Draping

Draping is one of my favorite ways to take a designer’s rendering and make it a reality. But it goes deeper than the designer. It is about creating a garment that fits a unique human. Making sure the garment is comfortable, lasting, and practical. While also helping the actor and designer tell the character’s story. I find purpose in taking in all the different needs and desires for a garment, and guiding the work through every stage of the build process to produce a successful costume fit for the character it represents.

Tailoring

I sparked an admiration for tailoring while digging through stock looking for Titanic-era “transitioning style” suit jackets for my graduate school design of Parade in early 2020. This grew into a fascination as I learned how to draft basic suit blocks using the Sartor System by Robert Trump. Now I utilize my foundation of the Sartor System to create tailoring for theater that expands beyond the standard 3 piece suit.

Crafts & Fabrication

I find great satisfaction in turning the weird and wonderful ideas of my designers into wearable parts of an actor’s costume. From foam patterning and fabrication techniques, to digital CAD fluency and using smart cutting machines and laser cutters, I create multimedia works of art that are durable enough to withstand a five-month run outside in the desert. 

Wigs

I was always intimidated by styling wigs, as it first felt so different than my other types of work. However, once I learned the basic techniques and products, the process was familiar, and the results were rewarding.

During Tuacahn’s 2024 season, I worked as a member of the wig maintenance crew. This included daily touch-ups and scheduled washing and restyling of every single wig in Disney’s Frozen, Anastasia, and Jersey Boys. 

Pedagogy & Supervision

I have always had a natural inclination to teaching. I expanded my skills in this area through a unique graduate school experience, transitioning to virtual learning after just under two semesters of teaching a hands-on lab. I continue to rely on my mentoring skills while working as a Draper, instructing and guiding first hands and stitchers throughout the build process.