me work on projects solo and with limited time.
Purpose / Scope
Costume Shop students are responsible for assisting the designer and costume shop staff in the completion of the School of Theater productions and shop activities.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in all aspects of costume production.
- Sews either by machine of hand, the costumes assigned.
- Manages time effectively on each sewing project.
- Communicates with other team members concerning problems and their possible solutions.
- Interpret and implement costume crafts projects including hats, jewelry, footwear, armor, foam structures, puppets, masks, belts, fans, and purses.
- Plans and executes the dyeing and painting of fabric.
- Assist in maintaining costume stockrooms.
- Maintain wig / hair for productions.
- Assists in cleaning the workroom and machines.
- Performs duties as assigned.
BSA Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
PADI Scuba Instructor May-Aug 2016
Diving instructors specialize in demonstrating safe scuba diving techniques, working outdoors most of the day. Dive instructors teach students individually or in groups using discussions and demonstrations; their main objective is to teach dive safety so students are confident in basic scuba skills.
Job Duties
A diving instructor teaches scuba diving techniques -- first in a swimming pool and later in open water -- to individuals who want to dive recreationally or obtain their scuba certification. The instructor's main objectives are to demonstrate basic scuba skills, accompany divers underwater and adapt to emergency situations so the student is confident and prepared for the activity. The instructor interacts with students during the dive and must continually monitor performance to provide suggestions and additional training as needed. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and transporting equipment, driving students to dive sites, stocking the boat appropriately with supplies and adhering to environmental protection procedures.
Qualifications
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors offers extensive training programs in gaining certification to teach. In addition to the certification requirements of most positions, diving instructors must also hold valid CPR and first aid certification from an approved licensing agency, be a Emergency First Response Instructor and be comfortable instructing in front of an audience.
BSA Florida National High Adventure Sea Base
PADI Scuba Divemaster May-Aug 2015
Working closely with a PADI Instructor, you’ll fine-tune your dive skills, like perfecting the effortless hover, and refine your rescue skills so you anticipate and easily solve common problems. You’ll gain dive knowledge, management and supervision abilities so you become a role model to divers everywhere. Divemasters lead others, supervise scuba diving activities and assist with diver training.
Job Duties
A Divemaster assists instructors teaching scuba diving techniques -- Perform diver safety and risk management assessments, conduct programs and teach specialized skills. In addition to assisting Instructors, the divemasters's main objectives are to: provide Dive setup and management, Mapping open water sites, Conduct dive briefings, Organizing search and recovery projects or deep dives, and Conduct scuba reviews after diving. The divemaster interacts with students during the dive and must continually monitor performance to provide suggestions and additional training as needed. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and transporting equipment, driving students to dive sites, stocking the boat appropriately with supplies and adhering to environmental protection procedures.
Qualifications
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors offers extensive training programs in gaining professional certification. In addition to the certification requirements of most positions, divenasters must also hold valid CPR and first aid certification from an approved licensing agency, be a Emergency First Response Instructor and be comfortable instructing in front of an audience.
Sources: PADI